Updated requirements for graphic material importers and manufacturers
11.34am 10 September 2024
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has updated the rules for importing and manufacturing graphic materials marketed at children, such as fingerpaints, crayons, and felt-tip pens, as part of their decision to reduce the lead impurity levels allowed in paints.
The key changes for importers and manufacturers of graphic materials marketed at children are:
- products using the Graphic Materials Group Standard must meet the new element migration levels by 1 March 2025;
- the Graphic Materials Group Standard is now the only group standard for graphic materials marketed at children;
- the notification requirement (ie need for an EPA import permit) prior to importing these products is removed.
From 19 September 2024, importers are no longer required to notify the EPA, or seek a letter and customs clearance code (permit number), to import these products.
Find out the new importer obligations here https://environmentalprotectionauthority.createsend1.com/t/r-e-tdiktujd-l-yh/
Any questions, please contact the EPA at graphicmaterials@EPA.govt.nz