The Government of Zimbabwe has banned the use of lead in paint and coating materials under a new law aimed at protecting public health and the environment.
Statutory Instrument 82 of 2026, titled the Environmental Management (Prohibition of Lead in Paint and Coating Materials) Regulations, sets a strict limit of 90 parts per million for lead content in all paints manufactured, imported, distributed or sold in the country.
The regulations cover residential, commercial, institutional and industrial paints, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) said in a public notice issued on Tuesday, 26 May.
“The Government of Zimbabwe has, in the interest of protecting the public and the environment from the dangers of Lead contained in some paint formulations, promulgated Statutory Instrument 82 of 2026, namely the Environmental Management (Prohibition of Lead in Paint and Coating Materials) Regulations, 2026,” reads the notice.
“This legislation, which seeks to eliminate the use of lead in paints and related coating materials, applies to the manufacture, importation, distribution and sale of paints intended for residential, commercial, institutional and industrial use.
“The regulations introduce a strict permissible limit for lead content in paint, set at not more than 90 parts per million (ppm), thereby aligning Zimbabwe with international best practices aimed at reducing lead exposure, particularly among children and vulnerable populations.
“The regulations place clear compliance obligations on manufacturers and importers, including ensuring that all products meet the prescribed lead limit, conducting laboratory testing of paint formulations, and maintaining proper documentation to demonstrate compliance.
“To ensure effective enforcement, EMA and authorised officers are empowered to inspect premises, collect samples for testing, and request relevant documentation from manufacturers and importers.
“Non-compliance with these regulations constitutes an offence and attracts penalties which may include fines of up to level 14, imprisonment for a period of up to one year, or both.
“The regulations provide for a transitional period to allow industry players to comply, after which all non-compliant products must be withdrawn from circulation.”
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