Antigua and Barbuda Moves Toward Ban on Harmful Sunscreen Chemicals to Protect Coral Reefs

Antigua and Barbuda is taking decisive steps toward protecting its fragile marine ecosystem by considering a ban on certain harmful sunscreen chemicals known to damage coral reefs and marine life.

The Ministry of Trade has launched a series of stakeholder consultations aimed at developing a WTO-compliant and CARICOM-aligned policy that would prohibit the importation, manufacture, sale, and distribution of sunscreens containing specific reef-toxic ingredients.

Among the chemicals under review are Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octocrylene, and Octisalate—all of which have been linked to coral bleaching, endocrine disruption in marine species, and other ecological harms.

Senior Trade Policy Analyst Jomica Carbon explained that the initiative seeks to balance environmental protection with public health and trade considerations.

“This initiative is driven by the urgent need to protect Antigua and Barbuda’s coral reef ecosystems, which are vital to our tourism-dependent economy,” Carbon stated. “It also addresses growing health concerns associated with these chemicals. Our approach draws from international best practices, particularly the successful ban implemented by Palau, which has significantly reduced reef damage.”

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Ambassador Dr. Clarence Pilgrim, welcomed the members of the national task force and emphasized that the consultations aim to assess the trade, consumer, environmental, and health implications of sunscreen products before drafting a final policy.

“We understand that sunscreen is essential for protecting human skin from ultraviolet radiation and reducing the risk of skin cancer,” Dr. Pilgrim said. “However, the same compounds designed to safeguard people are now being shown to harm corals, algae, and marine life. We must find a responsible balance.”

Citing recent scientific studies, Dr. Pilgrim noted that organic UV filters used in many sunscreens can bioaccumulate in marine organisms, causing coral bleaching and toxic effects across the food chain.

He stressed that the issue is particularly urgent for Antigua and Barbuda, where the economy, culture, and environment are deeply tied to the ocean.

“As a Small Island Developing State, our survival depends on healthy reefs,” he said. “The Cabinet has recognized the urgency of this issue and called for decisive policy action. Antigua and Barbuda now has a chance to lead the region in setting environmentally responsible standards.”

The Ministry’s proposed timeline outlines an active consultation period from October 2025 to January 2026, followed by the circulation of a draft policy for review between February and March 2026. The final version is expected to be submitted to Cabinet in April 2026, with implementation targeted for mid-2026, pending Cabinet approval.

If approved, Antigua and Barbuda would join a growing list of countries such as Palau, Thailand, and Hawaii, that have enacted bans on reef-harming sunscreen chemicals.

The move would also align with the country’s commitments under CARICOM and the OECS, and reinforce its standing as a global advocate for sustainable tourism and marine conservation.