Engineered Stone Ban: What Does This Mean for Builders?

Engineered Stone Ban: What Does This Mean for Builders?

Engineered Stone Ban Takes Effect 1 July 2024.

The ban on engineered stone products in Victoria will take effect from 1 July 2024. This means that the manufacturing, supply, processing or installation of engineered stone products, such as benchtops, panels or slabs, will no longer be allowed.

“Engineered Stone Ban Takes Effect 1 July 2024”

It is important to note that products such as natural stone, porcelain and manufactured stone without silica are not included in the ban. The removal of existing engineered stone products from the market is expected to cause significant disruptions to the supply of other materials for benchtops, panels and slabs.

It is likely that many consumers will need to re-think the product selections for their kitchens and bathrooms. This will be necessary as newer products may not match the benchtop designs the consumer originally selected.

“It is likely that many consumers will need to re-think the product selections for their kitchens and bathrooms.”

Importantly, the government has confirmed that it does not intend to allow for a transition period for the engineered stone ban. This means that consumers who signed contracts last year for engineered stone products to be installed in their homes, before the plan to ban was made by governments, cannot have these contracts honoured. However, repairs, minor modifications, removal and disposal of engineered stone products installed before 1 July 2024 will be allowed, subject to existing control requirements.

“(…) consumers who signed contracts last year for engineered stone products to be installed in their homes (…) cannot have these contracts honoured”

While suppliers will do their best to meet the needs of the market, all these factors will result in delays and increased costs for many new homes and renovation projects. These delays will also disrupt the government’s expectations for increased housing.

Unfortunately, despite regular requests from HIA for a transition period, it is unlikely that the Victorian government will budge. Builders will need to be patient and spend time explaining the consequences of the Victorian government’s decision to their clients.

The regulations to implement this decision are not yet available. There is also no detail about how the government will enforce the engineered stone ban.

HIA members can contact HIA on 1300 650 620 to get more advice on these matters or via HIA support online. Non-members may wish to contact WorkSafe Victoria for more advice.