Australia - Children's play sand has been recalled for asbestos
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recalled several models of decorative coloured play sand for children in November 2025 after laboratory tests containing tremolite and chrysotile asbestos, which have been banned since 2003. Under strict customs and safety regulations, the import, sale, and use of asbestos-containing products are prohibited in Australia.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a recall on 12 November 2025 due to the potential presence of banned asbestos in several children's decorative coloured play sand.
Asbestos requirements in Australia
Since 2003, Australia has banned the use of all types of asbestos. The unauthorized supply, transportation, use (including manufacture) or handling of asbestos is prohibited under the Health and Safety at Work Act and the environmental laws of each state/territory.
Australian asbestos ban:
- Under section 4C of the Customs (Prohibition on Import) Ordinance 1956, the import of asbestos or items containing asbestos into Australia is prohibited unless a permit is granted or a lawful exception is met.
- Under section 4 and Schedule 1 of the Customs (Prohibition on Export) Regulations 1958, the export of asbestos or certain goods containing asbestos from Australia is prohibited unless permitted or a lawful exception is met.
Ban on six types of asbestos:
- actinolite asbestos
- grunerite (or amosite) asbestos (brown)
- anthophyllite asbestos
- chrysotile asbestos (white)
- crocidolite asbestos (blue)
- tremolite asbestos
Details of recent recall notices: Please click this link
Product Information: Decorative colored sand in various colors that can be used for open-ended art and craft activities or sensory play.
Harm to consumers: Laboratory tests have found that some samples contain tremolite asbestos, a type of natural asbestos, which may pose health risks.
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