- Homeowners urged to know where they stand as engineered stone ban kicks in
- Advice to negotiate alternatives or refunds if contracts not completed in time
- Existing stone benchtops still covered by Australian Consumer Law
As a national ban on engineered stone approaches, Consumer Protection is urging affected homeowners to be aware of their rights and avoid signing new contracts to have the product installed.
From 1 July 2024, the supply or installation of engineered stone - commonly used to make kitchen and bathroom benchtops - will be banned in all states across Australia to protect workers from the risks of silicosis, an irreversible lung disease.
In Western Australia, a transition period has been granted to allow existing contracts entered into on or before 31 December 2023 to be honoured up until 31 December 2024. After this time, no engineered stone products are allowed to be installed despite any outstanding consumer contracts that may remain. There is no transition period for contracts entered into on or after 1 January 2024.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake said it was important for consumers to understand that traders should not be offering new contracts to supply engineered stone products.
"We want consumers to know the six-month extension is only a 'grace period' in which traders can wind up and complete existing contracts signed in 2023 or earlier - it isn't more time for them to sign up new customers who want engineered stone benchtops, panels or slabs," Ms Blake said.
"For consumers with contracts signed in 2024 that haven't been completed, we would ideally like to see them renegotiate the terms with their suppliers and switch to a different product. If an agreement is unable to be reached, these consumers may be entitled to receive a refund."
Households with existing engineered stone products remain covered by the Australian Consumer Law, which entitles them to a remedy when products fail to meet a guarantee, such as lasting a reasonable period of time.
"All the usual consumer rights apply here as they do to any other product, however a trader would not be able to provide you with an exact replacement of an existing engineered stone bench. In these cases, either an alternative product may be supplied, or a refund may also be possible," Ms Blake said.
"With minor failures, it would still be possible for engineered stone products to be repaired, in adherence with Work Health and Safety guidelines."
Ms Blake also reassured consumers about the safety issues related to engineered stone.
"If left undisturbed, engineered stone products do not pose a safety risk after installation in your home or workplace," she said.
"That's why it's important to not do any DIY work on the engineered stone, as health risks may arise if silica dust is generated during its removal, repair, minor modification or disposal. Our best advice is to contact a qualified tradesperson."
Detailed information for traders about the engineered stone ban is available on the WorkSafe website. For consumers, a list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the Consumer Protection website
