Sunscreen

What is the product safety standard for sunscreen?

What is the key change?

As of 8 September 2022, it is mandatory for all manufacturers and importers of sunscreen products in New Zealand to comply with the Safety Standard.

The new law has put in place tighter rules to ensure sunscreen products go through consistent and internationally recognised testing of the product performance.

For manufacturers and importers this means any sunscreen product should be independently tested to ensure they comply with the Safety Standard before being supplied in New Zealand.

Who needs to comply?

Any business that manufactures, imports, and/or supplies sunscreen products to New Zealand must comply with the new sunscreen Safety Standard.

Is there a transition period for products already on the shelves?

The Safety Standard came into force on 8 September 2022.

Any sunscreen product manufactured or imported after 8 March 2022 needs to be compliant with the new Standard.

The Safety Standard allows for sunscreen products that have been manufactured in, or imported into New Zealand before 8 March 2022 to be supplied up to 8 September 2023.

All other sunscreen products manufactured or imported after 8 March 2022 need to comply with the new Safety Standard.

What sunscreen products does the Standard apply to?

• Products where their primary purpose is to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation.
• Insect repellents with a labelled SPF of 4 or more.
• Skin care products as defined under the safety standard (which includes moisturisers, oils creams and gels, but does not include products intended for application to the lips or products represented primarily as a tinted base or foundation) with a labelled SPF greater than 15.

How should my sunscreen products be marked or labelled?

The marking requirements differ depending on the sunscreen product type, and we recommend obtaining a copy of the standard to understand your businesses obligations in full.

Common marking requirements for both product types is for

• the product to be marked with the SPF in durable and legible characters and
• to include clear instructions for use such as how to apply the product.

Who sets the product safety standards?

The product safety standards are set by Standards NZ or equivalent overseas agencies. You can purchase a copy of AS/NZ 2604:2012 from Standards New Zealand by calling 0800 782 632 or visit www.standards.govt.nz.

If I have questions, how do I find out more?

If you have questions about the new sunscreen Safety Standard please email the Commission at fairtrading@comcom.govt.nz.