UK Government Advisers Urge Stronger Sunbed Controls and Consideration of a Commercial Ban

The UK’s independent radiation health advisory committee has called for significantly stronger regulation of sunbeds and has recommended that the Government consider whether a complete ban on the commercial use of sunbeds is appropriate.

The recommendation comes in a newly published report from the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE), which advises the Government on the health effects of radiation. The report reviews the evidence on artificial tanning devices and concludes that the scientific case linking sunbed use to skin cancer and other health harms remains clear.

Among its recommendations, COMARE has urged ministers to revisit sunbed regulations across the UK and address inconsistencies between England and the stricter regulatory frameworks already in place in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Measures proposed include mandatory supervision of sunbed use, stronger requirements for health information, compulsory provision of protective eyewear, operator training, licensing and registration of commercial premises, and tighter controls on misleading health claims.

Most notably, COMARE has stated that the Government should consider whether a total ban on the commercial use of sunbeds would be the most effective way to protect public health.

The report highlights continuing concerns about the health risks associated with ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunbeds. COMARE notes that sunbed use contributes to melanoma cases and deaths in the UK and that risks are particularly high for people who begin using sunbeds at a young age. The committee also points to evidence that some operators continue to make unsupported claims about the health benefits of sunbed use, despite a lack of scientific evidence.

Responding to the report, Dr Tamara Griffiths, President of the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), welcomed the recommendations and said the evidence now points towards stronger action.

“There is now a consensus that sunbed regulation and enforcement in the UK are not strong enough. COMARE’s recommendations are sensible, practical steps that would strengthen protections for the public, and we welcome them. It is also encouraging that COMARE has explicitly recommended that Government considers whether a complete ban on the commercial use of sunbeds is appropriate.

“The British Association of Dermatologists believes that the case for a ban is already strong. Sunbed operators have demonstrated that they are not able to consistently meet existing requirements, including limits on the amount of UV radiation emitted by their machines and age restrictions. Some operators have also made health claims about sunbed use that are not supported by the evidence. This is not true of every operator, but it is a persistent issue.

“Stronger regulation will only protect the public if it is implemented, monitored, and enforced effectively. If the industry has struggled to meet existing standards consistently, the Government should be cautious about relying on tighter rules alone. A ban on commercial sunbeds remains the clearest and most effective way to reduce avoidable harm.”

The British Association of Dermatologists has been among the organisations calling for a ban on commercial sunbeds, arguing that existing safeguards have not adequately protected the public. The association points to evidence that some commercial tanning devices continue to exceed recommended UV emission limits and that compliance with current regulations is inconsistent.

COMARE stops short of endorsing a ban outright, instead recommending that Government weigh the benefits against wider policy considerations, including individual choice and the potential for unintended consequences such as increased use of home tanning devices. However, the committee notes that countries including Australia, Brazil and Iran have already introduced bans on commercial sunbeds and that evidence suggests such measures can reduce skin cancer risk while delivering long-term healthcare savings.

Alongside any regulatory changes, COMARE stresses the importance of public education campaigns designed to challenge common misconceptions around sunbed use, including claims relating to vitamin D, wellness and appearance. The committee concludes that public awareness initiatives will be essential if efforts to reduce sunbed-related harm are to succeed.

The report is likely to intensify debate around the future of commercial sunbeds in the UK, placing renewed pressure on policymakers to determine whether stronger regulation—or an outright ban—offers the best path to protecting public health.