International collaboration and leadership
Australia became one of the earliest countries in the world to enact a complete ban on the use, import and export of asbestos.
One of the aims of the Asbestos National Strategic Plan 2024-2030 is to secure a worldwide ban on the production and trade of asbestos. This work includes:
- capacity building activities in South-East Asia to detect asbestos-related diseases and prevent asbestos exposure,
- promoting the Australian Government’s position on asbestos bans and using our experience in a positive way to reduce asbestos-related disease, particularly in our region, and
- preventing and responding effectively to illegal importation of products containing asbestos.
ASSEA collaborates with a range of local and international organisations to progress the strategic actions of the Asbestos National Strategic Plan. ASSEA’s 2025-26 International Leadership and Collaboration Strategy outlines how the agency will implement the international priorities and lead actions in the both the Asbestos and Silica National Strategic Plans during 2025-2026.
Countries with asbestos bans
The International Ban Asbestos Secretariat has the most comprehensive list of countries that have introduced bans or restrictions on the trade, production and use of asbestos.
