Standards for sunglasses, fashion spectacles and certain replacement filters have been updated following publication of the new Australia/New Zealand Standards AS/NZS 1067.1:2016 and AS/NZS 1067.2:2016 in September 2016.
These standards specify minimum requirements for sunglasses, fashion spectacles and replacement filters that are nominally afocal (plano power), excluding prescription filter, which provide protection against solar radiation for general use, including road-use and driving.
The Changes in Brief
Aligning its requirements closely to those of ISO 12312-1:2013, the new AS/NZS 1067.1: 2016 (Eye and face protection – sunglasses and fashion spectacles part 1: Requirements) sees its test methods moved to AS.NZS 1067.2: 2016 (Eye and face protection – sunglasses and fashion spectacles, part 2: test methods). This change sees the full adoption of ISO 12311:2013 (Personal protective equipment – test methods for sunglasses and related eyewear).
However, while the ISO standard provides protection against harmful UVR to a maximum of 380nm, the new AS/NZS standard – AS/NZS 1067:2016 – provides protection to a higher wavelength of 400nm.
The ACCC has proposed amending the mandatory requirements accordingly, with the aim of enabling compliance and avoiding confusion
Consumer Protection Notices
Sunglasses and fashion spectacles are presently subject to the mandatory requirements of Consumer Protection Notices No. 13 of 2003 and No. 4 of 2005. These in turn are based on certain sections of the voluntary standard AS/NZS 1067:2003.
To keep the new standards relevant, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has proposed amending the mandatory requirements accordingly, with the aim of enabling compliance and avoiding confusion. A further announcement on this matter is expected from the ACCC.
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