We can be sunburnt from direct sunlight, as well as in the shade from reflected radiation from snow, sand, water, clouds, and the sky itself. Often referred to as our ‘national cancer,’ Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Each year, more than 2000 Australians die from this almost entirely preventable disease, find out more about Sun safety | Cancer Council Australia. Standards Australia has released the Draft AS/NZS 2604 Sunscreen products – Evaluation and classification for Public Comment until 28 October 2026. The draft revises the 2021 edition and sets out procedures for determining the performance of sunscreen products and specifies appropriate detailed labelling requirements to assist consumers to select a product which best suits their need for skin protection from the adverse effects of UV radiation.
Draft AS/NZS 2604 Sunscreen products – Evaluation and classificationis Open for Public Comment until 28 October 2026. Standards Australia encourages views and input from a wide cross section of the public on a draft publication during the Public Comment stage. Create a free account when you Login to Drafts Open for Public Comment and search for AS/NZS 2604:2026. More information on How to Open, Browse, and Comment on a draft standards in the Standards Australia Public Comment Portal Guide.
Given the importance of sunscreens for Australian consumers, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates sunscreens with a primary purpose of UV protection as therapeutic goods. You can read more here about How sunscreens are regulated in Australia – information for consumers (TGA). Consumers Federation of Australia (CFA) engages with these issues by supporting a representative to the Standards Australia committee CS-042 Sunscreen agents revising the standard. Find out more about the CFA Standards Project and how to get involved. Anyone can view an Australian standard FREE in the Standards Australia – Reader Room, after registering you will have access to three (3) unique standards in one calendar year, with unlimited access to each standard for a 24-hour period, find out more on this video.