Asbestos detections at the border

Data around previous unlawful imports are used to protect Australia from possible future unlawful imports. If an organisation has had previous unlawful imports their shipments will be under greater scrutiny. 

Since 2020, the Australian Border Force (ABF) has provided ASSEA with data regarding detections of asbestos at the border.

This informs importers of the risk for certain goods and also illustrates that chrysotile asbestos is the most common type of asbestos detected, despite bans on its use in many other countries. 

The ABF enforces the asbestos import/export prohibitions by carrying out targeted inspections in line with Commonwealth legislation. This is crucial to protecting the Australian public and industry. 

The following categories of goods have been detected at the border containing asbestos:
  • Raw asbestos silicate
  • Light utility vehicle parts
  • Building products including fibre boards of various descriptions
  • Jewellery
  • Machinery
  • Cut natural stone tiles and slabs
  • Therapeutic minerals
  • Machinery parts
  • Bulk raw materials
  • Vehicles
  • Gaskets and friction materials
  • Crayons
  • Vehicle parts
  • Construction plant/equipment
  • Gas cylinders
  • Aircraft parts
  • Agricultural equipment
  • Chemical products
  • Bee smokers
  • Maritime vessel parts
  • Heating equipment
  • Light utility vehicle
  • Industrial plant
 
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Questions regarding the data below can be directed to enquiries@asbestossafety.gov.au