{"kind":"locations","count":13,"attribution":{"source":"Reef Label","url":"https://reeflabel.com","dataReviewed":"2026-09-23","terms":"https://reeflabel.com/terms/","cite":"https://reeflabel.com/guide/cite/","methodology":"https://reeflabel.com/guide/methodology/","notice":"Free to use with attribution: name Reef Label and link the page you used. Verdicts are computed from published ingredient lists against the enacted text of each rule; they are reference information, not legal advice."},"locations":[{"slug":"hawaii-state","name":"Hawaii (statewide)","region":"United States","jurisdictionLevel":"state","status":"in-force","ruleType":"banned-list","bannedIngredients":["oxybenzone","octinoxate"],"allowedActives":[],"effectiveDate":"2021-01-01","law":"Act 104 (SB 2571, 2018), codified at HRS § 342D-21","lawShort":"Act 104 (2018)","lawUrl":"https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol06_Ch0321-0344/HRS0342D/HRS_0342D-0021.htm","summary":"Since January 1, 2021, no one may sell, offer for sale, or distribute for sale in Hawaii a sunscreen containing oxybenzone or octinoxate unless it is dispensed under a prescription. The statewide list is still just those two chemicals: later bills to add avobenzone and octocrylene did not pass. Maui County and Hawaii County have stricter mineral-only rules of their own.","details":["The law covers selling, offering for sale and distributing for sale. It does not ban visitors from bringing or using these sunscreens, although Maui County's ordinance does ban use there.","Prescription exception: the ban does not apply to sunscreen dispensed under a prescription from a licensed physician, osteopathic physician or advanced practice registered nurse.","Under the statute, 'sunscreen' means a product marketed or intended for topical use to prevent sunburn. Products marketed or intended as cosmetics for the face are excluded, so SPF face makeup falls outside the ban.","The statute defines both chemicals by CAS number and trade synonyms, including benzophenone-3 for oxybenzone and ethylhexyl/octyl methoxycinnamate for octinoxate.","The section itself names no penalty and no enforcing agency. It also barred counties from passing their own oxybenzone/octinoxate rules before January 1, 2021. That bar has expired, which is why Maui and Hawaii counties could later go further.","No amendments: the official HRS text still shows only the 2018 enactment (L 2018, c 104, §2). SB 132 (2021), which would have added avobenzone and octocrylene from 2023, passed the Senate but died in a House committee. SB 748 (2024) also died. Any claim of a statewide avobenzone/octocrylene ban is wrong.","Recent sunscreen measures (SB 2053 in 2024 and SB 840 in 2025, carried over to 2026) deal with mineral-sunscreen dispensers at state beaches, not new ingredient bans."],"sources":[{"title":"HRS § 342D-21 (current official text, Hawaii State Legislature)","url":"https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol06_Ch0321-0344/HRS0342D/HRS_0342D-0021.htm"},{"title":"Session Laws of Hawaii 2018, Act 104","url":"https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/sessionlaws/Years/SLH2018/SLH2018_Act104.pdf"},{"title":"SB 2571 CD1 (2018) bill text","url":"https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2018/bills/SB2571_CD1_.HTM"},{"title":"SB 840 (2025) measure status: dispenser bill, carried over to 2026","url":"https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=840&year=2025"}],"lastVerified":"2026-10-14","proseName":"Hawaii statewide","seoTitle":"Hawaii sunscreen law (Act 104): rules for visitors","seoDescription":"Hawaii’s Act 104 bans selling sunscreen with oxybenzone or octinoxate. You can pack your own, but Maui bans using any non-mineral sunscreen. TSA rules below.","shortName":"Hawaii","url":"https://reeflabel.com/locations/hawaii-state/"},{"slug":"maui-county","name":"Maui County (Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi)","region":"United States","jurisdictionLevel":"county","status":"in-force","ruleType":"mineral-only","bannedIngredients":[],"allowedActives":["zinc-oxide","titanium-dioxide"],"effectiveDate":"2022-10-01","law":"Ordinance No. 5306 (Bill 135, 2021), Maui County Code ch. 20.42","lawShort":"Ordinance 5306 (2021)","lawUrl":"https://www.mauicounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/130826/Ord-5306","summary":"Since October 1, 2022, Maui County allows only sunscreens whose active ingredients are zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, unless you have a prescription. Unlike the state law, it also bans using or applying a non-mineral sunscreen, not just selling it. Any product marketed for topical use to prevent sunburn is covered.","details":["'Non-mineral sunscreen' means any sunscreen that uses an active ingredient other than zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (MCC 20.42.030). Inactive ingredients are not restricted by this ordinance.","Three prohibitions (MCC 20.42.010): (A) selling, offering for sale, or distributing for sale; (B) selling, providing or offering for use at County facilities, County-authorized concessions, County-sponsored or permitted events, and County programs; (C) use or application by any person.","Prescription exception: each prohibition carves out sunscreen dispensed under a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider, as defined in HRS § 342D-21.","Uses the state-law definition of 'sunscreen' (HRS § 342D-21), so products marketed as facial cosmetics are outside its scope.","Enforced by the Department of Environmental Management (Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division) under MCC 19.530.030. Possible penalties: a cease-and-desist notice, a civil fine of up to $1,000, and up to $1,000 per day while a violation continues. Fines go to the environmental protection and sustainability fund.","Covers the islands of Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe. Kalawao County on Molokaʻi is a separate county.","The ordinance says the Council may revise its list of permitted actives once the FDA finalizes its sunscreen GRASE determinations. No amendment was found as of the verification date."],"sources":[{"title":"Ordinance No. 5306 (certified copy, County of Maui)","url":"https://www.mauicounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/130826/Ord-5306"},{"title":"Mineral Only Sunscreen Maui County (Department of Environmental Management)","url":"https://www.mauicounty.gov/2483/Mineral-Only-Sunscreen-Maui-County"},{"title":"County of Maui FAQ: Mineral Only Sunscreen","url":"https://www.mauicounty.gov/faq.aspx?TID=145"},{"title":"Maui County Council press release, Sept. 20, 2022","url":"https://mauicounty.us/press-release/maui-countys-sunscreen-ordinance-takes-effect-next-month/"}],"lastVerified":"2026-10-14","proseName":"Maui County","shortName":"Maui County","url":"https://reeflabel.com/locations/maui-county/"},{"slug":"hawaii-county","name":"Hawaiʻi County (Big Island)","region":"United States","jurisdictionLevel":"county","status":"in-force","ruleType":"mineral-only","bannedIngredients":[],"allowedActives":["zinc-oxide","titanium-dioxide"],"effectiveDate":"2022-12-01","law":"Ordinance No. 22-81 (Bill 167, Draft 2), Hawaiʻi County Code ch. 14, art. 5 (§§ 14-30 to 14-35)","lawShort":"Ordinance 22-81 (2022)","lawUrl":"https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=1039737&dbid=0","summary":"Since December 1, 2022, it is unlawful on the Big Island to sell, offer for sale, or distribute for sale any sunscreen with an active ingredient other than zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, unless it is dispensed under a prescription. Unlike Maui County, the ordinance restricts sales only; it does not ban visitors from using a non-mineral sunscreen.","details":["'Non-mineral sunscreen' means any sunscreen that uses an active ingredient other than titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (HCC § 14-30). Inactive ingredients are not restricted.","The prohibition (HCC § 14-31) covers selling, offering for sale, and distributing for sale. There is no provision on personal use.","Prescription exception, with 'sunscreen', 'licensed healthcare provider' and 'prescription' defined as in HRS § 342D-21. Facial cosmetics are therefore excluded.","Enforced by the County Department of Environmental Management. Fines are up to $1,000 per incident, and non-compliant products may be seized and disposed of (HCC § 14-34). Fine money funds mineral-sunscreen dispensers and education through the Department of Parks and Recreation.","Introduced June 1, 2022, with second reading on June 15, 2022. The Council records show an effective date of December 1, 2022.","No amending ordinance was found as of the verification date."],"sources":[{"title":"Ordinance 2022-081 (Hawaiʻi County Council records)","url":"https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=1039737&dbid=0"},{"title":"Bill 167 Draft 1 (Hawaiʻi County Council records)","url":"https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?dbid=0&id=1034782"},{"title":"Maui County Council press release noting Hawaiʻi County's Dec. 1, 2022 sale ban","url":"https://mauicounty.us/press-release/maui-countys-sunscreen-ordinance-takes-effect-next-month/"}],"lastVerified":"2026-10-14","proseName":"Hawaiʻi County (Big Island)","shortName":"Hawaiʻi County","url":"https://reeflabel.com/locations/hawaii-county/"},{"slug":"us-virgin-islands","name":"U.S. Virgin Islands","region":"United States","jurisdictionLevel":"territory","status":"in-force","ruleType":"banned-list","bannedIngredients":["oxybenzone","octinoxate","octocrylene"],"allowedActives":[],"effectiveDate":"2020-03-30","law":"Act No. 8185 (Bill 33-0043, 2019), 27 V.I.C. § 305h","lawShort":"Act No. 8185 (2019)","lawUrl":"https://islandgreenliving.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/SignedToxicSunscreenLaw.pdf","summary":"The USVI bans sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate or octocrylene. Importing them for sale has been illegal since September 30, 2019. Since March 30, 2020 it has also been illegal to sell, distribute, use or possess them in the territory. The only exception is a prescription product supplied through a licensed pharmacy or drug store.","details":["Import for sale was banned after September 30, 2019. Selling, offering for sale and distributing were banned after March 30, 2020, as were using or possessing the products while in the Virgin Islands.","Placing new orders for such products for sale in the territory became unlawful when the Act took effect (signed July 2019). Existing stock had to go to the Waste Management Authority's hazardous-waste collection by March 30, 2020.","Exception: products prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider and imported, distributed and sold by a licensed pharmacy or drug store (27 V.I.C. § 141).","Scope: 'sunscreen' means products marketed or intended for topical use to prevent sunburn, such as lotions, pastes, balms, serums and ointments. Products marketed as facial cosmetics are excluded.","Penalties: after notice and a hearing, the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs fines $1,000 for a first offense and $2,000 for each later offense.","The Act's long title mentions only oxybenzone and octinoxate, but the operative text of § 305h bans all three chemicals, octocrylene included.","Passed June 25, 2019 and signed by Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. in July 2019. The signed copy we used is hosted by Island Green Living; no later amendment was found."],"sources":[{"title":"Act No. 8185, signed copy (hosted by Island Green Living Association)","url":"https://islandgreenliving.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/SignedToxicSunscreenLaw.pdf"},{"title":"Island Green Living: Save Our Reefs (implementation dates)","url":"https://islandgreenliving.org/current/save-our-reefs/"}],"lastVerified":"2026-10-14","proseName":"the U.S. Virgin Islands","shortName":"U.S. Virgin Islands","url":"https://reeflabel.com/locations/us-virgin-islands/"},{"slug":"palau","name":"Palau","region":"Oceania","jurisdictionLevel":"country","status":"in-force","ruleType":"mineral-only","bannedIngredients":["oxybenzone","octinoxate","octocrylene","enzacamene","avobenzone","homosalate","octisalate","ensulizole","ecamsule","meradimate","padimate-o","sulisobenzone","dioxybenzone","cinoxate","trolamine-salicylate","aminobenzoic-acid","bemotrizinol","bisoctrizole","drometrizole-trisiloxane","ethylhexyl-triazone","iscotrizinol","diethylamino-hydroxybenzoyl-hexyl-benzoate","polysilicone-15","amiloxate","tris-biphenyl-triazine","bisdisulizole-disodium","triclosan","triclocarban","phenoxyethanol","methylparaben","ethylparaben","propylparaben","butylparaben","benzylparaben","isobutylparaben","isopropylparaben"],"allowedActives":["zinc-oxide","titanium-dioxide"],"effectiveDate":"2020-01-01","law":"Responsible Tourism Education Act of 2018 (RPPL No. 10-30), 24 PNC ch. 12, subch. VII; MNRET Regulations Prohibiting Reef-Toxic Sunscreens (2020)","lawShort":"RPPL No. 10-30 (2018)","lawUrl":"https://www.palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/RPPL-No.-10-30-re.-The-Responsible-Tourism-Education-Act-of-2018.pdf","summary":"Palau has the world's strictest national sunscreen rule. Since January 1, 2020, 'reef-toxic' sunscreen may not be sold, imported, made or brought into the country. Regulations adopted in March 2020 widened the banned list to every class of chemical UV filter, plus parabens, triclosan, triclocarban and phenoxyethanol. In practice, only zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide sunscreens without those preservatives are legal. Non-compliant sunscreen is confiscated on arrival.","details":["The 2018 Act named ten chemicals: oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, 4-MBC (enzacamene), triclosan, methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, benzylparaben and phenoxyethanol. It also let the Minister ban more by regulation. The import/manufacture ban started when the Act was signed on October 25, 2018; the sale and entry bans started January 1, 2020.","The 2020 Regulations (MNRET) ban whole chemical classes, including all 'other' members of each class: anthranilates, benzimidazole sulfonates, benzophenones, benzylidene camphors, cinnamates, dibenzoylmethanes, diphenylacrylates, PABA derivatives, salicylates and triazines/triazoles. They also ban seven named parabens plus all other parabens, triclosan, triclocarban and phenoxyethanol. The government's March 24, 2020 press release says this leaves only zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide actives legal.","We encode the rule as mineral-only for active ingredients, plus a list of banned inactive preservatives. The regulations also name other filters not in our ID list, all covered by the class bans, such as 3-benzylidene camphor, benzylidene camphor sulfonic acid, camphor benzalkonium methosulfate, PEG-25 PABA and phenylene bis-diphenyltriazine.","Travelers: bringing reef-toxic sunscreen into Palau 'for any reason' is unlawful. Customs confiscates it at entry, with disposal bins before the customs check at the airport. Customs may set up a way to return items on departure. Products whose ingredients cannot be read (missing label or a foreign-language label) are confiscated.","Penalties: the Act allows civil fines of up to $1,000 per violation for selling. The regulations set up to $100 per unit, capped at $5,000 per enforcement action for sale or distribution and $10,000 for manufacture or import.","The regulations say the Minister may add or remove ingredients based on scientific evidence. No later amendment was found; the regulation text and appendix used here are from the 2020 official PDF."],"sources":[{"title":"RPPL No. 10-30, Responsible Tourism Education Act of 2018 (Government of Palau)","url":"https://www.palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/RPPL-No.-10-30-re.-The-Responsible-Tourism-Education-Act-of-2018.pdf"},{"title":"Regulations Prohibiting Reef-Toxic Sunscreens, 2020 (MNRET)","url":"https://www.palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Sunscreen-Regulations-2020.pdf"},{"title":"Office of the President press release PR-20-190, Mar. 24, 2020","url":"https://www.palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Press-Release-re.-Palau-Adopts-the-World%E2%80%99s-Strictest-National-Sunscreen-Standard-03.24.20.pdf"},{"title":"Bureau of Customs and Border Protection public notice, effective Jan. 1, 2020","url":"https://pristineparadisepalau.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Notice-to-Public_RPPL-10-30-Prohibited-Sunscreens.pdf"}],"lastVerified":"2026-10-14","proseName":"Palau","shortName":"Palau","url":"https://reeflabel.com/locations/palau/"},{"slug":"aruba","name":"Aruba","region":"Caribbean","jurisdictionLevel":"country","status":"in-force","ruleType":"banned-list","bannedIngredients":["oxybenzone"],"allowedActives":[],"effectiveDate":"2020-07-01","law":"Landsverordening verbod voor het milieu schadelijke producten (AB 2019 no. 67), art. 2(2) and Annex I, Part C","lawShort":"AB 2019 no. 67","lawUrl":"https://elaw.org/wp-content/uploads/archive/attachments/publicresource/ab2019no.67.pdf","summary":"Aruba bans importing, manufacturing, selling or giving away sunscreen that contains oxybenzone, under the same 2019 national ordinance that banned many single-use plastics. The ban has been in force since July 1, 2020. Other chemical filters, including octinoxate, are not banned.","details":["Annex I, Part C lists 'sunscreens that contain oxybenzone'. Article 2(2) bans their import, manufacture, sale and free distribution.","The ordinance does not ban use by visitors. It does not clearly say whether personal luggage counts as 'import'.","Penalties: an administrative fine of up to Afl. 10,000 per violation (art. 4). As a criminal offense, up to six months' detention or a third-category fine (art. 16). Police, designated officials and customs oversee compliance.","The ordinance was issued November 27, 2019 and took effect on a date set by national decree. The July 1, 2020 date comes from ELAW's summary of the law; the decree itself was not retrieved.","The government may amend the annex by decree. No later change to Part C was found."],"sources":[{"title":"AB 2019 no. 67, full text (PDF via ELAW)","url":"https://elaw.org/wp-content/uploads/archive/attachments/publicresource/ab2019no.67.pdf"},{"title":"AB 2019 no. 67 (Government of Aruba, overheid.aw)","url":"https://www.overheid.aw/document.php?m=55&fileid=65641&f=888b0e306a4ea7fff65078060bcd3788&attachment=0&c=46717"},{"title":"ELAW: Aruba, select plastic laws (effective date)","url":"https://elaw.org/resource/aw_plasticlaws"}],"lastVerified":"2026-09-23","proseName":"Aruba","shortName":"Aruba","url":"https://reeflabel.com/locations/aruba/"},{"slug":"guam","name":"Guam","region":"United States","jurisdictionLevel":"territory","status":"in-force","ruleType":"banned-list","bannedIngredients":["oxybenzone","octinoxate","octocrylene"],"allowedActives":[],"effectiveDate":"2025-10-09","law":"Public Law 38-5 (Bill 35-38 COR, 2025), 5 GCA ch. 63, art. 10 (§§ 631001–631004)","lawShort":"Public Law 38-5 (2025)","lawUrl":"https://guamlegislature.gov/38th_Guam_Legislature/Public_Laws_38th/Public%20Law%2038-5.pdf","summary":"Since October 9, 2025, Guam bans importing any skincare product that contains oxybenzone, octinoxate or octocrylene. This covers sunscreens, cosmetics, hair care and bath products. The law bans import only. In August 2026 the Attorney General's office advised that it does not prohibit selling products already on the island.","details":["The law was enacted April 12, 2025. The import ban and fines (§ 631002(c)–(d)) took effect 180 days later, on October 9, 2025.","Scope is wide: 'skincare products' includes cosmetics, hair care, sunscreen, bath and shower products, and any product for cleansing, improving the look of, or protecting skin, hair or nails. The ban applies whether the chemical is an active or an inactive ingredient.","The Department of Agriculture, Guam EPA and Public Health (DPHSS) may add more substances by rule. A newly banned FDA-regulated substance needs at least 180 days' notice, and a non-FDA substance at least 30 days. The official list must be posted on those agencies' websites.","Penalties: civil fines of $100 to $5,000, paid into the Guam Environmental Trust Fund.","Import only: an Attorney General's opinion reported in August 2026 says PL 38-5 does not expressly ban sale or distribution and gives DPHSS no power to seize products. Retail sale of stock imported before the ban is therefore not covered (news source; the opinion itself was not retrieved).","The statute does not clearly say whether a traveler's personal luggage counts as import. Visitors should assume these ingredients are unwelcome."],"sources":[{"title":"Bill No. 35-38 (COR) as passed, with voting record (Guam Legislature)","url":"https://guamlegislature.gov/38th_Guam_Legislature/Voting_Records_38th/ABill%20No.%2035-38%20(COR)%20PASSED.pdf"},{"title":"Public Law 38-5 (Guam Legislature)","url":"https://guamlegislature.gov/38th_Guam_Legislature/Public_Laws_38th/Public%20Law%2038-5.pdf"},{"title":"Pacific Daily News, Aug. 2026: AG's office says the law bans imports, not retail sales (secondary)","url":"https://www.guampdn.com/news/ags-office-sunscreen-law-bans-imports-not-retail-sales-leaves-enforcement-gaps/article_d78a9687-b867-44f3-a539-1ca2cdc0686b.html"}],"lastVerified":"2026-10-14","proseName":"Guam","shortName":"Guam","url":"https://reeflabel.com/locations/guam/"},{"slug":"mexico-federal-marine-parks","name":"Mexico: federal marine protected areas (e.g., Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancún & Punta Nizuc)","shortName":"Mexico marine parks","region":"Latin America","jurisdictionLevel":"protected-area","status":"in-force","ruleType":"advisory","bannedIngredients":[],"allowedActives":["zinc-oxide","titanium-dioxide"],"effectiveDate":"2016-08-02","law":"Management Program, Parque Nacional Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancún y Punta Nizuc (summary published in the DOF, Aug. 2, 2016); similar rules in other CONANP management programs","lawShort":"Management Program (DOF, 2016)","lawUrl":"https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/mex157815.pdf","summary":"Mexico has no national sunscreen ingredient ban. Many federal marine parks managed by CONANP do have binding management rules that allow only 'biodegradable' tanning lotions and sunscreens while swimming, snorkeling or diving. The rules do not define 'biodegradable' or name any ingredients, so we cannot give a pass/fail verdict. Mineral-only sunscreen is the safe choice. Products shown as meeting guidance here have only mineral actives. That is our recommendation, not a CONANP certification.","details":["The Isla Mujeres / Punta Cancún / Punta Nizuc management program lists 'using tanning lotions or sunscreens that are not biodegradable' as a prohibited activity in its reef subzones. Its public-use subzones allow only biodegradable products.","The same wording appears in other CONANP management programs, for example Parque Nacional Huatulco and Bahía de Loreto. A DOF-published rule for Cenote Xlakán bans non-biodegradable sunscreen during diving and swimming. Rules differ from park to park.","Because 'biodegradable' is not defined, there is no official list of banned ingredients. Our ingredient check therefore cannot flag specific chemicals for this entry; read it as guidance to use a zinc oxide / titanium dioxide product.","Private eco-parks in the Riviera Maya (e.g., Xcaret and Xel-Há) have their own house rules requiring 'biodegradable' sunscreen and offer on-site swaps. These are company policies, not government rules.","No federal or Quintana Roo state law banning specific sunscreen ingredients was found."],"sources":[{"title":"DOF Aug. 2, 2016: Management Program summary, PN Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancún y Punta Nizuc (FAOLEX copy)","url":"https://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/mex157815.pdf"},{"title":"CONANP: Programa de Manejo, Parque Nacional Huatulco","url":"https://www.conanp.gob.mx/que_hacemos/pdf/programas_manejo/huatulco.pdf"},{"title":"DOF: rules for Cenote Xlakán (non-biodegradable sunscreen prohibited)","url":"https://dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle_popup.php?codigo=5413567"},{"title":"Blog Xcaret: biodegradable sunscreen policy (private operator)","url":"https://blog.xcaret.com/en/biodegradable-sunscreen-everything-you-need-to-know/"}],"lastVerified":"2026-10-14","proseName":"Mexico's federal marine parks","url":"https://reeflabel.com/locations/mexico-federal-marine-parks/"},{"slug":"northern-mariana-islands","name":"Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)","region":"United States","jurisdictionLevel":"territory","status":"in-force","ruleType":"banned-list","bannedIngredients":["oxybenzone","octinoxate"],"allowedActives":[],"effectiveDate":"2021-07-01","law":"Public Law 21-20 (H.B. 21-28, HD1, SS1; signed April 3, 2020)","lawShort":"Public Law 21-20 (2020)","lawUrl":"https://cnmilaw.org/pdf/public_laws/21/pl21-20.pdf","summary":"The CNMI bans importing sunscreens that contain oxybenzone or octinoxate (from January 1, 2021) and selling or distributing them (from July 1, 2021), unless dispensed under a prescription. Banned sunscreen is treated as contraband and can be seized.","details":["Import has been prohibited since January 1, 2021, enforced by the Division of Customs. Sale, offer for sale and distribution for sale have been prohibited since July 1, 2021, enforced by the Department of Commerce.","Prescription exception: a prescription issued by a licensed physician or osteopathic physician.","'Sunscreen' means a product marketed or intended for topical use to prevent sunburn. Facial cosmetics are excluded, following Hawaii's model.","Penalties: civil fines of $500 to $1,000 per violation, and confiscation of products offered for sale. The law also adds banned sunscreen to the contraband list in 6 CMC § 2301(a), making it subject to seizure and forfeiture.","The law does not ban personal use."],"sources":[{"title":"Public Law 21-20 (CNMI Law Revision Commission)","url":"https://cnmilaw.org/pdf/public_laws/21/pl21-20.pdf"},{"title":"Public Law 21-20 (CNMI Legislature)","url":"https://cnmileg.net/documents/laws/public/21/PL21-20.pdf"}],"lastVerified":"2026-10-14","proseName":"the Northern Mariana Islands","shortName":"Northern Mariana Islands","url":"https://reeflabel.com/locations/northern-mariana-islands/"},{"slug":"thailand-national-parks","name":"Thailand (all national parks)","region":"Asia","jurisdictionLevel":"protected-area","status":"in-force","ruleType":"banned-list","bannedIngredients":["oxybenzone","octinoxate","enzacamene","butylparaben"],"allowedActives":[],"effectiveDate":"2021-08-04","law":"Notification of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation on prohibiting sunscreen containing coral-harming chemicals in national parks (Royal Gazette, Vol. 138, Special Part 175 Ng, Aug. 3, 2021); under s. 20 of the National Parks Act B.E. 2562 (2019)","lawShort":"DNP notification (2021)","lawUrl":"https://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2564/E/175/T_0001.PDF","summary":"Thailand forbids bringing into, or using in, any national park a sunscreen containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, 4-MBC or butylparaben. It applies to all national parks, including the marine parks around Phuket, Krabi and the Similan and Surin islands. Violators face a fine of up to 100,000 baht.","details":["The rule bans bringing in and using these sunscreens inside national parks. It is not a nationwide sales ban, so such sunscreens can still be sold elsewhere in Thailand.","The four named chemicals are oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), octinoxate (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate), 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) and butylparaben.","Penalty: a fine of up to 100,000 baht under sections 20 and 47 of the National Parks Act B.E. 2562.","Signed June 24, 2021 by the Director-General, published in the Royal Gazette on August 3, 2021, and effective the next day, August 4, 2021.","Some travel sites also list methylparaben and ethylparaben. They are not in the gazetted notification."],"sources":[{"title":"Royal Gazette notification (Thai), Vol. 138, Special Part 175 Ng, Aug. 3, 2021","url":"https://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2564/E/175/T_0001.PDF"},{"title":"BBC News: Thailand bans coral-damaging sunscreens in marine parks (secondary)","url":"https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58092472"}],"lastVerified":"2026-10-14","proseName":"Thailand's national parks","shortName":"Thailand","url":"https://reeflabel.com/locations/thailand-national-parks/"},{"slug":"bonaire","name":"Bonaire (Bonaire National Marine Park)","region":"Caribbean","jurisdictionLevel":"protected-area","status":"advisory","ruleType":"advisory","bannedIngredients":["oxybenzone","octinoxate"],"allowedActives":[],"effectiveDate":"","law":"Island Council motion (May 15, 2018); STINAPA marine park beach rules. No enacted island ordinance located","lawShort":"Island Council motion (2018)","lawUrl":"https://stinapabonaire.org/rules-and-regulations/beach-use/","summary":"Bonaire's Island Council unanimously passed a motion in 2018 calling for a ban on oxybenzone and octinoxate sunscreens from 2021. We could not find any ordinance that turned the motion into law. STINAPA, which manages the marine park, tells visitors to use sunscreen free of these two chemicals. Many travel sites say a legal ban has applied since 2021, but we found no primary source for that.","details":["A council motion states policy intent and is not itself enforceable law. In a written answer in July 2021, the Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management said the ban was desirable but still 'must be implemented through local regulation' (translated), ideally together with a Dutch import ban.","STINAPA's current beach rules for the Bonaire National Marine Park ask visitors to use sunscreen free of oxybenzone and octinoxate. The page names no fine for sunscreen.","We list this as advisory until an enacted eilandsverordening (island ordinance) or import measure can be verified. Travel and tourism sites claiming a legal sale-and-use ban since January 1, 2021 do not cite one.","Mineral (zinc oxide / titanium dioxide) sunscreen is widely recommended locally.","No effective date is given because no binding rule has been verified. The Island Council motion dates from May 15, 2018 and aimed for January 1, 2021."],"sources":[{"title":"STINAPA Bonaire: Beach Usage rules","url":"https://stinapabonaire.org/rules-and-regulations/beach-use/"},{"title":"Dossier Koninkrijksrelaties, July 19, 2021: minister's answers to parliamentary questions (Dutch)","url":"https://dossierkoninkrijksrelaties.nl/2021/07/19/minister-wenselijk-dat-bonaire-verbod-op-schadelijke-zonnebrandcremes-invoert/"},{"title":"Down To Earth Magazine, May 2018: Island Council motion (Dutch, secondary)","url":"https://downtoearthmagazine.nl/krijgt-bonaire-een-sunscreen-police/"}],"lastVerified":"2026-10-14","proseName":"Bonaire","shortName":"Bonaire","url":"https://reeflabel.com/locations/bonaire/"},{"slug":"us-national-park-service","name":"U.S. National Parks with coral reefs (NPS guidance)","region":"United States","jurisdictionLevel":"protected-area","status":"advisory","ruleType":"advisory","bannedIngredients":["oxybenzone","octinoxate","avobenzone"],"allowedActives":["zinc-oxide","titanium-dioxide"],"effectiveDate":"","law":"National Park Service guidance: 'Protect Yourself, Protect the Reef' (not a regulation)","lawShort":"NPS ‘Protect the Reef’ page","lawUrl":"https://www.nps.gov/articles/protect-yourself-and-protect-the-reef.htm","summary":"The National Park Service advises visitors to coral-reef parks, such as Dry Tortugas, Biscayne, Virgin Islands National Park and War in the Pacific, to avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate or avobenzone. It recommends products whose only actives are zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. This is guidance, not a ban. Separate local laws may still apply, for example in the USVI and Hawaii.","details":["NPS says it has found high concentrations of some of these chemicals in water samples taken around coral reef sites.","NPS warns that a 'reef-friendly' label can still hide harmful ingredients, and advises checking the active-ingredient list.","It also recommends UV-protective clothing, shade, and avoiding midday sun to reduce the amount of sunscreen entering the water.","No effective date is given because this is guidance, not a legal requirement. The NPS page was last updated September 30, 2022."],"sources":[{"title":"NPS: Protect Yourself, Protect the Reef","url":"https://www.nps.gov/articles/protect-yourself-and-protect-the-reef.htm"}],"lastVerified":"2026-10-14","proseName":"U.S. national parks with coral reefs","shortName":"U.S. National Parks with coral reefs","url":"https://reeflabel.com/locations/us-national-park-service/"},{"slug":"key-west","name":"Key West, Florida","region":"United States","jurisdictionLevel":"city","status":"repealed","ruleType":"banned-list","bannedIngredients":["oxybenzone","octinoxate"],"allowedActives":[],"effectiveDate":"2021-01-01","law":"Key West city sunscreen ordinance (adopted Feb. 2019; scheduled for Jan. 1, 2021 and never took effect). Preempted by Fla. Stat. § 499.002(7), added by Ch. 2020-118 (SB 172)","lawShort":"Fla. Stat. § 499.002 (2020)","lawUrl":"http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0499/Sections/0499.002.html","summary":"In February 2019 Key West voted to ban the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate starting January 1, 2021. Before that date, Florida passed SB 172, which reserves all regulation of over-the-counter drugs and cosmetics to the state. That law made the city ban unenforceable, so it never took effect. No sunscreen ingredient ban applies in Key West or anywhere else in Florida.","details":["The City Commission approved the ordinance 6–1 in early February 2019. It targeted sales of sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate, with a prescription exemption.","Florida SB 172 (2020) passed the Senate 25–14 and the House 68–47. Gov. DeSantis approved it on June 29, 2020, and it became Chapter 2020-118, effective July 1, 2020, six months before the city ban was due to start.","The statute now reads: 'Notwithstanding any other law or local ordinance or regulation to the contrary, the regulation of over-the-counter proprietary drugs and cosmetics is expressly preempted to the state' (Fla. Stat. § 499.002(7), 2026 edition).","Status is recorded as 'repealed' because the ordinance was nullified by state preemption. We did not find a separate city vote formally repealing it.","The city ordinance's own text was not retrieved. Its details come from a secondary source (NOAA-funded National Sea Grant Law Center summary)."],"sources":[{"title":"Florida Senate: SB 172 (2020) bill history, Ch. 2020-118","url":"https://www.flsenate.gov/session/bill/2020/172"},{"title":"Fla. Stat. § 499.002 (2026), Online Sunshine","url":"http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0499/Sections/0499.002.html"},{"title":"National Sea Grant Law Center: Key West ban summary (secondary)","url":"https://nsglc.olemiss.edu/blog/2019/feb/8/index.html"}],"lastVerified":"2026-10-14","proseName":"Key West","shortName":"Key West, Florida","url":"https://reeflabel.com/locations/key-west/"}]}