The new warning label for tanning equipment mandated by the Food and Drug Administration reclassification of sunlamp products must be implemented by August 26. Please contact your equipment manufacturers if you have not already received new labels for your equipment.

On May 29, 2014 the FDA announced a reclassification of sunlamp products, which included adding a “Black Box” warning label to all sunlamp products saying that FDA does not believe those under 18 should use sunlamps.

THE LABEL DOES NOT change any existing regulations. If you operate in a jurisdiction which allows teenagers to use sunbeds, this does not change those laws. BUT your equipment still must have the label.

This rule applies to both new equipment and existing equipment — with manufacturers of existing equipment given 15 months to work with their customers to ensure that all sunbeds on the market are in compliance. The label would look like this:

So by Aug. 29, 2015, manufacturers should have contacted salons to ensure that your equipment can be retrofitted with this additional label. A state inspector, after that time, could deem your equipment out of compliance if your equipment does not have the label — even if you operate in a state that allows teenagers to use sunbeds.

Your equipment supplier should have specific instructions for you.

WHAT DO YOU TELL YOUR CLIENTS ABOUT THIS? — “FDA requires this on all sunbeds – including home units. We believe home units should NOT be used by teenagers.”

Here is the FDA order:  https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2014-12546.pdf

Here is Smart Tan’s original coverage of the order: https://smarttan.com/news/index.php/fda-announces-new-sunbed-standard/