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Children's crayons, finger paints and watercolour paints

Personal Restricted/prohibited items

Requirements for graphic material importers and manufacturers

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has updated the rules for importing and manufacturing graphic materials marketed at children. These include:

  • fingerpaints
  • crayons
  • felt-tip pens.

This is part of the EPA's decision to reduce the lead impurity levels allowed in paints.

Key changes for importers and manufacturers of graphic materials marketed at children

  • 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.

The new importer obligations are available on the EPA's website:

If you have any questions, contact the EPA at graphicmaterials@EPA.govt.nz