New Zealand amends group standards to lower acceptable lead levels in paint

On August 19, 2024, New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) decided to amend relevant group standards to lower the maximum allowable levels of lead in paint to align with international regulations.

The standards for lead impurities in paints, including corrosion inhibitors, have been lowered, and test results for lead content concentrations are now required. Additionally, related group standards have been modified to reduce health risks from art materials sold for children, lowering the standards for transferable lead and other harmful substances contained in them.