Chandigarh, July 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has directed all field offices to ensure strict enforcement of the Regulation of Lead Contents in Household and Decorative Paints Rules, 2016, making compliance with lead-content norms a mandatory part of the consent process for paint manufacturers.
The directions, which come into immediate effect, require manufacturers to ensure that the lead content in household and decorative paints does not exceed the prescribed limit of 90 parts per million (ppm).
The Board has also made it mandatory for manufacturers to obtain certification from recognised laboratories or accredited agencies confirming compliance with the prescribed standards. Copies of these certificates must be provided to dealers and retailers to facilitate verification by regulatory authorities.
The Rules, notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), prohibit the manufacture, trade, import and export of household and decorative paints containing lead beyond the permissible limit. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has prescribed compliance and testing protocols for implementation.
PPCB Chairperson Reena Gupta said the move is aimed at protecting public health, particularly that of children, who are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead exposure.
She noted that even low levels of lead exposure can adversely affect neurological development, learning ability and overall health. Citing global studies, she said there is no safe level of lead exposure and stressed the need for strict compliance with the regulations.
The Board said integrating lead-content compliance into the consent mechanism would strengthen regulatory oversight, promote responsible manufacturing practices and support the transition to safer, lead-free household and decorative paints across Punjab.
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