Overview
- National recalls remain in place as hundreds of education sites report affected coloured or kinetic sand, with South Australia alone logging more than 300 sites and deploying licensed removalists.
- Australian Border Force now treats children’s sand play products as high risk, requiring proof they are asbestos‑free before import after earlier rules did not mandate testing.
- Responses vary by jurisdiction, from ACT school closures and licensed removals to isolation and double‑bagging guidance elsewhere, with parents and teachers reporting disposal and communication challenges.
- New Zealand authorities confirm disruptions, and an Auckland primary school reported positive asbestos results in some sand samples, relocating classes and arranging professional decontamination.
- Recalled products include ranges from Educational Colours and Creatistics and Kmart and Target sets sold through major retailers such as Officeworks, Target, Kmart and Woolworths, while South Australia’s education minister has called for a federal inquiry into supply‑chain failures.