Azerbaijan plans to ban the use of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials, following proposed amendments to the law “On the List of Items Prohibited from Civil Circulation,” Report news agency said.
The draft amendments have been placed on the agenda of the Milli Majlis plenary session scheduled for December 26. The document notes that asbestos has long been widely used in construction and various industries, including cement production, chemicals, insulation, and paper manufacturing.
According to the State Statistics Committee, Azerbaijan imported 591 tons of asbestos and 30,238 tons of asbestos-containing sheets in 2023, while imports in 2024 totaled 1,045 tons of asbestos and 27,634 tons of similar materials.
Asbestos-based roofing materials (slate) currently account for around 29% of the country’s total roofing stock, covering approximately 190 million square meters. Annual slate consumption is estimated at 2.6 million square meters, or about 1.5 million sheets, with asbestos roofing holding a 15-20% share of the national roofing market.
Following scientific evidence confirming the serious health risks associated with asbestos, many countries have already banned its use. Inhalation of asbestos fibers significantly increases the risk of various diseases, including severe lung conditions.
Taking international practice into account, the draft law proposes adding asbestos and asbestos-containing materials to the list of products prohibited from civil circulation.
If adopted, the ban is expected to enter into force on July 1, 2027.
