New Zealand Proposes Mandatory Asbestos Testing for Children's Sand Products

New Zealand's Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer has announced plans to introduce mandatory asbestos testing for children's toys and craft products containing sand. This move aims to protect consumers, particularly families with children, from potential asbestos exposure. Since the issue emerged, 23 recalls have been issued covering around 46,000 products. The proposed measure would require pre-sale testing of all toys containing sand, including those with sealed sand, to address potential exposure through broken or misused products. An unsafe goods notice would prohibit the sale of untested products in the short term, with officials exploring comprehensive product safety regulation for the long term.