EU calls for better, clear labelling of sunscreens

May 4, 2006, 14:36 GMT

Brussels - The European Commission on Thursday vowed to introduce tough new rules to ensure clearer and better labelling of sunscreens which are manufactured, imported and marketed in the European Union.

The commission - the EU's executive arm - said Europeans were being confused and misled by sunscreen manufacturers who used an array of technical terms and numbers to describe the sun protection qualities of their products.

A spokesman for the commission said the problem was especially acute when it came to describing how creams protected against two different types of hazardous ultra-violet radiation.

Creams and lotions which used the term SPF (sun protection factor) only protected against UVB radiation which is the cause of sunburn.

The term did not apply to protection from UVA radiation which causes premature skin ageing and can cause skin cancer.

It was also important to note that products which were sold as 'sun blocks' did not really form a total barrier against the sun, the spokesman said.

The commission wanted to have labels which were 'clear, understandable and reliable,' said the spokesman.

The EU executive said it had received a favourable response from industry and planned to issue a recommendation which will ensure that industry, as of 2007, applies a standardised, simple and understandable labelling of sunscreen products.

Pending the new rules, the commission said consumers should continue to use currently available sunscreen products but should choose those which protect against both UVA and UVB radiation.

In addition to using such products, the commission said Europeans should also avoid excessive sun exposure at peak hours, when the sun is strongest and wear protective clothing, hats and sun glasses.