Engineered stone ban - ongoing transition

Australia became the first country in the world to ban the manufacture, supply, processing, and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels, and slabs when the prohibition came into effect on 1 July 2024. The ban was triggered by an epidemic of accelerated silicosis - a fatal and incurable lung disease - among engineered stone workers.

From 1 July 2024, no business in Australia may manufacture, supply, or install engineered stone products covered by the ban. There is a limited exemption for engineered stone with crystalline silica content below 1% by weight. From 1 July 2026, the transition period for stock held before the ban ends - any remaining engineered stone above the threshold must not be installed.

For builders, kitchen fitters, stonemasons, and bathroom renovators, the ongoing obligation is to ensure stone products contain compliant silica content, and that silica safety controls (wet cutting, RPE, health monitoring) continue to apply to all silica-containing materials.