Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyom [email protected]
THE Government has banned the manufacture, importation, distribution and sale of paints containing excessive lead content following the promulgation of Statutory Instrument 82 of 2026, in a move aimed at protecting public health and the environment.
The new law, officially known as the Environmental Management (Prohibition of Lead in Paint and Coating Materials) Regulations, 2026, sets the maximum permissible lead content in paints and coating materials at 90 parts per million (ppm).
In a statement, Environmental Management Agency (EMA) said the regulations are intended to reduce exposure to hazardous lead substances, particularly among children and vulnerable groups.
“Government has taken this decisive step in the interest of protecting public health and the environment from the dangers associated with lead in paints and coating materials,” said EMA.
The agency said the regulations apply to paints meant for residential, commercial, institutional and industrial use.
EMA said manufacturers and importers are now required to ensure all paint products comply with the prescribed lead limits through laboratory testing and proper documentation.
“Manufacturers and importers must maintain records demonstrating compliance and avail such documentation upon request by authorised officers,” said EMA.
The agency added that inspectors have been empowered to conduct inspections at premises, collect samples for testing and enforce compliance measures.
Under the regulations, non-compliance constitutes an offence and offenders risk fines of up to level 14, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
EMA said a transitional period has been provided to allow industry players time to comply before all non-compliant paint products are withdrawn from circulation.
Lead exposure has been linked to serious health complications including brain and nervous system damage, particularly in children, as well as kidney and reproductive disorders in adults.
Environmental and health experts have long called for tighter regulation of lead-based paints, arguing that safer alternatives are readily available.
The latest regulations place Zimbabwe among countries adopting international best practices in eliminating lead from paints and related coating materials.
