Intertek SAI Global are currently working with ABCB regarding the release of Notice of Directions relating to Certification Transition for Lead Free Plumbing Products, and Marking Requirements for Lead Free Plumbing Products.
On the 28th of February 2023, the ABCB has provided the following updates on the latest for the Lead Free WaterMark Certification Trademark.
- Attached is the final release of the WaterMark Schedule of Products and WaterMark Schedule of Excluded Products. These two schedules have now been finalised to list the products where lead free requirements are mandatory as outlined in the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 Volume Three (the Plumbing Code of Australia). Click here to view all
- The ABCB has recognised the complexity of adopting the new lead free requirements. Monitoring and evaluation progress of the implementation across the 3 year transition period, including the impacts on supply chains was agreed to by the Board in June 2021.
- Due to significant setbacks experienced with the registration of the new certification trademark for Lead Free WaterMark, the trademark is not expected to be available until the end of April 2023 at the earliest. Until such time the trademark is approved, Intertek SAI Global is unable to issue Lead Free WaterMark certification, and use of the trademark by licensees/manufacturers, is not permitted.
- With the unforeseen delays encountered as well as supply chain pressures (ie. Extended period of travel restrictions which have only loosened for China and the Ukraine-Russia war), the WaterMark Administration is conscious of the impact it is having on the 3 year transition.
The Office is taking a proposal to the Board to consider resetting commencement of the 3 year transition period due to the number of delays and uncontrollable supply chain pressures (which was not known at the time when the 3 year decision was made). This proposal is to support implementation for the industry. The Board could then resume the transition period, at a future date deemed suitable by the Board, through a WaterMark Notice of Direction. It is anticipated that there will be more certainly with the transition period at the end of March.
Intertek SAI Global will provide further updates as it is communicated to us, but in the meantime if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact your Client Manager directly.