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Transition to lead-free plumbing products extended
In this article
The new limits on lead content outlined in NCC 2022 mean that any product that contains copper alloy and is intended for use in contact with drinking water must have a weighted average lead content of not more than 0.25% in accordance with NSF/ANSI/CAN 372. This includes taps, stainless steel braided hoses, water fittings, mixers, water heaters, valves, domestic water filtration equipment and water dispensers.
When should products be lead-free?
Although references to lead restrictions are now found in Volume Three of the NCC, the completion of the three-year transition period was delayed from 2025 and now ends on 30 April 2026.
This means, from 1 May 2026, only products Watermark certified as confirming to the lead-free requirements of NCC Volume Three (where required) will be authorised for use in plumbing installations. Prior to this date, plumbers can use current stock on the proviso it meets existing requirements.
A longer transition on lead-free products was preferred due to delays in the registering of the lead-free WaterMark trademark as well as ongoing supply chain constraints.
Existing products, such as those already installed, were compliant at the time of installation and remain safe to use.
How quickly will products change?
Several manufacturers have already started production of lead-free/low lead-based products in countries such as the United States, who have changed their plumbing standards.
Suppliers will be substantively impacted. Many will have a large range of existing stock that will be reduced over the coming years, forcing them to acquire new plumbing materials. It is likely the market will have a range of both lead-free and lead-restricted products prior to 1 May 2026.
Builder and subcontractor responsibilities
Builders and plumbers will need to be aware of regulatory requirements that involve product certification. It is possible that regulating authorities may require compliance dates to be clearly defined on certificates up until 30 April 2026.Products that are required to be lead-free will be listed on the Watermark Schedule of Products. To verify plumbing these products comply with NSF/ANSI/CAN 372, verification can be in the form of either:
- A test report provided by an Accredited Testing Laboratory, or
- A WaterMark licence
How can I determine if the product is lead-free?
Products complying fully with the applicable requirements specific to the WaterMark scheme are identifiable by the relevant Mark of Conformity, which should be displayed on the purchased product. A product complying with the new requirements will need to be identified with a new WaterMark “lead-free” label which is shown below.
How can I access NCC Volume Three?
Volume Three of the NCC can be downloaded from the ABCB website.
To find out more, contact HIA's Building Services team.
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