Despite it being illegal to import since the 31st December 2003, an inquiry has shown that products containing asbestos continues to be imported into Australia.
The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA) has recently reported that counterfeit car parts, some including asbestos, have been recently bought into the country.
The importation into Australia of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are strictly prohibited except under very limited circumstances.
Responsibility lies with the importer for ensuring goods are asbestos-free prior to importation.
Goods containing asbestos imported into Australia (without an exemption) can attract fines of up to $170,000 or three times the value of the goods, which ever is greater.
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection have re-affirmed that they are intensifying their efforts in addressing the risk of asbestos in imports, especially building products and children’s toys.
Australia has a ZERO TOLERANCE to asbestos levels in imported manufactured goods.
