New Zealand Government looks at further sunbed restrictions

With reported evidence that New Zealand’s voluntary standard for the use of sunbeds isn’t being adhered to, Health Minister Jonathan Coleman has begun a public consultation on proposals for additional protection from the use of commercial sunbeds.

Sharing his and his department’s concern about sunbeds, Dr Coleman stated “there is clear international evidence that UV tanning devices, including sunbeds, significantly increase the risk of skin cancers among users and that younger people are at higher risk.

“While there is an existing voluntary standard in place for the use of sunbeds, the evidence shows that it isn’t being adhered to.

“Because of the danger sunbeds potentially pose it's important to have a licensing and training regime that ensures there are no cowboy operators in this industry.”

The proposed protections in the consultation document include:

• Licensing all sunbed premises and operators;
• Require operators are trained to ensure the risks of sunbeds use are minimised;
• And insist on clear information being provided to clients relating to the risks of sunbeds.

Dr Coleman added “these proposals complement legislation currently before Parliament, to ban the use of commercial sunbeds by those aged under 18 years.

“Internationally there is a shift away from the use of sunbeds (and these) proposals aim to strike a balance between the rights of informed adults to access sunbeds, while at the same time ensuring operators know what they’re doing.”

In Australia all UV services for cosmetic purposes will be banned by 1st January 2016.

The pPublic consultation will run until Friday 12th February 2016.

Click here for further information on the consultation including the consultation document and details on how to lodge a submission.

23rd December 2014 - SUN SETS ON COMMERCIAL TANNING BEDS

14th December 2014 - NEW ZEALAND MOVES FORWARD WITH SUNBED RESTRICTIONS

8th October 2014 - NEW ZEALAND MINISTER OF HEALTH AND SPORT TO FOCUS ON OBESITY PREVENTION

7th October 2014 - AUSTRALIA LEADS THE WORLD IN DECLINE IN SKIN CANCER

10th December 2011 - KIWI SUNBED OPERATORS FAIL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

30th July 2009 - 'NO DOUBT' SUNBEDS CAUSE CANCER

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