New research showing sunscreen is needed year-round should put the boot into the government to tighten up regulation around it.

Consumer NZ says Australia and New Zealand share the same standards for sunscreen - but Australia makes it mandatory, while it's optional here.

CEO Sue Chetwin says that's because sun cream is considered a cosmetic in New Zealand.

Chetwin says there's a joint Australian and New Zealand standard but while a product in Australia "cannot go onto a shelf without meeting that standard," in New Zealand it's voluntary.

"And that's the difference," Chetwin says.

She says that means products on Australian shelves have to prove they work before they can get there.

New Zealand sunscreens still have to follow the fair trading act - but they often don't.

"We do regular testing and we find regular breaches of it so what we're concerned about is that consumers will lose confidence."