We live in a country which has some of the highest UV radiation levels in the world and the revised sunscreen standard will ensure a much better sunscreen product is on the shelves, reflecting Australian consumer need.
The revised Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2604:2012 Sunscreen products – Evaluation and classification has set a new benchmark raising the SPF limit from 30+ to SPF 50+; has world leading requirements on water resistance levels; and a crackdown on banning misleading labelling terms such as “waterproof, “sunblock” and “sweat-proof”.
CFA representative Robyn Easton has been a major advocate in the process of raising the SPF limit, consistent with international standards. Robyn has been involved with Australian Standards Technical Committee CS-042 Sunscreen agents since 1994 and it has been a lengthy process to get broad spectrum requirements mandated for all sunscreens. Broad spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreens labelled SPF 4 and above must now be broad spectrum.
There has been much discussion on the revised standard and Standards Australia released a media statement on the important outcomes. Cancer Council Australia recognises exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and other sources, such as solariums, is the major cause of skin cancer.
If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a CFA Standards Representative please contact the Standards Coordinator
standards@consumeraction.org.au