Asbestos Regulation in Albania

Albania has no specific law fully banning asbestos use. Although some by-laws exist, there are essentially no laws regulating asbestos use, sale, transport or disposal. The only direct legal restriction is in waste law: since 2011 Albania forbids importing any waste (hazardous or not), effectively making it illegal to import asbestos waste. The Occupational Health and Safety code (2010 Council of Ministers regulation) sets exposure limits for workers and requires protective measures but still allows controlled use. Domestic use or storage of asbestos products is not explicitly outlawed.

Many older buildings (1960-1990) contain asbestos-cement materials, including corrugated roof panels ("Eternit"). In one survey, 23 of 27 samples from schools, hospitals, markets, factories and bus stations tested positive for asbestos fibers. Hot spots include Tirana, Vlore, Korce and Lushnje. The old Eternit factory site in Vlore still has piles of loose asbestos-cement debris.

Environmental officials, NGOs (e.g. ANEP - Association for New Environmental Policies) and international organizations have held training workshops and drafted action plans, but a formal ban still awaits legislation. Albania has not yet aligned with the EU directive banning asbestos (Directive 1999/77/EC).