Compliance With Sunscreen NZ Regulations Is Now Mandatory

What a shocking headline, eh? CEO of Consumer NZ Jon Duffy says, "...sunscreen standard has only been voluntary in New Zealand, and it was possible to sell a sunscreen that hadn't undergone any efficacy testing." However, as of 8 September 2022, it is now required for all New Zealand manufacturers and suppliers of sunscreen products to adhere to the Safety Standard. So consumers may rest easy thanks to the new sunscreen standards, while brands that have faced backlash will benefit from having their goods tested for effectiveness before going on sale.

What is the New Sunscreen (Product Safety Standard) Bill?

For years, New Zealand law did not require rigorous testing of sunblocks to ensure their safety and effectiveness, which is shocking given the nature of the product. Although according to Lucy Elwood, chief executive of the Cancer Society, Kiwis have some of the highest incidences of skin cancer and melanoma in the world. Fortunately, this is no longer the case due to the implementation of new standards for sunscreens.

Under the Sunscreen (Product Safety Standard) Bill, businesses that will violate the rules might receive hefty fines. The new sunscreen Safety Standard applies to all companies producing, importing, or supplying sunscreen products to New Zealand. The implementation of the Sunscreen Safety Bill will be overseen by the Fair Trading Act, which will be responsible for enforcing the law.

This safety standard covers more than the certification and testing of sunblocks. It also includes the labelling of the product. It's important to note that not all sunscreens have the exact marking requirements. However, as a general rule, the product label should display the SPF rating and include user instructions. In addition, businesses that misrepresent their products' properties, especially their SPF ratings, will face the consequences.

What will happen to the sunscreens that are currently on the shelves? The new bill will allow the supply and sale of sunscreens made or imported into New Zealand before March 8, 2022, until September 8, 2023. On the other hand, compliance is required for all additional sunscreen products that are manufactured or imported after March 8, 2022.

In addition to goods whose primary function is to shield the skin from UV rays, the new bill also covers other types of skin care items like insect repellents and skin care products with SPF claims.

Buying Promotional Sunscreens With *Extra* Confidence

Before this law was passed, Fast Promotional Products NZ subjected all of its promotional sunscreens to industry-standard testing for efficacy. This gives you further reason to feel *extra* confident about purchasing your new supply of custom sunblocks from us. Also, our company has been following new laws since they came into effect, so you can rest assured that you will get branded sunscreens with accurate SPF claims.

Resources:
https://comcom.govt.nz/business/your-obligations-as-a-business/product-safety-standards/sunscreen#:~:text=the%20key%20change%3F-,As%20of%208%20September%202022%2C%20it%20is%20mandatory%20for%20all,testing%20of%20the%20product%20performance.
https://www.viva.co.nz/article/beauty-wellbeing/sunscreen-law-new-zealand/
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/lifestyle/2022/09/sunscreen-industry-welcomes-new-spf-regulations-in-new-zealand-as-sunscreen-safety-bill-hits-the-shelves.html
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/474380/new-sunscreen-regulations-only-part-of-protective-puzzle-cancer-society
https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/sunscreens-to-be-regulated-under-new-laws