The New Zealand Commerce Commission has announced new mandatory testing requirements for certain consumer sand products, including toys for children under 14, effective from 1 February 2027. This initiative aims to protect children from potential asbestos exposure, providing parents and caregivers with greater peace of mind.

The requirements are part of the Unsafe Goods (Consumer Sand Products) Notice, which will be enforced by the Commerce Commission and New Zealand Customs Service. Principal Compliance Adviser Grant McIntosh emphasized the importance of these rules in preventing asbestos-containing sand products from reaching consumers.

Since November 2025, several products containing sand have been found to have traces of asbestos, leading to the recall of 23 items affecting approximately 46,000 products as of October 2026. As asbestos cannot be visually identified, testing is crucial for consumer safety.

The notice applies to toys and other products containing accessible sand, including decorative and craft items. Consumers are advised to check for recalls, stop using affected products, and stay informed about safety alerts.

Importers and suppliers will be required to provide test reports confirming compliance with the new safety standards. The notice will remain in effect for 18 months while the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment considers longer-term solutions to address asbestos risks in consumer products.