The Commission pointed out that current "sun protection factor" labels indicate protection from UVB radiation, which causes sunburn, but not from UVA, which also contributes to skin cancer.
It said that the labels should have indication on UVA protection and the information about how much cream to put on, and how often.
EU also wants to ban the phrase "sun blocker" or "total protection" on the grounds that no product can provide full protection against ultra-violet light.
Commission spokesman Gregor Kreuzhuber expects the new rules to be in place by next summer.
In the absence of an agreed method to test for UVA protection, different manufacturers mark their products with "many different very confusing numbers," he added.
UVA causes premature skin aging and interferes with the immune system, as well as contributing to skin cancer.
