Muchaneta Chimuka
THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is conducting stakeholder awareness workshops on the implementation of Statutory Instrument 82 of 2026, which sets a legally binding maximum lead limit of 90 parts per million (ppm) in all paints and coatings.
EMA environmental specialist Mr Liberty Mugadza said full enforcement of the regulations would begin next year.
The sessions are aimed at guiding stakeholders across the paint value chain on compliance requirements and safe reformulation options, while promoting a clean environment and protecting public health.
Mr Mugadza said the initiative would also help Zimbabwe meet its international obligations under the Stockholm and Minamata conventions and maintain its standing in the global environmental community.
“We need to protect human health and to curb chronic diseases that are emanating from exposure to toxic substances in workplaces, homes and food,” he said.
The EMA Act and SI 268 of 2018 make compliance mandatory and give inspectors power to act.
SI 82 of 2026 prohibits the use of lead paint and coating materials, thereby stimulating the lead-free economy, free pigments, drivers, and reducing treatment costs.
