Cutting lead levels in paints: proposed amendments to group standards.

Protection of human health or safety (TBT)

Paint products, including under HS heading 3208 and 3209Graphic materials, including under HS heading 9608 and 9609

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3209 - Paints and varnishes, incl. enamels and lacquers, based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium; 3208 - Paints and varnishes, incl. enamels and lacquers, based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium; solutions of products of headings 3901 to 3913 in volatile organic solvents, containing > 50% solvent by weight (excl. solutions of collodion); 3209 - Paints and varnishes, incl. enamels and lacquers, based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium; 3208 - Paints and varnishes, incl. enamels and lacquers, based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium; solutions of products of headings 3901 to 3913 in volatile organic solvents, containing > 50% solvent by weight (excl. solutions of collodion)

87.040 - Paints and varnishes; 87.040 - Paints and varnishes

Human health; Human health

In accordance with article 2.9.2 of the WTO, New Zealand notified the proposal to amend group standards that regulate paints and graphic materials in order to reduce the maximum allowable levels of lead in paint and ensure the protection of human health and the environment.The proposals have now been adopted and include the following changes, most coming into effect 1 March 2025:lead impurities in all paints covered by the Surface Coatings and Colourants Group Standards and Aerosols Group Standards must not exceed 90 ppmanti-rust paints using the Corrosion Inhibitors Group Standards now must also meet the 90 ppm lead impurity limitsimporters and manufacturers must have test results (or other evidence) showing compliance with the lead limitspaint used on toys and cots must meet the EN 71-3:2019+A1:2021 standard, and any paint that does not meet these requirements must include on the label the precautionary statement "Not suitable for use on children's toys or cots"all art materials marketed to children are only covered by the Graphic Materials Group Standardart materials using the Graphic Materials Group Standard must meet the lower element migration levels in the EN 71-3:2019+A1:2021 standardleachable element notification requirement from the Graphic Materials Group Standard is no longer necessary (effective 19 September 2024). Any non-compliant stock must be disposed of by 1 September 2025.

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