A ban on the use of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs commenced throughout Australia from 1 July 2024.
An Engineered stone ban fact sheet to guide South Australian consumers and businesses through the changes is available.
This can help those navigating pre-existing contracts. Consumer and Business Services also recommends keeping in contact with the supplier or trader of engineered stone can continue to inform how the supply and installation timing is progressing, or any other options a consumer may wish to consider.
Installations that weren’t completed by 1 July 2024 require consumers to look at alternative products. A transitional exemption applies for installations contracted on or before 31 December 2023 that can be finalised by 31 December 2024 in particular circumstances.
Under the transitional arrangements accepted by South Australia, work involving the supply, processing or installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs between 1 July 2024 and 31 December 2024 can be undertaken, provided the work is carried out under, or for the purposes of, a contract that provides for the installation of engineered stone entered into on or before 31 December 2023.
Certain sintered stone, porcelain and finished stone products will also be exempt from the ban.
A framework has been agreed for the permissible removal, disposal, repair and minor modification of engineered stone products previously installed in homes. SafeWork SA has information about the notification processes required of businesses undertaking this work.
Further information specific to South Australia is also available on the SafeWork SA website.
The Government of South Australia announced its adoption of implementation arrangements detailed in this communique following decisions by Australia's Work Health and Safety and Workplace Relations Ministers who met on Friday 22 March 2024.
They had initially agreed to the ban on 13 December 2023 - captured in this meeting communique with further transitional arrangements detailed in another meeting communique on 10 May 2024.
Since December 2023, businesses and consumers have been encouraged to avoid entering into contracts for these products that may not be able to be fulfilled prior to the ban coming into effect.
Businesses and consumers should closely review the communique and stay up to date with updates from Safe Work Australia as the implementation progresses.
Safe Work Australia has made available information for consumers, businesses and workers. It has published more details on the requirements before and after the prohibition comes into effect as well as common questions and answers and the definition of engineered stone.
If you need consumer advice about your contract situation following discussion with your supplier, Consumer and Business Services can be contacted on 131 882.
