WaterMark Notice of Direction on Annual Factory Inspections | Public comment draft

Overview

For Public Comment

Notice of Direction on annual factory inspections for lead free WaterMark certified products

In 2021 the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) decided to limit the allowable lead content in plumbing products, which contain copper alloys and are intended for use in contact with drinking water, to a weighted average lead content of not more than 0.25%.

A 3 year transition period to comply with this requirement is provided in the National Construction Code Volume Three 2022, and from 1 September 2025, the requirement will take effect.

The WaterMark Certification Scheme currently requires factory inspections to be undertaken by WaterMark Conformity Assessment Bodies for all WaterMark certified products during initial product assessment and five-yearly re-certification.

In response to stakeholder advice, the ABCB proposes to require factory inspections and audits at each manufacturing location, as part of annual product conformity surveillance, for products WaterMark certified to the lead free requirement, for a trial period concluding five years after the requirement takes effect.

The ABCB invites you to make comment on the Notice of Direction outlining the proposed requirement.

A download link to the public comment draft and the form preview is provided below.

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Please be aware, for auditing and record-keeping purposes email responses will no longer be accepted.

Why your views matter

The ABCB is undertaking consultation to ensure stakeholders are informed of the development of this Notice of Direction. In undertaking this consultation stakeholders have an opportunity to provide input and/or comment on the Notice.

What happens next

The ABCB will consider all comments received and make appropriate changes to the Notice of Direction.

The Notice of Direction is planned for publication shortly after the public comment period closes.