Rules published on 23 October will take effect in February, covering specified sand-filled toys and accessible decorative or craft sand.
Certain sand-containing toys and craft products will need asbestos testing before they can be supplied in New Zealand from 1 February 2027, under a notice published on 23 October.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment said the measure follows 23 product recalls affecting approximately 46,000 units since November 2025. The recalled goods included play, hobby and decorative products in which traces of asbestos were found.
The final notice covers toys for children under 14 with accessible sand, and toys holding sand inside flexible materials such as rubber, silicone or plastic. It also covers decorative, artistic and craft goods containing sand that consumers can directly handle during normal use.
Product Safety New Zealand’s guidance specifically lists sand-containing rangoli products and stretchy sensory toys among its examples. Natural sand intended for sandpits, playgrounds or other recreational areas is excluded, as are board games without accessible sand.
Testing must cover sand from at least three units of each product or relevant variant and be performed by an appropriately accredited laboratory. Required documents must identify the product and record that no asbestos was detected, among other conditions.
MBIE said the February start date gives importers and suppliers time to arrange testing. The Commerce Commission and New Zealand Customs Service will enforce the requirements.
People who already own sand products should check the recall list and follow the instructions for any affected item, MBIE says. The testing requirement applies to the specified products from February; it is not a recall of every sand product.
Sources
