Sourcing tapware for the Australian and New Zealand market is not just a procurement decision — it is a compliance decision. Every faucet, shower mixer and tap installed under the Plumbing Code of Australia or the New Zealand Building Code must carry a valid WaterMark licence. This guide is written for importers, distributors and project specifiers who need to separate genuinely certified suppliers from those who only claim to be. We cover what WaterMark actually requires, the 2026 lead-free changes, and a practical checklist to vet a Watermark certified tapware supplier before you commit.
WaterMark is the certification mark administered by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) under the WaterMark Certification Scheme (WMTS). It confirms that a plumbing product conforms to an applicable technical specification — for tapware, that is AS/NZS 3718. Because the scheme sits under the National Construction Code (NCC) and New Zealand’s Building Code Clause G12, a valid WaterMark licence is a legal precondition for lawfully selling and installing the product. New Zealand recognises WaterMark through MBIE’s RN-10009 acceptance, so a single certified supply chain can serve both markets.
WaterMark is necessary but not sufficient on its own. A compliant AU/NZ tapware program should clear four layers:
For the testing detail behind the standard, see our breakdown of AS/NZS 3718 WaterMark faucet testing and compliance.
Use the following checklist when shortlisting overseas manufacturers. It is built to catch the gap between “has a certificate image” and “is genuinely certified and auditable.”
Match these criteria against the product lines you intend to import, from torneiras de lavatório para kitchen faucets.
Download our WaterMark licence list, AS/NZS 3718 test reports, WELS registration and the full AU/NZ compliant tapware catalog — built for importers and specifiers.
Most compliance failures are avoidable at the supplier-screening stage. Watch for these:
For the bigger picture on certification differences, read WaterMark vs WELS: Australian faucet certification standards.
FAAO Sanitary Ware was established in 2001 and operates a vertically integrated production process — foundry, machinery, polishing and assembly — backed by an in-house R&D department. We hold ISO 9001, SGS, CE, ACS and WaterMark certifications, and supply major retail and e-commerce channels. For AU/NZ buyers, the practical benefit is that every stage that touches a compliant tap sits under one roof, with documented testing and certification traceability rather than fragmented sub-contracting.
Use this self-audit tool to score each shortlisted supplier before requesting a formal quote.
1. Licence validity — Active WaterMark licence on the WaterMark Product Database, matching the exact product type.
2. Holder identity — Manufacturer or authorised licensee, not a trading company reselling someone else’s certificate.
3. Standard coverage — AS/NZS 3718 (AS 3718:2021) test reports from an independent lab.
4. WELS — Registered for Australia with the correct flow-rate class and star rating.
5. Lead-free — Material declaration and WaterMark lead-free mark for NZ’s 2026 G12 requirement.
6. Manufacturing control — Foundry to assembly in-house for consistent quality and traceability.
7. Commercial readiness — OEM/ODM capability, clear MOQ, and documented AU/NZ export experience.
WaterMark is the Australian certification mark (administered by the ABCB) confirming a tapware product conforms to a specified technical standard — for taps, AS/NZS 3718 (AS 3718:2021). A certified product carries a licence number traceable on the WaterMark Product Database and is legally required for NCC-covered plumbing in Australia.
Yes. New Zealand recognises WaterMark certification for plumbing products through MBIE’s RN-10009 acceptance and it satisfies Building Code Clause G12 for water supplies. Importers should still confirm the specific product’s scope and the lead-free requirements effective 2 May 2026. See our guide to New Zealand faucet standards and WaterMark Building Code compliance.
WaterMark proves a product is safe and conforming — a compliance and certification mark. WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) is a separate Australian scheme that rates water efficiency with a star rating and maximum flow rate in litres per minute. Tapware sold in Australia needs both: WaterMark to be lawful, WELS to show efficiency.
From 2 May 2026, New Zealand’s Building Code Clause G12 restricts lead in plumbing products that contact drinking water. Australia’s NCC sets a “Lead Free” WaterMark mark (max 0.25% weighted-average lead). Buyers should request a lead-free material declaration and the relevant WaterMark lead-free licence for any AU/NZ drinking-water tapware.
Yes, provided it holds a valid WaterMark licence with matching product scope, third-party test reports to AS/NZS 3718, WELS registration for Australia, and lead-free documentation for NZ. Vertically integrated manufacturers that control foundry, machining, polishing and assembly — such as FAAO, established 2001 — can offer stronger traceability and consistency.
Choosing a Watermark certified tapware supplier for Australia and New Zealand comes down to verified certification, traceable testing, and a manufacturing partner who controls the full process. Use the checklist above to shortlist suppliers, and request licence numbers you can confirm on the WaterMark Product Database. If you need a compliant AU/NZ catalog with test reports and WELS registration, FAAO’s team can support your sourcing from sample to container.
Tell us your target market (AU or NZ), product mix and volume. We will return a compliant quotation with certification, WELS and lead-free documentation attached.
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