Sunglasses Standard in Australia: Restrictions and Compliance

Published on October 30th, 2024

The sunglasses standard in Australia has established certain limits on how much light and UV can penetrate sunglass lenses for both adults and children. According to the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), all categories of sunglasses are to be tested and labelled according to the Australian and New Zealand Standard for Sunglasses and Fashion Spectacles (AS/NZS 1067.1:2016 Eye and face protection: Sunglasses and fashion spectacles). The sunglasses categories in Australia include category 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 and refers to the level of darkness in each different tint. Category 0 sunglasses provide clear or very lightly tinted lenses, category 1 includes slightly tinted lenses, category 2 includes fairly tinted lenses, category 3 includes dark lenses and category 4 very dark lenses according to VisionDirect. While the category sunglasses include the different levels of lens darkness, it is important for eyewear retailers to uphold these sunglasses standards to ensure UV protection and visible light protection.

What are the Mandatory Standards for Sunglasses and Fashion Spectacles in Australia?

The mandatory standards for sunglasses and fashion spectacles in Australia are UV protection requirements, lens categories, impact resistance, frame durability and labelling and warnings. The importance of sunglasses is evident in maintaining eye health during sun exposure and against potential debris from entering the eye when spending time outdoors. The mandatory standards for sunglasses and fashion spectacles are listed below.

UV Protection Requirements: UV protection requirements are a mandatory standard for sunglasses to help prevent short-term and long-term damage caused by the sun’s light UV rays.
Lens Categories: Lens categories refer to the different levels of the dark tint on sunglass lenses. This is required to help reduce the sunlight’s brightness when outdoors.
Impact Resistance: Impact resistance for glasses is defined as the material’s ability to resist an intense amount of force that can occur when dropping or mishandling them.
Frame Durability: Frame durability refers to how well frames can last over time and is important for ensuring a long life span for sunglasses.
Labelling and Warnings: Labels and warnings for sunglasses must include the supplier or manufacturer’s identification number, lens category number and usage information.

1. UV Protection Requirements

UV protection requirements are a part of the mandatory standards for sunglasses and fashion spectacles in Australia to help protect the eyes from UV light damage. The standard for sunglasses are required to prevent between 280 and 400 nanometres of UV light from reaching the eyes according to ACCC Product Safety. This helps ensure that individuals can effectively protect their eyes from the sun’s harmful light rays and prevent the damage that can accumulate over time.

2. Lens Categories

Lens categories are a part of the mandatory standards for sunglasses and fashion spectacles in Australia and refer to the different levels of darkness (tint) on sunglass lenses. Lens categories are required as they help inform consumers when choosing suitable glasses based on the level of protection and the proper fit for various applications, such as for driving, outdoor activities or for fashion. It is important to note that dark lenses do not equate to UV protection. The darkness of sunglass lenses are beneficial for reducing brightness for ocular comfort.

3. Impact Resistance

Impact resistance is one of the key factors in the mandatory standards for sunglasses and fashion spectacles to prevent them from easily breaking. The sunglasses’ material absorbs the shock from the impact and distributes the force preventing chips, cracks or complete damage. The most commonly used materials for sunglasses lenses include polycarbonate and Trivex as they are stronger than regular plastics.

4. Frame Durability

Frame durability is required in the standard for sunglasses and fashion spectacles to ensure they have a long life span. Materials such as metals and acetate are suitable materials for creating durable sunglasses. Metal is strong and resistant to corrosion according to All About Vision, making them an ideal choice for durable frames. Acetate is another common material choice for creating durable sunglasses as they are also lightweight and flexible. It is important to select frames that have guaranteed durability so your sunglasses last longer.

5. Labelling and Warnings

Labelling and warnings for sunglasses are to include the manufacturer or supplier’s identity, lens category number and usage information. To maintain safety for users, manufacturers are required to present the necessary information for each pair of sunglasses visibly through labels, the packaging or on the actual frames. It is also important to mention the hazardous scenarios such as avoiding looking directly at sunlight, avoiding using for protection against artificial light sources and not to be used for protection against construction hazards.

How are Sunglasses Categorised Based on UV Protection and Lens Tint?

Sunglasses are often categorised based on lens tint and their varying levels of darkness. Sunglasses categories may not be based on UV protection as lens darkness does not equate to different levels of UV protection. The sunglasses categories in Australia include category 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4. Category 0 sunglasses are usually very lightly tinted and are mainly for fashionable purposes, category 1 refers to lightly tinted lenses for fashion and some exposure to the sun. Category 2 lenses are somewhat tinted and may be intended for partly overcast days, category 3 lenses refer to dark lenses and offer standard sun protection. Category 4 lenses are very dark and are made for overly bright conditions according to VisionDirect. The different categories of lens darkness (tint) do not determine how much UV protection is provided, they are helpful for differentiating the varying levels of visible light that can pass through the lens (light transmission). It is important to remember that dark lenses do not mean high UV protection. Therefore, it may be helpful to confirm with the retailer or optometrist whether they provide UV 400 protection or not. Here at Oscar Wylee, all our lenses provide UV 400 protection, scratch-resistance and durability.

Why is Impact Resistance Important for Sunglasses and Spectacles?

Impact resistance is important for sunglasses and spectacles to prevent them from damaging easily when accidentally mishandling or dropping. Impact resistance is required for sunglasses and spectacles especially for the protection of your eyes in case of flying debris or objects hitting your lenses. Most sunglasses are made out of certain materials such as polycarbonate and Trivex that help ensure their resistance to sudden and varying levels of impact according to RX Safety.

A graphic of broken sunglasses on the ground

How Can You Check if Sunglasses are UV400?

You can check if sunglasses are UV400 by seeing a label that states 100% protection against UV or you can also have them checked by an optometrist. Checking if sunglasses feature UV 400 protection can be helpful in ensuring the most effective protection. According to ACCC Product Safety, the required range of protection for UV radiation is between 280 and 400 nanometres. Therefore, the level of UV protection for sunglasses is not always equal across all eyewear retailers. UV 400 Protection is the most optimal level of protection against UV light as it can prevent UVA (315-400 nm) and UVB (280-315 nm) rays from reaching the eyes and causing short-term and long-term damage.

A graphic of a UV light torch shone on a pair of glasses revealing the glow of the lenses, indicating a lack of UV 400 protection.

What Restrictions Apply to Using Sunglasses While Driving?

The restrictions that apply to sunglasses while driving are ensuring they meet the requirements of certain lens categories and the appropriate time of use. Sunglasses should be at least category 2, 3 or 4 when driving to ensure effective protection and comfort especially during sunny weather conditions. It is also important to avoid the use of sunglasses when driving at night. Polarised sunglasses may be recommended if you are driving in overly bright conditions to help reduce glare and increase the contrast of images.

What are the Penalties for Non-Compliance with Australian Sunglasses Standards?

The penalties for non-compliance with Australian sunglasses can include varying penalties, fines and recall of products. If sunglasses do not meet the requirements, there are certain penalties depending on the nature of the breach and whether it involves an individual or corporation according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

How can you Choose the Right Sunglasses for Different Activities?

To choose the right sunglasses for different activities, think about the fit, consider style and ensure the frame's durability. It is especially important to confirm with the optometrist or eyewear retailer that your sunglasses feature UV 400 protection to ensure you are equipped with the highest level of protection against the sun’s harmful rays. This will help the optometrist in recommending the most suitable frames according to your activities and lifestyle. The steps to choosing different activities are listed below.

Think about the fit: Think about the fit of the sunglasses and if they are comfortable on your face. They should feel snug behind the ears and temples but not cause pain. If you are in need of sunglasses for physical activities outdoors, wrap-around sunglasses may be more suitable. They prevent UV light rays from reaching over the top or from the sides of the frame. Polarised lenses may also be a recommended option to reduce glare and increase contrast of images.
Consider the style: Consider the style of sunglasses according to the activities you take part in. For casual wear, you can select any style, colour and shape that you desire. For physical activities or sports, you may need to opt for a style that is lightweight, stays fitted on your face during frequent movement and fits more snugly across your face.
Ensure the frame’s durability: Ensure the frame’s durability by selecting frames that are made from materials such as polycarbonate, Trivex, acetate or common alternative materials that are similar. This is important as it helps the frame to withstand pressure, wear or potential damage.

Does Australia have Strong UV Rays?

Yes, Australia does have strong UV rays due to its geographical location. Australia’s strong UV light rays combined with the majority of the population having fair skin has historically led to significantly high cancer rates in the country according to the Cancer Council. Therefore, it is important to maintain sun protection steps such as using sunscreen, minimising sun exposure time, wearing a hat and sunglasses to help reduce the sun’s strong UV light rays from damaging the skin and eyes. It is also important to continue wearing sunglasses all year-round to reduce the risk of developing eye problems and eye cancers.

Does Oscar Wylee Meet the Sunglasses Standards in Australia?

Yes, Oscar Wylee does meet the sunglass standards in Australia as they feature the mandatory components included in the sunglasses standard. Oscar Wylee sunglasses meet the necessary standard as they feature category 2 and 3 lenses, UV 400 protection and are made with materials such as CR39 and polycarbonate for optimal durability and impact-resistance.