Proposed Amendments to the Graphic Materials Group Standard 2020 (Consultation Draft)

The proposal applies to graphic materials imported into or manufactured in New Zealand, including paints and crayons, particularly products used by children. It proposes changing the applicable child age to up to 96 months; excluding pens, pencils and similar low-risk products from the standard; reconsidering requirements and scope for migration of certain elements while maintaining a stringent level of protection for children's health. It also proposes clarifying that products containing hazardous ingredients must comply with the group standard even where the products themselves are not classified as hazardous, removing labelling and safety data sheet notice requirements for certain materials, and adding hazard classifications that may be permitted.