Our mission is to preserve and enhance Australia’s global leadership in sunscreen safety and efficacy by working in partnership with government, unions, industry, health experts, and community organisations.
Bringing Integrity to Organic Sunscreen Claims
“Organic” is one of the most widely used — and least verified — claims in sun care. The ASC Organic Certification Program gives members a clear, credible pathway to demonstrate that their organic claims are real, independently audited and measured against a recognised international standard.
Recognised Standard
Products are assessed against NSF/ANSI 305, the American National Standard for personal care products containing organic ingredients.
Independent
Audit
Every certification is backed by a third-party audit from an accredited certifying body — not self-declaration.
Consumer Confidence
Certified products may display the ASC Organic Certified mark and are listed in the public ASC register.
Why NSF/ANSI 305
NSF/ANSI 305 Personal Care Products Containing Organic Ingredients sets production, processing and labelling requirements for personal care products that make organic claims. Food-based organic rules were not designed for cosmetics and topical products; NSF/ANSI 305 fills that gap by allowing the limited processing personal care products genuinely require, while keeping strict rules on ingredients and materials.
Products certified under the standard may carry the claim “contains organic ingredients”, must contain at least 70% organic content by weight, and must state the exact organic percentage on the label.
Who Can Apply
Current financial members of the Australian Sunscreen Council
Brand owners and manufacturers of sunscreens and SPF cosmetic products
Each product (SKU / formulation) is certified individually
What Members Provide
Third-party audit report from an independent auditing body confirming the product meets NSF/ANSI 305 (current edition)
Valid NSF/ANSI 305 certificate for each product, including scope and expiry date
Full formulation with organic content calculation (held in confidence)
Organic certificates for each organic ingredient and supplier
Label and artwork showing organic percentage and all organic claims
Regulatory evidence — ARTG number for therapeutic sunscreens, or cosmetic classification for secondary SPF products
How Certification Works
1. Expression of Interest
Contact the ASC to register interest. We confirm membership status and send the application pack.
4. ASC Technical Review
The ASC certification panel reviews documentation for completeness, label accuracy and regulatory compliance. We may request further information.
2. Independent Audit
Engage an independent auditing body of your choice to audit your product and facility against NSF/ANSI 305. Audit costs are paid directly to the auditor.
5. Certification Granted
Approved products receive an ASC Organic Certificate, licence to use the ASC Organic Certified mark, and a listing on the public register.
3. Submit Application
Lodge the audit report, certificates, formulation and labelling with the ASC.
6. Annual Renewal
Certification is valid for 12 months and renewed on submission of an updated audit and current NSF/ANSI 305 certificate.
Using the ASC Mark
The ASC Organic Certified mark may be used only on the specific certified products
Labels must state the exact percentage of organic content
Organic claims must match the certified formulation and NSF/ANSI 305 labelling rules
Artwork using the mark must be approved by the ASC before release
The mark may not be used to imply organic status for other products in a range
Ongoing Compliance
Members must notify the ASC within 30 days of any formulation, supplier or manufacturing change
The ASC may request records or conduct market surveillance
Lapsed or withdrawn NSF/ANSI 305 certification results in immediate suspension of ASC organic certification
Misuse of the mark may lead to withdrawal of certification and review of membership
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the ASC carry out the audit?
No. To maintain independence, audits are performed by third-party auditing bodies. The ASC is the certifier: it reviews the audit report and supporting evidence and makes the certification decision.
Can mineral sunscreens be certified?
Yes, provided the finished product meets the NSF/ANSI 305 requirements, including the 70% minimum organic content, as confirmed by your certifying body.
Can non-members apply?
The program is open to ASC members. Non-members are welcome to join the ASC and apply at the same time.
How long does certification take?
Once a complete application with a valid audit is received, the ASC aims to complete its review within 8 weeks. Audit timing depends on your chosen certifier.
Where can consumers check certified products?
All current ASC Organic Certified products are listed in the ASC public register on this website.