New sunscreen safety standard comes into force on 8 September 2022

September 8, 2022

Earlier this year the Sunscreen (Product Safety Standard) Act was passed through Parliament. The purpose of the Act is to mandate a sunscreen product safety standard (the Standard). The Australian and New Zealand standard for sunscreen, AS/NZ 2604/2012, will be mandatory under the Fair Trading Act.  Key details to be aware of: 

• The Standard will come into force on 8 September 2022.
• Any sunscreen product manufactured or imported after 8 March 2022, needs to be compliant with the Standard. A sunscreen product cannot be sold if it does not meet the Standard's requirements. 
• The Standard allows for sunscreen products manufactured or imported to Aotearoa New Zealand before 8 March 2022 to be supplied until 8 September 2023.

The new Standard will give New Zealanders greater confidence in sunscreen product claims. The Commerce Commission is responsible for enforcing the Standard's provisions. It is also responsible for providing information about the Standard to interested parties to ensure awareness and understanding.