Source: European Parliament
In Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan[1], the Commission indicated that it would ‘explore measures on exposure to ultraviolet radiation, including from sunbeds…’.
The Commission concluded that more information on the effectiveness of preventive and mitigation measures is needed to have a comprehensive understanding of how policy recommendations could lead to a better protection of EU citizens from health risks associated with the use of sunbeds, beyond the protection already provided under the directive 2014/35/EU[2] (the Low Voltage Directive — LVD)[3].
All sunbeds used for tanning purposes must comply with the health and safety requirements set in the LVD, which covers cancer-related risks. The LVD covered the conditions relating to the placing on the market of sunbeds.
The harmonised standard on sunbeds under the LVD (EN 60335-2-27:2013/AC:2021-11[4]) may be used by manufacturers to prove compliance with the LVD requirements. National authorities are responsible for transposing, implementing and enforcing the LVD.
As for the safety aspects and risks relating to the use of sunbeds which are not covered by the LVD, the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988[5] applies. Furthermore, the general consumer protection rules on misleading and comparative advertising apply.
The Commission will consider further measures if there is compelling evidence that such measures would result in a better protection of EU citizens from health risks associated with the use of sunbeds and provided that such measures respect the responsibilities of the Member States for the definition of their health policy and for the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care (Article 168(7) TFEU).
- [1] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/promoting-our-european-way-life/european-health-union/cancer-plan-europe_en.
- [2] http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/35/oj.
- [3] See also reply to Parliamentary Question E-0101259/2025: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2025-001259-ASW_EN.html.
- [4] https://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/scheer/docs/sunbeds_co44_en.pdf.
- [5] http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/988/oj.