Mandatory asbestos testing for some consumer sand products

Since November 2025, multiple play, hobby and decorative products containing sand have been found to include traces of asbestos. There have been 23 product recalls, totalling approximately 46,000 units, as of October 2026.

MBIE publicly consulted in September on a draft unsafe goods notice aimed at stopping further asbestos-containing products ending up on New Zealand shelves. The final notice was issued today.

Most submitters supported the proposed notice and agreed regulation was needed to reduce the risk of asbestos-contaminated sand products reaching consumers. Submissions came from a range of people including parents, teachers, retailers and importers.

The final notice introduces mandatory testing of all toys for children under 14 years that contain either accessible sand or sand within a penetrable coating. This addresses potential exposure through broken or misused products.

The notice also applies to decorative, art and craft products containing accessible sand.

The notice comes into force on 1 February 2027 to allow time for importers and suppliers to arrange testing. It will be in place for 18 months. MBIE is also exploring other options to address risks from asbestos in consumer products in the longer term.

The Commerce Commission and New Zealand Customs Service will be responsible for enforcing the notice.

For anyone who has purchased sand products, MBIE recommends checking whether these products have been recalled and following the advice in the recall notice.

The most up-to-date list of recalled sand products is available on the Product Safety website.

Recalled products(external link) - Product Safety New Zealand

For further information on the unsafe goods notice:

Asbestos in sand products