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Consultation on draft Unsafe Goods (Consumer Sand Products) Notice 2026

MBIE is consulting on a draft notice that would require asbestos testing before most consumer toys, decorative, artistic and craft products containing sand can be imported or supplied.

Closing date
25 September 2026

Closes in 2 days

Added to Civics
5 September 2026
Source category
Public service
Last checked
5 September 2026

Plain-English summary

MBIE is consulting on a draft notice that would require asbestos testing before most consumer toys, decorative, artistic and craft products containing sand can be imported or supplied.

Read the official consultation material for the detailed proposal, supporting documents and submission method.

Why it matters

Asbestos has been detected in play, hobby and decorative sand products sold in New Zealand.

Suppliers have carried out 23 recalls of sand products containing asbestos, affecting around 46,000 units.

The proposal would restrict supply of products that have not been appropriately tested while allowing supply where there is sufficient evidence they are free from asbestos.

Who may care

  • Suppliers of consumer sand products
  • Consumers of consumer sand products
  • Businesses and industry groups involved with sand-containing toys, decorative, artistic and craft products

How to make a submission

  1. Read the official consultation material.
  2. Submit feedback through the official consultation page before the closing date.

Disclaimer

Civics.nz is an independent plain-English guide and is not an official government website. Always check the official source before making a submission.