Asbestos-free imports to Australia and New Zealand: a buyer's checklist
Reviewed by Bo, Project Manager at NOVARTE · Updated
How to keep asbestos out of imported kitchens, furniture, stone and boards for Australia and New Zealand: the rules, evidence and testing.
The practical answer
Australia prohibits asbestos imports, and New Zealand has prohibited asbestos-containing product imports since 1 October 2016, subject to limited legal exceptions. Australian importers need adequate evidence for goods at risk; a supplier declaration alone is not evidence. ABF can require testing at the importer’s expense and seize unlawfully imported goods containing asbestos. Ask for evidence tied to the actual materials before paying the balance.
The rules in each country
| Australia | New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Asbestos and goods containing it are prohibited imports, with limited legal exceptions. Importers assess risk and hold supporting evidence. | Asbestos-containing products have been prohibited imports since 1 October 2016 unless a limited permit or controlled re-export exception applies. EPA administers permits. |
Higher-risk products
The agency’s 7 June 2021 alert identifies these building products and components; use current ABF guidance for the evidence and sampling process. Kitchen cabinetry is usually made of wood-based boards, but benchtops, stone, tiles and fire-rated parts still need their own material-risk review. A product label or photograph is not proof of its composition.
- Fibre-cement boards and panels
- Prefabricated building kits
- Cut stone and tiles
- Heat- or fire-resistant components
What evidence to ask for
A test report for a different batch does not establish the content of your shipment. Confirm the laboratory’s scope of accreditation and how the sample was selected with your broker.
- A material list for each item and component.
- Accredited laboratory reports for higher-risk materials, using an accepted method and representative samples.
- Supplier and manufacturer details traceable to the goods.
- Photos and batch records linking the tested material to your order.
- Risk assessments and supporting records kept with your import documents.
What happens at the border
ABF can hold goods for assessment and require sampling and testing at the importer’s expense. If unlawfully imported asbestos is detected, the goods can be seized and forfeited for disposal. Penalties for individuals and companies can be substantial — see the agency’s current guidance.
This section describes Australia’s ABF process. In New Zealand, use the EPA permit rules and your broker’s clearance advice; do not assume an Australian declaration establishes New Zealand compliance.
How we handle it
We list the materials for every item in the quotation and, on request, arrange testing of higher-risk materials by an accredited laboratory before shipping. Testing scope, samples, cost and evidence are agreed for the order; this is not a promise that every order or component is tested.
Related import planning
Sources
- ABF · Asbestos import rules and documentary evidence
- ABF · Sampling and testing for asbestos
- ASSEA · ABF targets asbestos in imported building products (7 June 2021)
- WorkSafe NZ · Asbestos in Aotearoa
- NZ Legislation · Prohibition Order 2016
- EPA · Asbestos-containing products permits
Rules checked on 28 October 2026. The 2021 alert supports the product-risk examples, not current fine amounts. Confirm the evidence and clearance position for the goods with your broker.
Common questions
Is a supplier’s “asbestos-free” certificate enough for Australia?+
No. A declaration alone is not evidence; it needs valid supporting documents appropriate to the goods and risk. Reports must relate to the actual shipment and accepted testing where required.
Does wooden furniture need asbestos testing?+
Not automatically. Assess the actual materials and supply chain; stone, cement-based and heat-resistant components can carry different risks from timber boards. ABF can require representative accredited testing where assurance is insufficient.
Is New Zealand’s rule the same?+
Similar, but it has its own law and permit process. Asbestos-containing products have been prohibited imports since 1 October 2016, with limited EPA permit and Customs-controlled re-export exceptions.