Permits in very limited circumstances

Permission to import goods that contain asbestos may only be granted for the purpose of:

• Research, analysis or display
• Waste may be imported from an Australian External Territory for disposal in a state or territory.

Permission to export can be granted in a broader range of circumstances.

ASSEA administer the process for applying for permission to import or export asbestos or goods containing asbestos other than hazardous waste from outside Australia. Information regarding the process is below.

The importation of waste containing asbestos from a country outside Australia is classified as hazardous waste for the purposes of the Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1989. 

The importation of hazardous waste requires permission granted by the Minister for the Environment and Water. Information about applying for permission is located on the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) website.

An importation containing asbestos, even if accompanied by a valid import permission, must be declared at the border. Refer to the Australian Border Force website for more information.