Selling Sunscreen? Don't Get Burnt by the Rules

As the days get longer and the mercury starts to climb, many of us will be reaching for the sunscreen to protect our whānau from the harsh Aotearoa sun.

If you're planning on selling sunscreen on Trade Me, it's important to know there are some key rules you need to follow. It’s all about making sure what’s on the label is what’s in the bottle, so everyone can stay safe in the sun.

Why these rules are in place

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, so proper sun protection is no joke. To help keep Kiwi safe, sellers must ensure that all sunscreen products sold on Trade Me meet a mandatory safety standard (AS/NZS 2604:2012).

This law ensures that sunscreens are properly tested and that the protection claims on the packaging are accurate. It means when a buyer purchases an SPF50+ sunscreen, they can be confident that's the protection they're getting. These rules apply to anyone selling sunscreen, from big importers to someone selling a spare bottle they bought.

What products are covered?

These rules apply to more than just the classic bottle of sunscreen. If you’re selling any of the following, you’ll need to make sure they comply:

• Primary sunscreen products.

• Insect repellents that have a labelled SPF of 4 or higher.

• Skincare products like moisturisers and creams with a labelled SPF greater than 15 (this doesn't include lip balms or makeup like foundation).

Getting the label right: The must-haves

The label on your product needs to be clear, legible, and tell the full story. Here’s a quick rundown of what it must have, based on the Commerce Commission's guide:

• SPF: The label must clearly state 'SPF' or 'Sun Protection Factor' followed by one of these numbers: 4, 6, 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50 or 50+.

• Broad Spectrum: If the product offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays, it can say 'Broad spectrum'. This text must be smaller than the SPF number.

• Water Resistance: If you're claiming it’s water resistant, you must state for how long. The only permitted times are 40 minutes, 2 hours, or 4 hours. Again, this text must be smaller than the SPF number.

• Clear Instructions: You must include directions for use, like 'apply generously to the skin 20 minutes before sun exposure, then reapply frequently, and after swimming or towelling'.

Getting the label right: What to leave off

Just as important is what you can't put on the label. These claims are misleading and not allowed under the standard:

• Misleading terms like 'sunblock', 'waterproof', or 'sweat proof'.

• SPF numbers not in the approved list (e.g., SPF 60).

• Water resistance claims longer than 4 hours.

• Any numerical claim for UVA protection (like UVAPF).

Advice for buyers

When you're shopping for sunscreen for the family, take a moment to check the listing photos for the correct labelling. Look for a clear SPF rating, water resistance time, and usage instructions.

If something doesn't look right or a seller is making unapproved claims like 'total sunblock', the product might not be compliant. You can help our community by using the 'Community Watch' button at the bottom of the listing to report it to us.

Stay safe out there

Making sure your sunscreen listings are up to scratch is a small but important step in keeping everyone safe this summer. By following these rules, you're not just complying with the law, you're helping other Kiwi make informed choices about their sun safety. Mō te katoa te pōmaikaʻi – for the benefit of everyone.

For a full rundown of the requirements, check out the Commerce Commission's website. If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with us.