FDA Extends Comment Period on Sunscreen Rule

WASHINGTON —FDA extended the comment period for the proposed sunscreen regulation to Dec. 26, 2007. The agency extended the deadline for one more month after receiving nine requests citing the need for more time to complete laboratory testing and studies on the proposed labeling systems. Typically, comment periods for federal rules are 90 days; however, in an attempt to ensure sunscreen products properly inform consumers of the level of protection against ultraviolet A and B rays, the agency extended the period for 30 days.

Once the new sunscreen rule is finalized, it will amend the 1999 FDA final rule on products that protect against UV rays, and will provide new testing and labeling requirements for these products. Comments can still be submitted at the Federal eRulemaking Portal and must be identified with Docket No. 1978N-0038.