Applying for a permit

ASEA advises that information on this page is subject to change due to a current review of the permit application process. ASEA is currently implementing a range of changes to streamline the application process, which will provide applicants:

  • clearer instructions, and
  • an online application form

If you have any questions please contact ASEA at enquiries@asbestossafety.gov.au or call the Asbestos Safety Hotline on 1300 326 148.

This page explains how to apply for permission to import or export suspected asbestos or goods containing asbestos into or out of Australia. Information about the circumstances in which permission may be granted is provided here.

ASEA provides advice to the Minister or ASEA CEO on permit applications.

If permission is granted, the applicant will receive written permission with a permit number that must accompany the importation or exportation. Ongoing permits can be granted for a maximum period of 12 months, after which they must be renewed. Once-off permits are only valid in limited circumstances. 

Please note, ASEA may provide details of new permits to the Australian Border Force and to the relevant work health and safety regulator. Permit holders can also opt to have their details recorded on ASEA’s website here.

Completed applications, in the form of a letter or email with supporting evidence attached can be sent by either post of email as follows:

Chief Executive Officer
Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency
Level 10, 255 Elizabeth Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000

Or via email to permits@asbestossafety.gov.au

If you have any questions, please contact ASEA at enquiries@asbestossafety.gov.au or call the Asbestos Safety Hotline on 1300 326 148.

Information to include in your application

Please provide all relevant information in the following checklists in your application for permission to import or export asbestos.

General information

  • Name, address and contact phone numbers for the organisation and representative (Note: this will be provided to Australian Border Force (ABF) and the relevant WHS regulator)
  • The type of asbestos you are seeking to import or export
  • Countries and/or regions of origin of the asbestos 
  • Where the asbestos will be imported to in Australia or where it will be exported from.
  • If seeking permission to import asbestos – the purpose of importation: research, analysis, display or disposal
  • Details of the reason for importation, for example, to test representative samples prior to full shipments, or exportation, for example, to return samples to the country of origin for disposal.
  • A statement of assurance that all Australian statutory obligations will be complied with in relation to the use of the asbestos or goods containing asbestos
  • A statement if you wish to have your organisation’s details listed on the ASEA website here should you be granted permission to import or export.

If importation is for the purpose of research and/or analysis:

  • If research or analysis is to be undertaken for a client—location and details of client
  • Quantity
  • Total number of expected imports within the import permit period and frequency of imports. 
  • Type of items that samples may be taken from e.g. building materials, air monitoring cowls, vehicles.
  • Dimensions of asbestos to be imported e.g. samples smaller than a 10 cent coin, 15mm x 15 mm
  • Estimated total disposal size of asbestos waste at the end of the permit period
  • Will the waste be contained and exported back to the originating country under Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958? (Note: this will minimise the hazardous waste burden in Australia)

Health and safety

  • Accreditation details of the laboratory that will undertake the research or analysis, e.g. NATA accreditation numbers relevant to asbestos, laboratory address(es)
  • Details including supporting evidence of proposed risk management in relation to:
  • Handling – Procedures for risk managed handling and transport e.g. Standard/Safe Operating Procedures (SOP), Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
  • Packaging arrangements for transport and storage e.g. pelican case, 200μm thick bags
  • Labelling – Identification of hazardous material as per Globally Harmonised System requirements and any requirements under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code
  • Transporting – Details of who will transport the samples and transport mode e.g. courier company name imported by air and then by road
  • Disposal – How the samples will be disposed of e.g. relevant section in risk management or procedural document, waste disposal certificates.

Importation for the purpose of display

  • The types of asbestos or goods containing asbestos that are intended to be displayed 
  • The quantity of the asbestos and the size of the goods containing asbestos 
  • The location of the display, whether it is static or mobile, and whether it is public or private
  • All risk management systems to prevent exposure of people to asbestos fibres including maintenance and repair e.g. SOPs or JSA, Asbestos Risk Management Procedures, warning signs, Asbestos Risk Register or Hazardous Materials Register, emergency management systems.
  • Details including supporting evidence of proposed risk management in relation to:
  • Handling – Procedures for risk managed handling and transport e.g. Standard/Safe Operating Procedures (SOP), Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
  • Packaging arrangements for transport and storage e.g. pelican case, 200μm thick bags
  • Labelling – Identification of hazardous material as per Globally Harmonised System requirements and any requirements under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code
  • Transporting – Details of who will transport the samples and transport mode e.g. courier company name imported by air and then by road

Importation for the purpose of disposal

  • Which external Territory the asbestos is originating from
  • The quantity of each importation and the likely frequency of importations
  • Details of where the asbestos will be disposed of and an assurance that the disposal facility is licensed to accept asbestos waste. If arrangements have already been made, please provide an assurance that the facility has agreed to accept the asbestos waste. 
  • Asbestos management plan for the managing of risks once the asbestos is imported.

Exportation of asbestos

  • Whether you are seeking permission to export asbestos from an external territory
  • Details of the quantity of asbestos you are seeking to export
  • Details including supporting evidence of a risk management plan an proposed risk management in relation to:
  • Handling – Procedures for risk managed handling and transport e.g. Standard/Safe Operating Procedures (SOP), Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
  • Packaging arrangements for transport and storage e.g. pelican case, 200μm thick bags
  • Labelling – Identification of hazardous material as per Globally Harmonised System requirements and any requirements under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code
  • Transporting – Details of who will transport the samples and transport mode e.g. courier company name imported by air and then by road

Please note, that it may take up to 6 weeks for your application to be assessed. ASEA will endeavour to provide periodic updates on the progression of, and outcomes of decisions to all applicants.