The Australian Border Force (ABF) has initiated a review of its asbestos controls.

“The ABF takes its role in detecting asbestos at the border seriously,” Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton said.

“However, we can’t afford to be complacent with such a dangerous and prohibited substance.

“Findings of the review will be used to determine if Australia’s asbestos border control measures require strengthening, ensuring the community is protected from these dangerous goods.”

The review, by KGH Border Services, will be completed by the end of next month.

A national ban on the importation, manufacture and use of asbestos took effect in 2003.

Last year a Senate inquiry into non-conforming building products heard from the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency that the material was still being imported into the country.