Overview
- The Therapeutic Goods Administration published proposed reforms on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, that would force firms to test finished sunscreen products before listing and to retest them at set points through their shelf life.
- The TGA would accept validated in vitro (non‑human) SPF test methods alongside traditional in vivo human testing and would tighten international accreditation and quality checks for laboratories that perform SPF testing.
- Manufacturers would be required to submit SPF test results confidentially to the TGA prior to sale, but the regulator says it will not routinely pre‑screen every submission and has not committed to publishing results publicly.
- The overhaul follows CHOICE’s June 2025 tests that found 16 of 20 popular sunscreens failed to meet their labelled SPF and a spate of recalls, and it aims to reduce variability from current volunteer‑based testing practices.
- Industry groups warn the changes could raise costs and delay supply while consumer advocates press for public disclosure and the separate safety question over the ingredient homosalate prompts calls to review ingredient limits.