Asbestos Regulation in Germany
Regulation summary
Asbestos is fully prohibited in this country. All use, trade, import and manufacture of asbestos-containing materials is banned. Existing asbestos in buildings still requires certified professionals for safe removal and disposal.
Germany banned all forms of asbestos in 1993 through the Gefahrstoffverordnung (Hazardous Substances Ordinance). Germany was one of the largest consumers of asbestos in Europe, with extensive use in construction, automotive, and industrial applications throughout the post-war economic boom. Asbestos-cement products were widely used in roofing, facade cladding, and water pipes.
Key dates
1979: First occupational exposure limits for asbestos established
1993: Gefahrstoffverordnung (Hazardous Substances Ordinance) bans the manufacture, import, and use of all forms of asbestos
2005: EU Directive 1999/77/CE deadline confirms the national ban
2009: REACH Regulation (Annex XVII, entry 6) reinforces the EU-wide prohibition
Verified services in Germany
Browse asbestos professionals in the top cities of the country. Each city page lists local certified companies.
Other countries
Compare regulations across jurisdictions.
Need a certified asbestos professional?
All verified companies in our directory have passed identity, certification and insurance checks.