Source: Environmental Protection Authority
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is seeking feedback on a proposal to amend the Graphic Materials Group Standard 2020, following a request from the New Zealand Toy Distributors Association and the Australian Toy Association.
Group standards set rules for managing groups of hazardous substances with similar characteristics or uses. The Graphic Materials Group Standard applies to art materials like paints and crayons that are imported or made in New Zealand, particularly products used by children.
The proposal aims to clarify and make it easier to comply with the group standard while continuing to manage risks in line with recognised overseas regulators.
Dr Shaun Presow, Manager Hazardous Substances Reassessments, says “The main change we are proposing is removing pens, pencils, and similar products from the standard because they pose a negligible risk to children.”
Safeguards will remain in place as these products are covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act and the Fair-Trading Act.
Dr Presow says, “We are also proposing to reduce the age definition for children under the group standard. We welcome feedback on what age people consider appropriate, noting that studies show children are at much lower risk from graphic materials once they are around eight years old.”
We propose updating wording in the group standard to clarify that products with hazardous ingredients still need to follow the group standard rules, even if the products themselves are not classified as hazardous.
The EPA is looking for feedback on element leaching limits and on a number of other proposed changes as well.
“We want to hear from iwi/hapū representatives, importers and manufacturers, researchers, parents and people in charge of children, and anyone with an interest in art materials and this proposal. We’ll use this feedback to help decide what changes should be made,” says Dr Presow.
Public consultation opens on 29 July and closes on 29 September 2026.
Find out more and have your say: https://www.epa.govt.nz/public-consultations/open-consultations/proposed-amendments-to-the-graphic-materials-group-standard/