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Caveat:We make every effort to ensure that the information provided below is accurate. However, the changing nature of legislative frameworks means that we cannot guarantee the accuracy of all of the information provided. The information below is not professional or legal advice. Before making any decisions regarding the importation of asbestos material please consult the relevant authorities in your country.
Some high-temp gasket material contains asbestos because of its superior heat-resistant qualities. Suitable non-asbestos high temp gasket material is available for most applications, although in some cases it may be more expensive than the equivalent asbestos material.
The importation of asbestos material is prohibited by some countries as indicated below. We will not supply gaskets containing asbestos to customers living in countries that prohibit its importation.
If you live in a country that does allow the importation of gaskets containing asbestos please let us know if you want asbestos-free material.
United States and Canada -The US and Canada permit the import of gaskets containing asbestos. If you want asbestos-free material please let us know. Legislation is pending in the US that would ban the importation and sale of any products containing asbestos. The Senate has currently passed a bill (S.742: Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2007) that would ban the imporation and sale of products containing asbestos within 2 years of enactment into law. Similar legislation is under consideration in the House of Representatives. If you are importing gaskets for resale it would probably be a good idea to go with non-asbestos to avoid the possibility of at some point being stuck with product you cannot sell.
EU countries-Prohibited.
Australia: Prohibited.
Other countries-It is the customer's responsibility to determine whether or not asbestos gaskets are allowed into their country if they specify asbestos.
Further background information (links open in new browser window):
Chrysotile Asbestos: Technical Assessment of Alternatives- Report prepared by the Australian National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC). 81 page PDF file-requires Adobe Reader®.
Non-asbestos gaskets-European Commission briefing.
Asbestos Exposure: Questions and Answers-National Cancer Institute.
Asbestos Industry Viewpoint-As you would expect, they don't think it is so bad...