New Zealand proposes mandatory asbestos testing for sand-based toys

New Zealand's Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister, Cameron Brewer, has proposed mandatory asbestos testing for children's toys and craft products containing sand. The move aims to prevent asbestos-contaminated items from entering homes, schools, and early childhood centers.

To date, there have been 23 recalls involving approximately 46,000 products after asbestos was identified. To address the issue in the short term, the government is proposing an ‘unsafe goods notice’ that would require mandatory pre-sale testing for all toys and decorative or art products containing sand, regardless of whether the sand is sealed or accessible.

Minister Brewer stated that while government agencies have worked with businesses to recall affected items, these products should not have entered the market initially. Officials have also been tasked with exploring long-term, comprehensive product safety regulations regarding asbestos testing.