Understanding Australian Sunglasses Standards (AS/NZS 1067.1)

Australia has some of the strictest sunglasses standards in the world — and for good reason. With the highest UV levels of any inhabited continent, we need eyewear that genuinely protects. Here's what the Australian standard means and why it matters.

What AS/NZS 1067.1 Covers

The Australian/New Zealand Standard 1067.1:2016 (Sunglasses and Fashion Spectacles) covers several critical aspects of sunglasses performance:

• UV transmittance — How much ultraviolet radiation passes through the lenses.
• Luminous transmittance — How much visible light passes through (determines the lens category).
• Optical quality — Ensures lenses don't cause harmful distortion.
• Physical requirements — Frame durability, hinge strength, and general construction quality.
• Labelling requirements — What information must be provided to consumers.

Lens Categories Explained

The standard defines five lens categories based on how much visible light they transmit:

• Category 0 (80-100% light transmission) — Fashion spectacles. Minimal sun glare reduction. Not suitable for outdoor use.
• Category 1 (43-80%) — Light tint. Limited sun glare reduction. For overcast conditions.
• Category 2 (18-43%) — Medium tint. Good sun glare reduction. Suitable for general outdoor use.
• Category 3 (8-18%) — Dark tint. High sun glare reduction. The standard choice for Australian outdoor conditions.
• Category 4 (3-8%) — Very dark. Maximum glare reduction. Not suitable for driving (too dark). For extreme glare environments like snow or open water.

For most Australian outdoor activities, Category 3 is ideal. It provides strong glare reduction while maintaining enough visibility for driving and general use.

How to Check Compliance

Compliant sunglasses should display:

• The lens category number
• The standard reference (AS/NZS 1067.1)
• A warning against driving if Category 4
• The supplier's name or trademark

Check the swing tag, product packaging, or stamped markings on the frame. If none of this information is present, question whether the sunglasses meet the standard.

Why Imported Cheap Sunnies Often Fail

Many cheap sunglasses sold in markets, pop-up shops, and online marketplaces are imported without testing against Australian standards. They may look fine, but their UV protection may be inadequate or non-existent. Remember: dark lenses without UV protection are worse than no sunglasses at all.

Buy with Confidence

Every pair of ShadyMate Voyager sunglasses features UV400 polarised lenses that provide the highest level of UV protection. Combined with crushproof carbon fibre frames, they're designed to exceed the demands of Australian conditions.