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Paint not compliant with new rules must be disposed of by 1 September 2025.

The EPA recently amended several group standards to reduce allowable lead impurity levels and strengthen controls on paint products. These changes came into effect on 1 March 2025. From that date, paint being imported or manufactured must comply with the amended group standards. 

The amended group standards include: 

• Surface Coatings and Colourants 

• Aerosols 

• Corrosion Inhibitors 

• Graphic Materials 

Paint already in New Zealand (stock in trade) that do not meet the amended group standards may continue to be sold and used during the transitional period, but must be disposed of no later than 1 September 2025, in accordance with the Hazardous Substances (Disposal) Notice 2017. 

Read more about these rules including information on disposal here: Cutting lead levels in paints: amendments to group standards | EPA 

If you have any questions on the decision to amend the group standards, please contact reassessments@epa.govt.nz.  

For any questions regarding compliance with the requirement for disposal and the transitional period, please contact HScompliance@epa.govt.nz. 

Nga mihi

HS Compliance