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Products the mandatory standard applies to
People wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from the sun. They can also wear sunglasses or fashion spectacles as a fashion accessory.
Sunglasses and fashion spectacles covered under this mandatory standard include:
- non-prescription sunglasses mounted in a spectacle frame
- rimless sunshields and one-piece visors
- clip-on and slip-on type sunglasses
- children's sunglasses
- fashion spectacles and light tint sunglasses.
Products the mandatory standard does not apply to
The mandatory standard doesn’t apply to:
- prescription and readymade spectacles
- safety glasses and safety goggles for protection against optical radiation other than the sun
- eyewear for protection against radiation in sunbeds or solariums
- eye protectors for sport
- glasses for use as toys and clearly labelled as toys.
Complying with the mandatory standard
This mandatory standard requires sunglasses and fashion spectacles to meet design, construction, performance, testing and labelling requirements.
This information is an overview of how to comply with the mandatory standard. Suppliers must not rely on this information as a complete guide to compliance.
View the full detail of the mandatory standard.
Ultraviolet radiation
The mandatory standard requires that sunglasses must protect users from ultraviolet radiation (UV) within the range of 280 and 400 nanometres.
Testing
The mandatory standard specifies testing procedures. These make sure sunglasses and fashion spectacles meet performance, construction and labelling requirements. Suppliers must arrange product testing through specialist testing laboratories.
Classifications
There are 5 lens categories for sunglasses and fashion spectacles. These categories define levels of suitability for certain conditions and uses.
Lens category 0: Fashion spectacles
These are not sunglasses, as they have a very low ability to reduce sun glare. They provide limited or no UV protection.
Lens category 1: Fashion spectacles
Like category 0 lenses, these are not sunglasses. They do provide limited sun glare reduction and some UV protection.
Fashion spectacles with category 1 lenses are not suitable for driving at night.
Lens category 2: Sunglasses
These sunglasses provide a medium level of sun glare reduction and good UV protection.
Lens category 3: Sunglasses
These sunglasses provide a high level of sun glare reduction and good UV protection.
Lens category 4: Sunglasses
These are special purpose sunglasses that provide a very high level of sun glare reduction and good UV protection.
Lens category 4 sunglasses are not suitable for driving and road use.
Marking and labelling
Marking or labelling on sunglasses and fashion spectacles must not be covered by other stickers or labels, such as price labels.
All sunglasses and fashion spectacles must be supplied with a clear and legible mark or label with:
- the identity of the manufacturer or supplier
- the lens category number
- lens, category description, and usage information
- any applicable warning statements or symbols required by the mandatory standard.
Mandatory standard details
For full details of the sunglasses and fashion spectacles mandatory standard requirements refer to the Consumer Goods (Sunglasses and Fashion Spectacles) Safety Standard 2017.
The accompanying Explanatory Statement has further information.
The mandatory standard is based on certain sections of the voluntary Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1067.1:2016 Eye and face protection - sunglasses and fashion spectacles.
You can buy AS/NZS 1067.1:2016 from Standards Australia, Intertek Inform or Accuris.
We can make a copy of these standards available for viewing at one of our offices, subject to licensing conditions.
When a product does not comply
Fines and penalties may apply for failure to comply with a mandatory safety or information standard. For more information, see fines and penalties.
Suppliers may need to recall a product when it doesn't meet the mandatory standard or is potentially unsafe.
