Consumers Urged to Exercise Caution with Imported Products Amid Asbestos Concern
November 25, 2025
Consumers are advised to exercise caution when purchasing imported items, particularly children's toys, as recent events highlight the potential risks associated with contaminated products. An asbestos scare has led to the recall of several brands of colored play sand, prompting a broader discussion on product safety.
The recall includes two additional products: the Rainbow Sand Art Toy and Sand Craft, which have been sold at various discount stores nationwide. These products were found to contain tremolite asbestos, despite it being illegal to import any item with asbestos content.
University of Auckland Law Professor Alex Sims emphasizes the importance of consumer vigilance. She notes that the colored sand incident is not an isolated case and that the law may not always be followed by retailers and importers.
Sims suggests that while there are numerous laws governing children's toys, the responsibility ultimately lies with those selling and importing the products to ensure compliance. She highlights the potential for safety issues to go unnoticed until a child's health is compromised, which can lead to legal action and prosecution.
The Commerce Commission and other authorities could conduct spot checks to verify product specifications, but the sheer volume of products makes this a challenging task. If parents seek reimbursement for asbestos testing or cleanup, Sims advises that they should approach the retailer, often Kmart, under the Consumer Guarantees Act.
However, Sims expresses skepticism about the likelihood of such reimbursement, suggesting that legal action through the disputes tribunal may be the only viable option. She also mentions that schools are covered under the Consumer Guarantees Act, further emphasizing the need for consumer awareness.
With Christmas approaching, Sims recommends opting for simpler, traditional toys like wooden items without paint to minimize potential risks. The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) is working with retailers to understand supply chains and determine the origin of the sand, while also emphasizing the retailer's responsibility to sell safe products and the prohibition of asbestos-containing imports without a permit.
Kmart, however, has not responded to requests for an interview regarding its sand products.
