Recently, Australian Border Force (ABF) issued Australian Customs Notice 2024/32 outlining the requirements for importers regarding the prohibition on importing asbestos and goods containing asbestos into Australia.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) targets both imported and exported goods considered to be at risk of containing asbestos and has a nationwide ban on the manufacture and use of all types of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials since December 31, 2003.
Asbestos means the asbestiform varieties of mineral silicates belonging to the following serpentine or amphibole groups of rock forming minerals:
- actinolite asbestos;
- grunerite (or amosite) asbestos (brown);
- anthophyllite asbestos;
- chrysotile asbestos (white);
- crocidolite asbestos (blue);
- tremolite asbestos; or
- a mixture that contains one or more of the minerals referred above.
All forms of asbestiform asbestos are highly toxic and carcinogenic to humans. Exposure to asbestos can cause cancer of the lung, larynx and ovary mesothelioma (a cancer of the pleural and peritoneal linings) and asbestosis (fibrosis of the lungs).
Some common products that can pose a risk are items such as construction materials; automotive parts; gaskets and seals; even hairdryers and ironing board covers.
Key Points
- Importers and exporters have a responsibility to ensure their goods do not contain asbestos.
- The ABF risk assesses 100% of goods entering and exiting Australia and targets those considered at risk of containing asbestos and any goods suspected of containing asbestos will be held at the border until the ABF is assured of their compliance.
- Testing and certification of goods is at the importer’s/exporter’s own cost.
- There are provisions within the legislation for penalties or prosecution.
The health risks posed by exposure to asbestos are well known. The ABF expects importers and exporters to be able to demonstrate that they have undertaken adequate risk assessment measures for their goods that are known to be at risk of containing asbestos, or are supplied from countries with asbestos producing industries.
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to our Customs team.
