{"id":3199,"date":"2026-07-11T00:16:24","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T16:16:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/?post_type=blogs&#038;p=3199"},"modified":"2026-07-10T13:19:41","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T05:19:41","slug":"as-nzs-3718-watermark-faucet-testing-compliance","status":"publish","type":"blogs","link":"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/blog\/industry-news\/as-nzs-3718-watermark-faucet-testing-compliance","title":{"rendered":"WaterMark Faucet Testing Requirements: AS\/NZS 3718 Standards Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you are sourcing faucets for the Australian or New Zealand market, you have probably heard the term <strong>WaterMark certification<\/strong> thrown around more than once. It is not a nice-to-have label \u2014 it is a legal requirement. Without it, your shipment does not clear customs. And the standard behind it, <strong>AS\/NZS 3718<\/strong>, spells out exactly what your products need to pass before they ever reach a retail shelf or a plumbing contractor&#8217;s truck.<\/p>\n<p>We have walked dozens of B2B buyers through this process from the manufacturer&#8217;s side. Here is what actually matters, test by test, so you can vet suppliers with confidence instead of crossing your fingers.<\/p>\n<p><!-- TABLE OF CONTENTS --><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_79_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table des mati\u00e8res<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table des mati\u00e8res\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Basculer<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/blog\/industry-news\/as-nzs-3718-watermark-faucet-testing-compliance\/#What_ASNZS_3718_Actually_Covers\" >What AS\/NZS 3718 Actually Covers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/blog\/industry-news\/as-nzs-3718-watermark-faucet-testing-compliance\/#6_Key_Testing_Requirements_Under_ASNZS_3718\" >6 Key Testing Requirements Under AS\/NZS 3718<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/blog\/industry-news\/as-nzs-3718-watermark-faucet-testing-compliance\/#1_Flow_Rate_Testing\" >1. Flow Rate Testing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/blog\/industry-news\/as-nzs-3718-watermark-faucet-testing-compliance\/#2_Material_Safety_Water_Contact_Compliance\" >2. Material Safety &amp; Water Contact Compliance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/blog\/industry-news\/as-nzs-3718-watermark-faucet-testing-compliance\/#3_Durability_Endurance_Testing\" >3. Durability &amp; Endurance Testing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/blog\/industry-news\/as-nzs-3718-watermark-faucet-testing-compliance\/#4_Pressure_Burst_Resistance_Testing\" >4. Pressure &amp; Burst Resistance Testing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/blog\/industry-news\/as-nzs-3718-watermark-faucet-testing-compliance\/#5_Temperature_Control_Thermal_Performance\" >5. Temperature Control &amp; Thermal Performance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/blog\/industry-news\/as-nzs-3718-watermark-faucet-testing-compliance\/#6_Mechanical_Strength_Structural_Integrity\" >6. Mechanical Strength &amp; Structural Integrity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/blog\/industry-news\/as-nzs-3718-watermark-faucet-testing-compliance\/#ASNZS_3718_Testing_Quick_Reference\" >AS\/NZS 3718 Testing Quick Reference<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/blog\/industry-news\/as-nzs-3718-watermark-faucet-testing-compliance\/#How_the_WaterMark_Certification_Process_Works\" >How the WaterMark Certification Process Works<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/blog\/industry-news\/as-nzs-3718-watermark-faucet-testing-compliance\/#Why_Compliance_Matters_for_B2B_Importers\" >Why Compliance Matters for B2B Importers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/blog\/industry-news\/as-nzs-3718-watermark-faucet-testing-compliance\/#FAQ\" >FAQ:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/blog\/industry-news\/as-nzs-3718-watermark-faucet-testing-compliance\/#1_Is_WaterMark_certification_mandatory_for_all_faucets_sold_in_Australia\" >1. Is WaterMark certification mandatory for all faucets sold in Australia?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/blog\/industry-news\/as-nzs-3718-watermark-faucet-testing-compliance\/#2_Which_faucet_types_fall_under_ASNZS_3718\" >2. Which faucet types fall under AS\/NZS 3718?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/blog\/industry-news\/as-nzs-3718-watermark-faucet-testing-compliance\/#3_How_long_does_ASNZS_3718_certification_take\" >3. How long does AS\/NZS 3718 certification take?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/blog\/industry-news\/as-nzs-3718-watermark-faucet-testing-compliance\/#4_What_is_the_most_common_reason_faucets_fail_ASNZS_3718_testing\" >4. What is the most common reason faucets fail AS\/NZS 3718 testing?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/blog\/industry-news\/as-nzs-3718-watermark-faucet-testing-compliance\/#5_Do_WaterMark_certified_products_from_overseas_manufacturers_meet_the_same_standards_as_locally_made_faucets\" >5. Do WaterMark certified products from overseas manufacturers meet the same standards as locally made faucets?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/blog\/industry-news\/as-nzs-3718-watermark-faucet-testing-compliance\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/blog\/industry-news\/as-nzs-3718-watermark-faucet-testing-compliance\/#Related_Resources\" >Related Resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-as-nzs-3718\" style=\"color: #0a9899;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_ASNZS_3718_Actually_Covers\"><\/span>What AS\/NZS 3718 Actually Covers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>AS\/NZS 3718:2005 \u2014 officially titled <em>Water Supply \u2014 Tap Ware<\/em> \u2014 is the Australian\/New Zealand standard that governs the performance and safety of faucets and tapware connected to potable water systems. It applies to a broad range of products: basin taps, kitchen mixers, shower faucets, bathtub spouts, sensor taps, timed-flow taps, and mechanical mixing taps. The DN size range spans from DN6 all the way to DN50, covering both residential and light commercial fittings.<\/p>\n<p>The standard was reconfirmed in 2015 and again in 2016 by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand respectively, confirming its ongoing relevance without amendment. If your supplier tells you their products are &#8220;WaterMark certified,&#8221; what they mean \u2014 or <em>should<\/em> mean \u2014 is that those products have been independently tested and verified against AS\/NZS 3718 by an accredited conformity assessment body.<\/p>\n<p>One thing that trips up first-time importers: AS\/NZS 3718 is not a <em>design<\/em> standard. It does not tell you how a faucet should look. It tells you what the faucet must <em>withstand<\/em>. That distinction matters when you are reviewing test reports from a factory.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; margin: 24px 0;\"><a style=\"display: inline-block; background-color: #0a9899; color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 32px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; border-radius: 3px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/faucet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Browse WaterMark Certified Faucets \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<p><!-- SECTION 2: Key Testing Requirements --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"testing-requirements\" style=\"color: #0a9899;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Key_Testing_Requirements_Under_ASNZS_3718\"><\/span>6 Key Testing Requirements Under AS\/NZS 3718<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Here are the six testing categories that determine whether a faucet earns its WaterMark certification. If you are comparing suppliers, these are the reports you want to see \u2014 not a promotional brochure.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color: #333;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Flow_Rate_Testing\"><\/span>1. Flow Rate Testing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Australia and New Zealand take water conservation seriously, and the flow rate limits baked into AS\/NZS 3718 reflect that. Basin and kitchen faucets must not exceed specified maximum flow rates at designated supply pressures. Typical thresholds hover around 6 to 9 litres per minute for basin taps and 7.5 to 9 litres per minute for kitchen mixers, though exact values depend on the product category and nominal size.<\/p>\n<p>What this means in practice: the factory cannot simply ship any aerator they have in stock. The flow regulator must be matched to the valve body geometry and tested as a complete assembly. A faucet that passes flow testing with one aerator can fail with another. Smart importers verify that the flow rate certificate matches the exact SKU being shipped.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color: #333;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Material_Safety_Water_Contact_Compliance\"><\/span>2. Material Safety &amp; Water Contact Compliance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Everything that touches drinking water \u2014 the brass body, the cartridge seals, the flexible hoses, the aerator housing \u2014 falls under the material safety clauses of AS\/NZS 3718. The standard restricts lead, chromium, cadmium, arsenic, and other heavy metal content in wetted components. Products must pass leachate testing that simulates prolonged water contact, confirming that no harmful substances migrate into the water supply over time.<\/p>\n<p>For Chinese manufacturers, the brass alloy composition is where most failures happen. Low-lead or lead-free brass (typically containing less than 0.25% lead by weight in wetted surfaces) is the baseline expectation. Ask your supplier for the material composition certificate \u2014 not just the finished product test report. Both matter.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color: #333;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Durability_Endurance_Testing\"><\/span>3. Durability &amp; Endurance Testing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This is the test that separates commodity faucets from ones built to last. AS\/NZS 3718 requires tens of thousands of open-close cycles \u2014 simulating years of daily use \u2014 without leakage, handle failure, or degradation in flow performance. Mechanical mixing taps face additional cycling across hot and cold positions.<\/p>\n<p>Cartridge quality is the single biggest variable here. A ceramic disc cartridge from a reputable supplier (Kerox, Sedal, etc.) can sail through endurance testing without issue. A no-name cartridge from a cost-cutting factory will often fail before hitting half the required cycles. When you are comparing unit prices across suppliers, the cartridge specification is where the real cost difference lives.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color: #333;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Pressure_Burst_Resistance_Testing\"><\/span>4. Pressure &amp; Burst Resistance Testing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Faucets must withstand hydrostatic pressure well above normal operating conditions without leaking, deforming, or bursting. AS\/NZS 3718 specifies both static pressure tests and cyclic pressure pulse tests that simulate water hammer and pressure fluctuations in real plumbing systems.<\/p>\n<p>This matters more than most buyers realize. Australian water supply pressures can spike \u2014 especially in multi-storey buildings and areas with aging infrastructure. A faucet body with casting porosity or a poorly brazed joint will reveal itself under pressure testing long before it reaches an end user&#8217;s home. The fact that your supplier&#8217;s samples &#8220;look fine&#8221; is not a pressure test result.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color: #333;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Temperature_Control_Thermal_Performance\"><\/span>5. Temperature Control &amp; Thermal Performance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>AS\/NZS 3718 sets a continuous operating temperature limit of 80\u00b0C for standard tapware. Products designed for higher or lower temperature ranges must be tested against the appropriate criteria. Mixing taps require additional verification of temperature stability \u2014 the outlet temperature must remain within safe bounds even when inlet pressures fluctuate.<\/p>\n<p>Thermal shock resistance is part of this category as well: the faucet must survive rapid transitions between hot and cold water without cracking seals or warping internal components. For B2B buyers sourcing for commercial kitchens or aged-care facilities, thermal performance should be a non-negotiable checkpoint in your supplier audit.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color: #333;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Mechanical_Strength_Structural_Integrity\"><\/span>6. Mechanical Strength &amp; Structural Integrity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Handles must not snap. Spouts must not loosen. Threaded connections must not strip. AS\/NZS 3718 includes mechanical strength tests that apply torque, bending forces, and pull-out forces to critical components. The standard also covers product marking \u2014 every compliant faucet must carry legible identification including the manufacturer&#8217;s name or trademark, model number, and the WaterMark logo.<\/p>\n<p>A practical tip: during a factory visit, grab a random faucet off the production line and twist the handle hard. It sounds unscientific, but you can tell a lot in five seconds. The ones that feel solid under hand force are the ones that passed the lab tests.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; margin: 24px 0;\"><a style=\"display: inline-block; background-color: #0a9899; color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 32px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; border-radius: 3px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/product-line-faucets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">View FAAO Full Faucet Product Line \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<p><!-- QUICK REFERENCE TABLE - WIDGET --><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color: #0a9899;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ASNZS_3718_Testing_Quick_Reference\"><\/span>AS\/NZS 3718 Testing Quick Reference<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A one-glance summary for B2B buyers evaluating supplier test documentation:<\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 16px 0 24px 0; font-size: 14px;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #0a9899; color: #ffffff;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 10px 12px; text-align: left; border: 1px solid #0a9899;\">Test Category<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 10px 12px; text-align: left; border: 1px solid #0a9899;\">What It Checks<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 10px 12px; text-align: left; border: 1px solid #0a9899;\">Why Buyers Should Care<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9fdfd;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">D\u00e9bit<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">L\/min at specified pressure<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Non-compliant flow = customs rejection<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">S\u00e9curit\u00e9 des mat\u00e9riaux<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Heavy metal leaching, alloy composition<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Health regulation risk; product recall exposure<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9fdfd;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Endurance<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Tens of thousands of on\/off cycles<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Warranty claims; brand reputation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Pressure Resistance<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Static burst + cyclic pulse<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Leakage liability; insurance compliance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9fdfd;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Thermal Performance<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">80\u00b0C continuous; thermal shock cycling<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Commercial &amp; healthcare sector eligibility<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Mechanical Strength<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Torque, pull-out, bend resistance<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Installation failure; on-site callbacks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><em>Use this checklist when reviewing a supplier&#8217;s test documentation. Missing or incomplete reports in any of these six categories are a red flag.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!-- SECTION 3: Certification Process --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"certification-process\" style=\"color: #0a9899;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_the_WaterMark_Certification_Process_Works\"><\/span>How the WaterMark Certification Process Works<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The WaterMark Certification Scheme is administered by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB). Products are evaluated by accredited conformity assessment bodies \u2014 companies like IAPMO, SAI Global, and BSIA \u2014 not by the manufacturer themselves.<\/p>\n<p>The process follows a predictable path:<\/p>\n<ol style=\"line-height: 2; padding-left: 20px;\">\n<li><strong>Product documentation submission.<\/strong> The manufacturer provides design drawings, material specifications, component lists, and installation instructions to the assessment body.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Type testing against AS\/NZS 3718.<\/strong> Samples are sent to a NATA-accredited laboratory (or an ILAC\/MRA equivalent for overseas labs). Every test clause in the standard must be addressed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Factory audit.<\/strong> The assessment body verifies that the manufacturer&#8217;s quality management system \u2014 typically ISO 9001 \u2014 is in place and that production processes are consistent with the tested samples.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Certificate issuance.<\/strong> Once testing and factory audit are passed, a WaterMark certificate is issued with a unique licence number. This certificate is product-specific, not factory-wide.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ongoing surveillance.<\/strong> Certification is not a one-and-done deal. The assessment body conducts periodic factory audits and may pull samples from the market for re-testing during the certificate&#8217;s validity period.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>A realistic timeline from application to certificate is three to six months, assuming the product passes testing on the first attempt. Products that fail any test clause go back to the drawing board, adding weeks or months. This is why working with a manufacturer who already holds active WaterMark certifications \u2014 rather than one who &#8220;plans to get certified&#8221; \u2014 saves real time.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; margin: 24px 0;\"><a style=\"display: inline-block; background-color: #0a9899; color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 32px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; border-radius: 3px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Talk to FAAO About Your WaterMark Requirements \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<p><!-- SECTION 4: Why Compliance Matters --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"why-matters\" style=\"color: #0a9899;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Compliance_Matters_for_B2B_Importers\"><\/span>Why Compliance Matters for B2B Importers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>WaterMark is mandatory under the <a style=\"color: #0a9899;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.abcb.gov.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">National Construction Code (NCC)<\/a> of Australia. Any plumbing product connected to a drinking water supply that does not carry a valid WaterMark certificate cannot be legally installed \u2014 and in practice, cannot be imported, distributed, or sold. Customs and border authorities actively enforce this.<\/p>\n<p>For importers, the stakes are higher than a single rejected shipment. Plumbing regulators in Australian states and territories maintain databases of non-compliant products and suppliers. Showing up on the wrong side of that list damages relationships with distributors, builders, and retailers who rely on compliant supply chains.<\/p>\n<p>A few real-world scenarios we have seen:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"line-height: 2;\">\n<li>An importer ordered a container of kitchen mixers from a factory that claimed &#8220;self-certification.&#8221; The shipment was flagged at the port. No WaterMark certificate, no entry. The importer ate the return freight and warehousing costs.<\/li>\n<li>A distributor sourced bathroom faucets for a multi-residential project. The products carried a WaterMark certificate \u2014 but for a different model number. The plumbing inspector caught the mismatch during rough-in. Delays cost more than the faucets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The fix is straightforward: verify the certificate number against the <a style=\"color: #0a9899;\" href=\"https:\/\/watermark.abcb.gov.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">WaterMark product database<\/a>. Match the model number to your purchase order. Request the full test report, not just the certificate page. These three steps take under ten minutes and they eliminate the single biggest source of compliance risk.<\/p>\n<p>For importers looking to build a long-term presence in the Australian market, partnering with a manufacturer that already maintains active WaterMark certifications across multiple product categories \u2014 like <a style=\"color: #0a9899;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/faucet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FAAO&#8217;s faucet range<\/a> \u2014 turns a compliance burden into a competitive advantage. You spend less time chasing paperwork and more time growing distribution.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; margin: 24px 0;\"><a style=\"display: inline-block; background-color: #0a9899; color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 32px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; border-radius: 3px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Get a Quote for WaterMark Certified Faucets \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<p><!-- FAQ SECTION --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"faq\" style=\"color: #0a9899;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>FAQ:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"color: #333;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Is_WaterMark_certification_mandatory_for_all_faucets_sold_in_Australia\"><\/span>1. Is WaterMark certification mandatory for all faucets sold in Australia?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes \u2014 with very few exceptions. Under the Plumbing Code of Australia, any tapware or plumbing product that connects to a drinking water supply must hold a valid WaterMark certificate. This covers basin mixers, kitchen faucets, shower taps, bathtub spouts, and related components. The only exemptions apply to specific low-risk fittings listed in the NCC, and faucets are not among them.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color: #333;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Which_faucet_types_fall_under_ASNZS_3718\"><\/span>2. Which faucet types fall under AS\/NZS 3718?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>AS\/NZS 3718 covers metallic taps, plastic taps, mixing taps (mechanical, non-thermostatic), sensor taps, lever taps, timed-flow taps, and tap sets from DN6 to DN50. Basically: if it is a faucet connected to a potable water line and operates at or below 80\u00b0C continuous, it falls within scope. Thermostatic mixing valves have their own separate standard (AS 4032.1), so do not confuse the two.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color: #333;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_How_long_does_ASNZS_3718_certification_take\"><\/span>3. How long does AS\/NZS 3718 certification take?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For a product that passes all tests on the first attempt, expect three to six months from application to certificate issuance. The longest variable is usually the endurance test, which runs tens of thousands of mechanical cycles and cannot be accelerated beyond a certain point. Factory audit scheduling can add a few weeks as well. Products requiring re-testing after a failure can stretch the timeline to eight months or more.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color: #333;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_What_is_the_most_common_reason_faucets_fail_ASNZS_3718_testing\"><\/span>4. What is the most common reason faucets fail AS\/NZS 3718 testing?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Material composition \u2014 specifically, lead content exceeding the allowable limit in wetted brass components. Many manufacturers, particularly those producing for markets with less stringent regulations, use standard brass alloys that do not meet Australia&#8217;s drinking water contact requirements. The second most common failure is endurance: cheaper cartridges and seals degrade well before the required cycle count.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color: #333;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Do_WaterMark_certified_products_from_overseas_manufacturers_meet_the_same_standards_as_locally_made_faucets\"><\/span>5. Do WaterMark certified products from overseas manufacturers meet the same standards as locally made faucets?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes \u2014 the standard does not discriminate by country of origin. WaterMark certification is issued by accredited assessment bodies that evaluate products against the same AS\/NZS 3718 clauses regardless of where the factory is located. An overseas manufacturer&#8217;s product either passes the same tests or it does not get certified. The key is verifying that the certificate is current and that the factory&#8217;s ongoing surveillance audits are up to date.<\/p>\n<p><!-- CONCLUSION --><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"color: #0a9899;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>WaterMark compliance under AS\/NZS 3718 is not a checkbox to tick at the last minute. It is a six-category gauntlet \u2014 flow, materials, endurance, pressure, temperature, and mechanical integrity \u2014 that tests whether a faucet belongs in the Australian and New Zealand markets at all. For B2B importers, the difference between a smooth launch and a costly customs rejection comes down to one thing: whether your supplier&#8217;s test reports are real and current.<\/p>\n<p>We manufacture faucets that have already passed these tests. If you are sourcing for Australia or New Zealand and want to skip the compliance guesswork, <a style=\"color: #0a9899;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">reach out to our team<\/a>. We will share actual test reports, not sales pitch PDFs.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; margin: 28px 0 16px 0;\"><a style=\"display: inline-block; background-color: #0a9899; color: #ffffff; padding: 14px 40px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; border-radius: 3px; font-size: 16px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Contact FAAO for WaterMark Certified Faucet Solutions \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<p><!-- RELATED RESOURCES --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"related-resources\" style=\"color: #0a9899;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Resources\"><\/span>Related Resources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"line-height: 2.2; padding-left: 20px;\">\n<li><a style=\"color: #0a9899;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/faucet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FAAO WaterMark Certified Faucet Collection<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"color: #0a9899;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/faucet\/kitchen-faucets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kitchen Faucets for Commercial &amp; Residential Import<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"color: #0a9899;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/faucet\/basin-faucets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Basin Faucets with Australian WaterMark Certification<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"color: #0a9899;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/faucet\/shower-faucets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shower Faucets &amp; Mixers Compliant with AS\/NZS 3718<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"color: #0a9899;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">About FAAO Manufacturing &amp; Quality Systems<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A practical breakdown of AS\/NZS 3718 WaterMark testing \u2014 covering flow rate limits, material safety protocols, endurance benchmarks, pressure resistance, and the step-by-step certification pathway every faucet importer needs before shipping to Australia or New Zealand.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"menu_order":5,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"blogs_category":[156],"class_list":["post-3199","blogs","type-blogs","status-publish","hentry","blogs_category-industry-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blogs\/3199","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blogs"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blogs"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3199"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"blogs_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blogs_category?post=3199"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}