Children’s Sand Products recalled in Australia due to Asbestos

Vol. 1501 | 23 Nov 2025

In November 2025, Australia's ACCC recalled several children's decorative coloured sand products after tremolite and chrysotile asbestos—prohibited since 2003—were detected in laboratory tests. Import, sale, and use of asbestos-containing products is banned nationally under stringent customs and safety regulations.

On 12 November 2025, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a recall notice over children’s decorative coloured sand products that may contain asbestos, which is a prohibited substance in Australia.

Australia Asbestos requirements

All types of asbestos have been banned for use in Australia since 2003. Work Health and Safety (WHS) and environment laws in all States and Territories prohibit the unauthorized supply, transport, use (including manufacturing) or handling of asbestos.

To support the asbestos ban in Australia,

• importing asbestos or goods containing asbestos into Australia is prohibited, unless a permission has been granted or a lawful exception applies, under Regulation 4C of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956.
• exporting asbestos or certain goods containing asbestos from Australia is prohibited, unless a permission has been granted or a lawful exception applies, under Regulation 4, and Schedule 1, of the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958.

Details of the recent recall notice: Please access the link here. 

Product information: Decorative coloured sand in various colours, to be used for open-ended art and craft activities or sensory play.

Hazards to consumers: The products may cause a risk to health as tremolite asbestos (a naturally occurring asbestos) has been detected in some samples after laboratory testing.

If you have any questions, please contact Sam Leung (Sam.Leung@intertek.com).