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Does the Minister agree with Professors Shaw and Sims that there is a need for asbestos testing in products at risk of contamination at the border to reduce the risk of them entering New Zealand and adversely affecting New Zealanders’ health?

Answered Question 12879 (2026)
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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • Does the Minister agree with Professors Shaw and Sims that there is a need for asbestos testing in products at risk of contamination at the border to reduce the risk of them entering New Zealand and adversely affecting New Zealanders’ health?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

Importing asbestos-containing products is strictly prohibited, unless the importer has been issued a permit to do so by the Environmental Protection Authority. My expectation is that suppliers take the necessary steps to comply with the law, including undertaking testing of their products before they are imported.