Engineered stone products now banned across Australia

The use, supply and manufacture of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs are now prohibited across all states and territories in Australia. This ban, which came into effect on 1 July 2024, was announced in March this year following findings that the material contained crystalline silica (commonly referred to as silica) – a substance known to pose significant risks such as silicosis, emphysema and lung cancer when inhaled.

With the exception of Queensland, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory (which have adopted the ban without a transitional period), all states and territories are implementing transitional arrangements between 1 July 2024 and 31 December 2024. In New South Wales, contracts signed before 31 December 2023 may still install engineered stone products provided all works are completed by 31 December 2024.