From 1 January 2025, the Australian Border Force (ABF) will enforce new laws that enable the seizure of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs at the border.
The Australian Government is prohibiting the import of such products containing more than 1% crystalline silica under Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956, in an effort to protect workers from silicosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling the silica.
The importation prohibition will complement the domestic ban on the use, supply and manufacture of engineered stone products within Australia that has been in effect since 1 July 2024.
ABF Superintendent Lidija Wallace said enforcing the engineered stone ban is just one more way the ABF is keeping the Australian community safe.
“The ABF's vast experience in preventing the importation of a range of prohibited goods means we are skilled and experienced to respond to this change," Superintendent Wallace said.
“Any attempt to rebrand engineered stone as another product to intentionally avoid the import ban will be subject to ABF action."
It is important to note that the ban will exclude some products and importers will be allowed to import samples for testing purposes. For further information, see Engineered stone (abf.gov.au), ACN 2024/45 - New Import Control on Engineered Stone (abf.gov.au) and Prohibition on the use of engineered stone - Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Australian Government.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders is urged to report to Border Watch online. By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border and the community.
Media contact: media@abf.gov.au
