SGS highlights New Zealand’s proposed asbestos requirements for specified sand products
BAAR, SWITZERLAND / AGILITYPR.NEWS / October 06, 2026 / SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 127.26, detailing New Zealand’s proposals to prohibit asbestos in specified consumer sand products and introduce associated testing requirements.
The draft Unsafe Goods (Consumer Sand Products) Notice 2026 was announced by the World Trade Organization (WTO) on September 4, 2026. If approved, the notice would prohibit asbestos in specified consumer sand products, including toy sand, toys containing sand and certain decorative, craft or artistic products.
Under the proposal, asbestos must not be detected using specified testing methods. Testing laboratories must be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, with the method of analysis included in their scope of accreditation. Certificates, reports or results must also be dated no more than 12 months before the goods are imported into or manufactured in New Zealand.
Businesses involved in supplying toy sand and other specified goods containing sand would be affected, including manufacturers, importers and retailers. Comments on the draft notice were accepted until September 25, 2026.
SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 127.26 includes further information on the notice’s applicable product categories, testing methods and other proposed requirements.
Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to SafeGuardS 127.26 for more details.
SGS consumer product services
SGS provides news about the development of regulations affecting consumer products as a complimentary service. With an unrivaled global network of laboratories, they offer physical/mechanical testing, analytical testing and consultancy work for technical and non-technical parameters applicable to a comprehensive range of consumer products. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s consumer product services.
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full New Zealand Proposes Asbestos Testing for Specified Sand Products SafeGuardS.
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For further information, contact Media Inquiries or:
Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: +852 2774 7420
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
About Us
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of over 100,000 dedicated professionals. With more than 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
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