Peru Approves New Regulation Setting Lead Limits in Paints

On June 24, 2025, Peru’s Ministry of Health (MINSA) enacted Decreto Supremo N° 007 2025 SA, establishing the Reglamento de la Ley N° 31182. The regulation sets a maximum lead content of 90 parts per million (ppm) in paints and other coating materials, with the aim of protecting public health from lead exposure.

Why It Matters

Lead exposure, especially harmful to children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups, leading to developmental delays, neurological damage, and a range of health issues. The new regulation aligns Peru’s standards with international benchmarks used in the EU and the US.

This decree mandates that all paint products manufactured, imported, or sold in Peru comply with new lead concentration thresholds, ensuring safer paints across the market. The regulation also sets requirements for labeling and mandates that manufacturers and importers adjust their formulations to meet the new standard.

Over the coming months, regulatory bodies will begin compliance inspections, and manufacturers and importers must adjust formulas to meet the legal standards.

Next Steps and Enforcement

The decree will enter into force six months after its publication in the official gazette, MINSA, through Digesa (the National Directorate of Environmental Health), will oversee implementation, inspections, and sanctioning of noncompliant paint products. Consumers should soon start seeing labels marking “low lead” or “lead free” paints, offering greater confidence in safety.

Broader Context

This decree operationalizes Law N° 31182, part of ongoing efforts to reduce lead poisoning risks, a public health priority in Peru. Similar regulations exist worldwide, such as in the EU and US, where lead in paints has been restricted for decades. Peru’s move aligns the country with global health and safety standards.

Public Impact

Families and daycare centers can expect safer indoor environments. Construction and paint industries will need to update supply chains and production practices, likely increasing costs short term but improving health outcomes long term. Environmental health professionals can leverage this as a foundation for further monitoring and outreach on lead hazards.

Summary

Peru’s Decreto Supremo N° 007 2025 SA, published today, officially establishes lead content limits in paints through the Reglamento de la Ley 31182. Starting now, paints in Peru must meet new safety standards, with inspections and enforcement mechanisms to follow. It is a positive public health stride toward reducing lead poisoning and follows international best practices.