11 December 2024
The importation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs into Australia will be banned from 1 January 2025.
The ban will provide an extra layer of deterrence at the border, as most engineered stone products are imported into Australia.
From 1 January 2025 the importation into Australia of engineered stone in the form of benchtops, panels or slabs will be prohibited unless:
- the Commonwealth Work Health and Safety Minister or an authorised person may permit, in writing, the importation on the basis that the importation is for genuine research and analysis, or to sample and identify engineered stone, or they consider there are exceptional circumstances justifying importation,
- an authority of a State or Territory, or Comcare, confirm in writing that the importation is for genuine research and analysis, or to sample and identify engineered stone, or
- the importation is subject to an exemption granted under sub regulation 684(1) or 689A(1) of the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011(Commonwealth), or a corresponding WHS law.
The use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs has been banned in Australia since 1 July 2024.
Transitional arrangements exist in South Australia, so eligible contracts associated with the installation of engineered stone entered into on or before 31 December 2023 can be fulfilled, providing they are completed by 31 December 2024.
You may still work on installed engineered stone if you are removing, disposing, repairing or making minor modifications to engineered stone that is already installed, however you must notify SafeWork SA and use appropriate safety controls(external site), which were tightened from 1 September 2024(external site).
Engineered stone contains high levels of respirable crystalline silica.
Exposure to crystalline silica dust can cause the serious lung disease, silicosis, and other health problems including lung cancer, chronic kidney disease and a range of autoimmune conditions.
Further information on the prohibition of engineered stone under work health and safety laws is available on the SafeWork SA website(external site) .
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