Australia’s freight forwarding and construction supply sectors are entering a new era following the landmark ban on engineered stone. From 1 July 2024, the manufacture, supply and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs was prohibited nationwide due to well-documented health risks associated with crystalline silica exposure.
By 1 January 2025, these products were also classified as prohibited imports under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956.
This regulatory shift has left a clear gap in the market one that natural marble is now poised to fill. But for importers, freight forwarders, and suppliers, the new demand comes with both opportunities and challenges.
Engineered stone, defined as a manufactured product combining natural stone, resins, and pigments with ≥1% crystalline silica, is the focus of the ban. The risks of silicosis in stonemasons and installers drove the decision.
Natural marble, granite, and other quarried stones are not restricted. Nor are finished goods that don’t require cutting or processing on site, such as prefabricated sinks or decorative pieces. This distinction creates a growth path for importers of genuine natural marble slabs and tiles, which continue to be highly sought-after for luxury kitchens and high-end residential projects.
Import & Freight Challenges
Natural marble offers opportunity but requires careful handling:
- Border scrutiny: Shipments resembling benchtop slabs are checked closely to ensure they are not engineered stone. Documentation such as test reports and safety data sheets is essential.
- Freight risks: Marble slabs are heavy and fragile. Correct packaging, insurance and experienced freight partners are critical to avoid loss.
- Costs: Natural marble commands a higher price than engineered stone, with freight and handling adding to landed costs.
Outlook
The ban has reshaped the benchtop market. Natural marble is once again the premium material of choice, but importers and forwarders must adapt with compliance, supplier verification and robust freight solutions. Those who do so can turn regulatory change into a competitive edge.
SCI Australia remains committed to finding innovative solutions to ensure our clients’ needs are not only met but consistently exceeded.
For further information on how we can assist, please contact your local SCI representative or call us on 1800 422 700.