The mandatory standard prescribes requirements for lens categories, construction and labelling of sunglasses and fashion spectacles.
About the mandatory standard
The mandatory standard was last updated on 26 October 2017.
The mandatory standard for sunglasses and fashion spectacles includes:
- non-prescriptionsunglasses mounted in a spectacle frame
- rimless sunshields and one-piece visors
- clip-on and slip-on typesunglasses
- children's sunglasses
- fashion spectacles and light tint sunglasses.
Exclusions
The mandatory standard does not apply to:
- prescription and readymade spectacles
- safety glasses and safety goggles intended to provide protection against optical radiation other than from the sun
- eyewear for protection against radiation in solaria
- eye protectors for sport
- glasses for use as toys and clearly and legibly labelled as toys.
Mandatory standard
The Consumer Goods (Sunglasses and Fashion Spectacles) Safety Standard 2017 sets out the mandatory requirements for sunglasses and fashion spectacles.
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.AS/NZS 1067.1:2016 is available from SAI Global.
Key requirements
These requirements aim to provide an overview of the mandatory standard. Suppliers must not rely on this information as a complete guide to compliance.
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 marking and labelling requirements as well as testing procedures to ensure sunglasses and fashion spectacles meet specific performance, construction and labelling requirements.Suppliers need to arrange this testing through specialist laboratories.
Classifications
Sunglasses and fashion spectacles are classified into five categories by their performance suitability for use in certain conditions as follows:
- 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; however, 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 must not be used when driving at any time.
Marking and labelling
The marking or labelling must be unobscured by other stickers or labels such as price labels. All sunglasses 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
- if applicable, the symbol ‘NOT SUITABLE FOR DRIVING AND ROAD USE’
- category symbols are optional, if provided, they must be in accordance with Table 5 AS/NZS 1067.1:2016.
More information is available in the Explanatory Statement available on the Federal Register of Legislation website.
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