Sunscreen regulation reform in Australia

Sunscreen regulation reform in Australia: our roadmap and thought starter

In March 2026, Accord Australasia published two papers on fixing the way sunscreen is regulated in Australia. The roadmap sets out 12 recommendations for long-term reform. The thought starter deals with the practical testing, labelling and communication challenges in front of us now. Both argue that regulation needs to be better risk focused to address real issues while ensuring that Australians can have increased sunscreen options to suit their needs.

Download the roadmap (PDF)

Download the thought starter (PDF)

Where can I read Accord's submission to the TGA?

Our submission to the TGA's 2026 consultation on improving sunscreen regulation is published and available to download on the TGA's consultation hub: read our submission. You can also read our response to the consultation outcomes, published 27 October 2026, here.

Key figures

$2.47bn

Australia's estimated skin cancer treatment costs.

$8.7bn

Projected economic impact of melanoma in Australia by 2030.

115 mL

Average annual sunscreen use per Australian adult.

$212,000

Regulation cost per sunscreen product in Australia, compared with countries that treat it as a cosmetic.

Australia's approximate share of the global sunscreen market.

Why does sunscreen regulation matter?

Regulations determine what sunscreens make it to market. Most of us use far less sunscreen than we need, often because products can feel sticky or heavy. Newer formulations can address that, but our system makes them slow and costly to bring to a market this small, so some never arrive.

What does the roadmap recommend?

Sunscreen in Australia: a roadmap to more effective & efficient regulation was prepared for Accord Australasia by Evaluate and published on 15 March 2026. It builds on an industry forum held in Melbourne in November 2025 and draws on national health data, sales data, TGA documents and our members' cost estimates. Its 12 recommendations call for proportionate regulation, not lower safety standards.

Weigh the risks of people under-using sunscreen against the risks of products and ingredients.
Create a simpler pathway for products similar to those already on the market, and full assessment for genuinely new ones.
End duplication between the TGA and AICIS.
Recognise ingredients and products already approved by trusted overseas regulators.
Consider manufacturing (GMP) certification that supports international trade, increasing efficiency for both imports and exports.

Research how Australians use sunscreen to inform the costs and benefits of regulation.
Adopt all relevant ISO standards for SPF testing.
Set clear guidelines for accepting newer SPF test methods.
Track acceptable variation across formulations, test methods and laboratories.
Keep regulation in step with international developments.
Align SPF claims with major markets.
Make labels that help consumers choose.

What is the thought starter?

From theory to practice: A thought starter is a discussion paper Accord Australasia published alongside the roadmap, to open discussion with the TGA and others on what to do while reform is under way. It suggests guiding consumers by protection category (low, medium, high and very high) rather than the SPF number alone, judging SPF results on the full weight of evidence rather than a single test, and sequencing regulatory change so effort isn't wasted.

What's happening now?

The TGA consulted on sunscreen testing, labelling and laboratory oversight from March to May 2026, and Accord Australasia made a submission. We have also initiated an amendment to AS/NZS 2604, the Australian and New Zealand sunscreen standard, so that newer laboratory-based SPF test methods can be accepted. See the latest sunscreen news.

Why does it matter how much sunscreen people use?

Along with shade, hats, sunglasses and clothing, sunscreen is one of our most important defences against skin cancer. Long-term Australian research shows regular use reduces skin cancer, including melanoma. But it only protects you if enough goes on, and most people fall well short. The roadmap estimates the average Australian adult uses about 115 mL a year, roughly enough for three full applications. People use more of a sunscreen they like wearing, so better sunscreens mean better protection. Try our 'how much sunscreen do I need?' calculator.

About Accord

Accord Australasia is the peak industry body for the companies that make and supply sunscreen in Australia. We unite the industry, build consensus and give it a strong voice with regulators, government and the community. In sunscreen, that means advocating for testing, labelling and regulation that is robust, workable and backed by science, and supporting policies that encourage innovation, safety and consumer confidence. We equip our members with the knowledge and connections to meet Australia’s high standards, and we help Australians get accurate information about one of the most important health products they use.

Accord is the business owner of, and may trade under, other business names, including: Australian Sunscreen Council and Australian Sunscreen Association. We are aware of another organisation claiming to be the Australian Sunscreen Council and Accord has no affiliation with them.

Important information

The information on these pages is general in nature and isn’t medical advice. For advice about your own skin, sun exposure or a reaction to a product, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, and always read and follow the directions on your sunscreen’s label. As an industry body, we don’t recommend or endorse any particular brand or product.

We review this content regularly, and each page shows when it was last reviewed. Regulations and scientific evidence can change, so check the date before relying on the information. Links to external websites are provided for convenience, and we aren’t responsible for their content.

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Sunscreen regulation reform in Australia