The NSW Government has introduced strengthened provisions under the Protection from Harmful Radiation Regulation 2025, including a significant increase in penalties, for the illegal commercial use of UV tanning units.
The regulation, enforced by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), has been updated to increase on the spot fines for commercially operating a tanning unit from $1,500 to $10,000 for a corporation and up to $5,000 for individuals. Businesses caught doing the wrong thing could be hit with a court-imposed fine of up to $55,000.
The amendments ensure the 'tan ban' on the commercial use of UV tanning units is more enforceable including closing loopholes.
Under the changes, advertising or promoting UV tanning services on social media is banned. Social media advertising is a method frequently used by illegal operators to flout the tan ban and promote so called 'collariums' that mix UV and infrared light for a supposedly 'safer' tan.
The strengthened provisions reflect the serious health risks posed by commercial solarium use, including increased rates of skin cancer, including melanoma.
The ban was first introduced in 2014 following studies showing that younger people are more at risk of skin cancer associated with UV tanning unit use, with impacts increasing with younger age of first use.
Professor Anne Cust, from the Daffodil Centre and Melanoma Institute Australia, said research shows 10 sessions in a tanning unit doubled a person's risk of developing melanoma in Australia.
"We found, among Australians who were diagnosed with melanoma in early adulthood (ages 18-29 years) and had ever used a sunbed (tanning unit), three quarters of melanomas were attributable to sunbed use," Professor Cust said.
Other key changes include:
- Mandatory radiation management plans for medical and industrial radiation businesses to improve safety for dentists, vets, chiropractors, medical imaging facilities and hospitals, and industrial and commercial radiation users.
- Formalised EPA approval of training courses for radiation licences and exemptions
- Stronger requirements for incident reporting
- Revised radiation user licensing exemptions targeted to risk
- Revised fees to support the EPA's regulatory oversight
NSW EPA CEO Tony Chappel said the tougher penalties are part of a broader suite of reforms designed to ensure radiation is managed safely across NSW, with safety rules matching the level of risk.
"This regulation is about safeguarding the community by reducing unnecessary exposure to radiation, whether from illegal tanning units or in workplaces where radiation is used for beneficial purposes.
"By significantly increasing penalties and tightening enforcement tools, we are sending a clear message that non-compliance, especially where it risks public health, will not be tolerated," Mr Chappel said.
The new regulation took effect in New South Wales on Friday 29 August 2025.
