New Zealand EPA Announces Stricter Lead Limits in Paints and Children's Art Materials

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced significant changes to reduce the allowable levels of lead impurities in paint and strengthen the safety requirements for art materials marketed to children. The changes, which will take effect from 1 March 2025, aim to align New Zealand’s standards with international standards and protect public health and the environment from lead exposure.

Updated Regulations on Lead Impurities in Paints

The updated regulations will limit lead impurities in all paints, including corrosion inhibitors, to a maximum of 0.009% (90 ppm). These updates are in line with similar regulations in countries such as the US, Canada and Australia. EPA's decision ensures that even trace amounts of lead in paint are tightly controlled to prevent potential exposure, particularly from old lead-containing paint still found in many homes.

Dr Shaun Presow, EPA's Hazardous Substances Reassessments Manager, stated, "Although modern paints no longer contain lead pigments, we are taking these steps to ensure that New Zealand's regulations are as robust as possible. This change eliminates the risk of lead contamination in new paints".

Stricter Controls on Children’s Art Materials

EPA has also introduced stricter rules for children's art materials, such as crayons and chalk, by including them in the Graphic Materials Group Standard. These products must now meet strict safety standards to ensure they do not pose health risks from hazardous substances such as lead. The decision also aligns with global regulatory practices by removing the requirement for importers to report lead leaching test results to EPA.

Summary of Key Regulatory Changes (Effective 2025)

• Lead limits in all paints, including corrosion inhibitors, reduced to 90 ppm.

• Manufacturers and importers must provide test results to demonstrate compliance.

• All art materials marketed to children must comply with the Graphic Materials Group Standard, which prohibits hazardous substances such as lead.

• By 1 September 2025, all products that do not meet these new standards must be removed from the market.

These regulatory updates reflect a precautionary approach to minimizing the harmful effects of lead exposure in everyday products, further contributing to a healthier and safer environment.