Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission
19.6.2025
In Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan[1], the Commission indicated that it will ‘explore measures on exposure to ultraviolet radiation, including from sunbeds, which increases the risk of melanoma…’.
Sunbeds are already covered by the EU’s Low Voltage Directive[2], which covers all safety aspects — including health risks — of electrical equipment. Therefore, all sunbeds used for tanning purposes must comply with the standards set in this directive, which covers cancer-related risks.
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 Low Voltage Directive.
At this stage, further compelling new evidence including on the effectiveness of actions that would justify further measures is not available. Therefore, it would be premature to put forward a Commission Recommendation on sunbeds at this stage.
The fourth edition of the European Code Against Cancer[3] already includes clear guidance on avoiding the use of sunbeds, a recommendation that is being considered to be maintained in the forthcoming fifth edition of the Code.
- [1] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/promoting-our-european-way-life/european-health-union/cancer-plan-europe_en.
- [2] Directive 2014/35/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits. OJ L 96, 29.3.2014, p. 357-374
- [3] https://www.cancer.eu/cancer-prevention-the-european-code-against-cancer/.