Paint Safety Law Coming Soon


ZCSA steps up enforcement, finalises mandatory requirements as public health protection takes centre stage

By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia – (April 2, 2026) --- The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) says a paint safety law is coming soon as it steps up enforcement efforts and finalises mandatory requirements aimed at protecting children from lead poisoning and safeguarding public health.

According to dtatement issued by Onishias Maamba, ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga said the agency is at an advanced stage of introducing a compulsory standard that will limit lead content in paint to 90 parts per million (PPM), in line with Zambian Standard ZS 1185.

Mr. Chizinga said the move is intended to reduce the availability of toxic paints on the market, prevent lead exposure and create a level playing field for manufacturers.

“Activities on declaring ZS 1185 as a compulsory standard have reached an advanced stage. We therefore appeal to all stakeholders to support this initiative,” he said in remarks delivered on his behalf by ZCSA Acting Manager for Import Quality Monitoring, .

He was speaking in Lusaka during a stakeholders’ workshop organised by the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Lead Elimination Project, aimed at supporting manufacturers to transition to lead-free paint production.

Mr. Chizinga said ZCSA has intensified monitoring of paint products on the market to ensure compliance with safety standards, while also scaling up public awareness campaigns on the dangers of lead and other toxic substances.

He added that the agency will continue working with industry players and partners to promote safer alternatives, including water-based and non-toxic paints.

Currently, ZCSA enforces standards such as ZS 201 for emulsion paints and ZS 295 for synthetic enamel paints, which already restrict hazardous raw materials and require paints to be effectively lead-free.

Meanwhile, ZACCI Acting Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Mumba said the Chamber is committed to promoting sustainable growth in the manufacturing sector while addressing the dangers of lead in paint.

Mr. Mumba said ZACCI is working with LEEP and the government to help manufacturers transition to safer production methods without disrupting operations.

LEEP Programme Manager Laura Silovsky said the initiative is focused on protecting children’s health while enhancing the competitiveness of Zambia’s paint industry.

And Children’s Environmental Health Foundation Chief Executive Officer Michael Musenga urged stakeholders to support the enforcement of ZS 1185, stressing that paints with high lead content should not be allowed on the Zambian market.

ZCSA, a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, is mandated to enforce standards aimed at ensuring public safety, consumer protection and environmental health.

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