{"id":3197,"date":"2026-07-11T00:02:28","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T16:02:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/?post_type=blogs&#038;p=3197"},"modified":"2026-07-10T13:07:15","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T05:07:15","slug":"watermark-vs-wels-australian-faucet-certification-standards","status":"publish","type":"blogs","link":"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/watermark-vs-wels-australian-faucet-certification-standards","title":{"rendered":"WaterMark vs WELS: Australian Faucet Standards Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you supply faucets to the Australian market, two certification schemes shape whether your product gets past the border and onto a job site: WaterMark and WELS. One proves the faucet is safe and fit for purpose. The other tells buyers how much water it uses. Both are mandatory. Neither is optional. And confusing the two can delay shipments, trigger compliance penalties, or flat-out block your product from legal installation. This guide lays out what each scheme demands, where they overlap, and what B2B buyers should verify before placing an order.<\/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\">\u00cdndice<\/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=\"Tabela alternativa de conte\u00fado\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Alternar<\/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\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/watermark-vs-wels-australian-faucet-certification-standards\/#What_Is_WaterMark_Certification\" >What Is WaterMark Certification?<\/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\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/watermark-vs-wels-australian-faucet-certification-standards\/#What_Is_the_WELS_Scheme\" >What Is the WELS Scheme?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/watermark-vs-wels-australian-faucet-certification-standards\/#WaterMark_vs_WELS_Key_Differences\" >WaterMark vs WELS: Key Differences<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/watermark-vs-wels-australian-faucet-certification-standards\/#Which_Faucet_Products_Need_Both\" >Which Faucet Products Need Both?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/watermark-vs-wels-australian-faucet-certification-standards\/#WaterMark_Certification_Process_for_Faucets\" >WaterMark Certification Process for Faucets<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/watermark-vs-wels-australian-faucet-certification-standards\/#WELS_Registration_Process_for_Faucets\" >WELS Registration Process for Faucets<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/watermark-vs-wels-australian-faucet-certification-standards\/#WELS_Star_Rating_Guide_for_Commercial_Faucets\" >WELS Star Rating Guide for Commercial Faucets<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/watermark-vs-wels-australian-faucet-certification-standards\/#What_B2B_Buyers_Should_Verify_Before_Sourcing\" >What B2B Buyers Should Verify Before Sourcing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/watermark-vs-wels-australian-faucet-certification-standards\/#Common_Compliance_Mistakes_to_Avoid\" >Common Compliance Mistakes to Avoid<\/a><\/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\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/watermark-vs-wels-australian-faucet-certification-standards\/#FAQ\" >Perguntas frequentes<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/watermark-vs-wels-australian-faucet-certification-standards\/#What_is_the_difference_between_WaterMark_and_WELS_certification\" >What is the difference between WaterMark and WELS certification?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/watermark-vs-wels-australian-faucet-certification-standards\/#Do_all_faucets_sold_in_Australia_need_both_WaterMark_and_WELS\" >Do all faucets sold in Australia need both WaterMark and WELS?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/watermark-vs-wels-australian-faucet-certification-standards\/#How_long_does_WaterMark_certification_take_for_faucet_products\" >How long does WaterMark certification take for faucet products?<\/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\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/watermark-vs-wels-australian-faucet-certification-standards\/#What_WELS_star_rating_should_commercial_faucets_have\" >What WELS star rating should commercial faucets have?<\/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\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/watermark-vs-wels-australian-faucet-certification-standards\/#Can_imported_faucets_be_sold_in_Australia_without_WaterMark_certification\" >Can imported faucets be sold in Australia without WaterMark certification?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/watermark-vs-wels-australian-faucet-certification-standards\/#Conclusion\" >Conclus\u00e3o<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/watermark-vs-wels-australian-faucet-certification-standards\/#Related_Resources\" >Related Resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"What_Is_WaterMark_Certification\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_WaterMark_Certification\"><\/span>What Is WaterMark Certification?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>WaterMark is Australia&#8217;s mandatory certification scheme for plumbing and drainage products. Run by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), it exists to make sure any product connected to a plumbing system won&#8217;t compromise health, safety, or infrastructure integrity.<\/p>\n<p>The scheme splits products into two risk tiers. <strong>Level 1<\/strong> covers high-risk items that contact drinking water \u2014 faucets, valves, and fittings that sit in the supply path. These products undergo full type testing against an Australian or New Zealand standard (for faucets, that standard is <strong>AS\/NZS 3718<\/strong>), factory audits, and ongoing surveillance. <strong>Level 2<\/strong> covers lower-risk drainage products that don&#8217;t touch potable water, and the testing requirements are lighter.<\/p>\n<p>Every faucet sold for installation in an Australian plumbing system must carry a valid WaterMark licence. Without it, the product cannot be legally installed by a licensed plumber. That is not a suggestion \u2014 it is a requirement under the National Construction Code (NCC). Importers, distributors, and project specifiers all share responsibility for compliance.<\/p>\n<p>da FAAO <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/faucet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">faucet product line<\/a> carries WaterMark certification, which means every model in our catalogue has passed the required testing and can be legally installed in Australian plumbing installations.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"What_Is_the_WELS_Scheme\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_WELS_Scheme\"><\/span>What Is the WELS Scheme?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>WELS \u2014 the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme \u2014 is a separate, federally run program. Its job is not safety. Its job is transparency. WELS requires that any regulated water-using product sold in Australia displays a label showing how much water it consumes, rated on a 0-to-6 star scale.<\/p>\n<p>For taps and faucets, the label shows the flow rate in litres per minute alongside the star rating. More stars mean lower flow, which means less water per use. The rating is calculated under <strong>AS\/NZS 6400:2016<\/strong>, the standard that governs testing and labelling for water-efficient products.<\/p>\n<p>Taps covered by WELS include basin taps, kitchen sink taps, and laundry taps. Excluded are bidet taps, bath and spa taps, taps built into appliances, and thermostatic mixing valves. If your faucet falls in the covered category, it must be registered in the WELS database before it can be legally sold or supplied in Australia.<\/p>\n<p>The registration process requires product testing by an accredited laboratory, submission of flow-rate data, and a registration fee paid through the WELS portal. Once registered, every unit sold \u2014 whether online or in-store \u2014 must display the correct water rating label.<\/p>\n<p>If you are sourcing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/faucet\/basin-faucets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">torneiras de lavat\u00f3rio<\/a> ou <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/faucet\/kitchen-faucets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">kitchen faucets<\/a> for Australian projects, confirm both WaterMark and WELS compliance before you commit to an order.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"WaterMark_vs_WELS_Key_Differences\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WaterMark_vs_WELS_Key_Differences\"><\/span>WaterMark vs WELS: Key Differences<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 20px 0;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #0a9899; color: #fff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; font-weight: 600;\">Aspect<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; font-weight: 600;\">Marca d'\u00e1gua<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; font-weight: 600;\">WELS<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; font-weight: 600;\">Purpose<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Product safety and fitness for purpose<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Water consumption transparency and efficiency<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; font-weight: 600;\">Governing body<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">ABCB (Australian Building Codes Board)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Australian Government (DCCEEW)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; font-weight: 600;\">Primary standard<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">AS\/NZS 3718 (faucets), AS\/NZS 5200 series<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">AS\/NZS 6400:2016<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; font-weight: 600;\">Requirement type<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Certification licence (product must pass testing + audit)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Registration (submit test data + pay fee)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; font-weight: 600;\">What it proves<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">The product will not harm health, safety, or plumbing infrastructure<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">The product uses a stated amount of water, rated by stars<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; font-weight: 600;\">Display requirement<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">WaterMark logo + licence number on product\/packaging<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Water rating label (stars + L\/min) on product and in listings<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; font-weight: 600;\">Enforcement trigger<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Plumber cannot legally install non-certified product<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Illegal to supply unregistered product; penalties apply<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; font-weight: 600;\">Ongoing obligation<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Factory audits + periodic surveillance<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Annual renewal + label accuracy checks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The short version: WaterMark answers the question &#8220;Is this faucet safe and reliable?&#8221; WELS answers &#8220;How much water does it use?&#8221; Both answers matter. One without the other is incomplete.<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"display: inline-block; background-color: #0a9899; color: #fff; padding: 12px 28px; text-decoration: none; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; border-radius: 4px; margin: 16px 0;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Request WaterMark &amp; WELS Compliance Details from FAAO<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"Which_Faucet_Products_Need_Both\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Faucet_Products_Need_Both\"><\/span>Which Faucet Products Need Both?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Most commercial faucets destined for Australian installation need <strong>ambos<\/strong> certifications. Here is a practical breakdown:<\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 20px 0;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #0a9899; color: #fff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; font-weight: 600;\">Faucet Type<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; font-weight: 600;\">WaterMark Required?<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; font-weight: 600;\">WELS Required?<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; font-weight: 600;\">Raz\u00e3o<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Basin tap (hand wash)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Sim<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Sim<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Contacts drinking water path; WELS regulated flow rate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Kitchen sink tap<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Sim<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Sim<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Same \u2014 potable water contact + regulated category<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Laundry tap<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Sim<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Sim<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">WELS covers laundry taps; WaterMark covers all plumbing fixtures<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Shower faucet \/ mixer<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Sim<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">No (shower heads are WELS-regulated; the mixer valve typically is not)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Mixer valve is plumbing product; shower head has separate WELS label<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Bathtub tap<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Sim<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">No<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">WELS excludes bath and spa taps<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>If you are specifying <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/faucet\/shower-faucets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">shower faucets<\/a> ou <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/faucet\/bathtub-faucets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">torneiras de banheira<\/a> for a hotel project, WaterMark applies to the mixer body, but the WELS label typically sits on the shower head \u2014 not the mixer valve itself. Clarify this with your supplier before you assume the same faucet model covers both.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"WaterMark_Certification_Process\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WaterMark_Certification_Process_for_Faucets\"><\/span>WaterMark Certification Process for Faucets<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Getting WaterMark for a faucet is not a form you fill out. It is a structured certification process with multiple checkpoints. Here is what the path looks like:<\/p>\n<p><strong>1. Confirm your product is within scope.<\/strong> Check the ABCB&#8217;s WaterMark schedule to verify that your faucet type requires certification and identify which Australian standard applies. For most taps, that standard is AS\/NZS 3718.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2. Engage a certified Conformity Assessment Body (CAB).<\/strong> The CAB is an independent testing organization accredited by JAS-ANZ. They will carry out type testing, review your technical documentation, and conduct factory audits. Organizations like SAI Global, IAPMO, and NSF International are common CABs in the plumbing space.<\/p>\n<p><strong>3. Submit product samples for type testing.<\/strong> The CAB tests your faucet against every clause of the applicable standard \u2014 material composition, pressure endurance, leakage, temperature performance, and durability. For a basin faucet under AS\/NZS 3718, this includes hydrostatic pressure testing, life-cycle testing (minimum 70,000 cycles for the cartridge), and flow-rate verification.<\/p>\n<p><strong>4. Factory audit and quality system review.<\/strong> For Level 1 products, the CAB visits your manufacturing facility. They verify that production processes consistently produce products matching the tested sample. ISO 9001 certification helps here \u2014 it demonstrates that the factory runs a documented quality management system.<\/p>\n<p><strong>5. Receive your WaterMark licence.<\/strong> Once testing and audit are complete, the CAB issues a WaterMark licence with a unique number. You must display the WaterMark logo and licence number on the product, its packaging, and any marketing material.<\/p>\n<p><strong>6. Ongoing surveillance.<\/strong> The CAB conducts periodic follow-up inspections and re-testing to confirm continued compliance. If a product changes \u2014 different material, new cartridge, revised design \u2014 you may need to re-test and update the licence.<\/p>\n<p>FAAO holds WaterMark certification across its faucet range, backed by ISO 9001 quality management. For B2B buyers looking at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/top-basin-faucet-manufacturers-in-china-for-commercial-projects\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chinese faucet manufacturers for commercial projects<\/a>, WaterMark compliance should be your first verification checkpoint.<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"display: inline-block; background-color: #0a9899; color: #fff; padding: 12px 28px; text-decoration: none; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; border-radius: 4px; margin: 16px 0;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Get FAAO&#8217;s WaterMark-Certified Faucet Catalogue<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"WELS_Registration_Process\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WELS_Registration_Process_for_Faucets\"><\/span>WELS Registration Process for Faucets<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>WELS registration is simpler than WaterMark certification, but it is still a formal process with legal weight. Skipping it exposes you to infringement notices and supply-chain liability.<\/p>\n<p><strong>1. Test your faucet&#8217;s flow rate.<\/strong> An accredited lab measures flow rate in litres per minute under standard conditions (typically at 250 kPa dynamic pressure for basin taps). The test method follows AS\/NZS 6400:2016.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2. Calculate the star rating.<\/strong> Based on the measured flow rate, the star rating is determined using the WELS rating formula. For basin taps, the thresholds are roughly:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>6 stars \u2014 flow rate below 4.5 L\/min<\/li>\n<li>5 stars \u2014 4.5 to 6.0 L\/min<\/li>\n<li>4 stars \u2014 6.0 to 7.5 L\/min<\/li>\n<li>3 stars \u2014 7.5 to 9.0 L\/min<\/li>\n<li>2 stars \u2014 9.0 to 12.0 L\/min<\/li>\n<li>1 star \u2014 12.0 to 15.0 L\/min<\/li>\n<li>0 stars \u2014 above 15.0 L\/min<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These ranges are subject to the precise thresholds defined in AS\/NZS 6400:2016. Always verify against the current version of the standard before finalizing your rating claim.<\/p>\n<p><strong>3. Register through the WELS portal.<\/strong> Submit the test results, product details, and manufacturer information through the online registration system at the WELS portal. Pay the registration fee (currently set by the WELS Determination).<\/p>\n<p><strong>4. Display the water rating label.<\/strong> Every faucet unit sold must carry the correct WELS label \u2014 showing the star rating and flow rate. Online listings must also display this information in text or as an image of the label. The label design follows a prescribed format set by the WELS Determination.<\/p>\n<p><strong>5. Maintain registration.<\/strong> WELS registration is not permanent. Products must be re-registered as required, and any change in flow rate (new aerator, revised internal design) triggers a fresh test and updated registration.<\/p>\n<p>For importers sourcing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/faucet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">faucets from China<\/a> for the Australian market, the practical workflow is: obtain WaterMark first, then complete WELS registration using the same flow-rate data generated during WaterMark type testing. The two processes share a testing foundation, which reduces duplication if you plan the sequence correctly.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"WELS_Star_Rating_Guide\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WELS_Star_Rating_Guide_for_Commercial_Faucets\"><\/span>WELS Star Rating Guide for Commercial Faucets<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For commercial projects \u2014 hotels, office buildings, hospitals, schools \u2014 the WELS star rating directly affects both compliance and operating cost. Higher-star faucets reduce water bills across hundreds of fixtures, and many green building standards (like NABERS in Australia) reward higher WELS ratings.<\/p>\n<p>Here is a practical guide to choosing the right star level by project type:<\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 20px 0;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #0a9899; color: #fff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; font-weight: 600;\">Project Type<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; font-weight: 600;\">Recommended WELS Stars<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; font-weight: 600;\">Typical Flow Rate (L\/min)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; font-weight: 600;\">Why<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Hotel guest rooms<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">4\u20135 stars<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">4.5\u20137.5<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Balances guest comfort with water savings; supports NABERS targets<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Office public restrooms<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">5\u20136 stars<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">4.5\u20136.0<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">High-traffic area; maximum efficiency reduces utility cost<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Hospital \/ healthcare<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">4 stars minimum<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">6.0\u20137.5<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Hygiene requires adequate rinse performance; sensor taps help<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">School \/ university<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">5 stars<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">4.5\u20136.0<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Many fixtures; durability + efficiency both matter<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Restaurant kitchen<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">3\u20134 stars<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">7.5\u20139.0<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Rinse performance prioritized over maximum efficiency<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>When you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/how-to-choose-basin-faucets-for-hotel-bathroom-projects\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">choose basin faucets for hotel projects<\/a>, a 4-star WELS rating often represents the sweet spot \u2014 enough flow for a satisfying handwash, enough efficiency to cut water consumption by roughly 40% compared to an unregulated tap. FAAO&#8217;s basin faucet range includes models rated at 4\u20135 WELS stars, optimized for commercial use.<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"display: inline-block; background-color: #0a9899; color: #fff; padding: 12px 28px; text-decoration: none; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; border-radius: 4px; margin: 16px 0;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discuss WELS-Rated Faucet Options for Your Project<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"What_B2B_Buyers_Should_Verify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_B2B_Buyers_Should_Verify_Before_Sourcing\"><\/span>What B2B Buyers Should Verify Before Sourcing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Before you sign a purchase agreement with a faucet supplier targeting the Australian market, run through this checklist:<\/p>\n<p><strong>WaterMark licence number.<\/strong> Ask the supplier for their WaterMark licence number and verify it on the ABCB&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/watermark.abcb.gov.au\/product-search\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">product search database<\/a>. A valid licence means the product has passed type testing and factory audit. No licence means the product cannot be legally installed.<\/p>\n<p><strong>WELS registration number.<\/strong> Check the WELS public register to confirm the product is registered with a current star rating and flow rate. Unregistered products cannot be legally supplied in Australia \u2014 not at retail, not wholesale, not online.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Applicable standard compliance.<\/strong> For faucets, confirm that type testing was done against AS\/NZS 3718 (WaterMark) and flow-rate testing against AS\/NZS 6400:2016 (WELS). Some suppliers may hold certifications against other standards (CE, ACS, cUPC) \u2014 those are valid for other markets, but they do not replace WaterMark or WELS for Australia.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Aerator specification.<\/strong> The aerator determines flow rate, and changing the aerator changes the WELS rating. Confirm that the aerator in the product you are ordering matches the one tested for WELS registration. Swapping a 4-star aerator for a generic one can push the faucet below compliance.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Material and finish consistency.<\/strong> WaterMark type testing is done on a specific material and finish combination. If you order a chrome faucet but the licence was tested on a PVD black version, the certification may not cover your product. Verify that your ordered specification matches the tested specification.<\/p>\n<p>da FAAO <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/product-line-faucets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">faucet product line<\/a> lists models with full specification sheets. Each model is traceable to its certification documentation, so buyers can verify compliance before placing an order.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"Compliance_Mistakes_to_Avoid\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Compliance_Mistakes_to_Avoid\"><\/span>Common Compliance Mistakes to Avoid<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>After years of supplying faucets to the Australian market, we see the same mistakes repeat. Here are the ones that cost buyers time and money:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mistake 1: Assuming CE or ACS certification covers Australia.<\/strong> CE is for the European Union. ACS is for France. Neither replaces WaterMark. A faucet with CE certification is compliant in Europe \u2014 not in Australia. You still need WaterMark and WELS. This catches first-time importers regularly, especially those used to European supply chains.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mistake 2: Confusing WaterMark level coverage.<\/strong> A Level 2 WaterMark licence does not cover a Level 1 product. Faucets that contact drinking water require Level 1 certification with full type testing and factory audit. If a supplier shows you a Level 2 licence for a basin tap, that licence is invalid for that product type.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mistake 3: Not verifying WELS registration before selling.<\/strong> WELS compliance is not just the manufacturer&#8217;s responsibility. Importers, distributors, and retailers all share legal liability. If you supply an unregistered faucet, you can receive an infringement notice regardless of where you sit in the supply chain.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mistake 4: Ignoring aerator changes after WELS registration.<\/strong> Swapping the aerator after registration \u2014 even to a &#8220;better&#8221; one \u2014 can change the flow rate and invalidate the WELS rating displayed on the label. If you change the aerator, re-test and re-register.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mistake 5: Not checking certification expiry and scope changes.<\/strong> WaterMark licences and WELS registrations have validity periods. An expired licence or registration means the product is no longer compliant. Check renewal dates before committing to large orders.<\/p>\n<p>For more on avoiding common faucet specification errors, see our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/what-is-the-standard-flow-rate-of-a-commercial-basin-faucet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">commercial basin faucet flow rate standards<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"display: inline-block; background-color: #0a9899; color: #fff; padding: 12px 28px; text-decoration: none; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; border-radius: 4px; margin: 16px 0;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Verify FAAO&#8217;s Australian Certification Status<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"FAQ\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>Perguntas frequentes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_difference_between_WaterMark_and_WELS_certification\"><\/span>What is the difference between WaterMark and WELS certification?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>WaterMark certifies that a plumbing product is safe, durable, and fit for purpose under Australian standards. WELS registers and labels the product&#8217;s water consumption using a star rating system. WaterMark is a certification scheme requiring type testing and factory audit; WELS is a registration scheme requiring flow-rate testing and labelling. Both are mandatory for regulated faucet types sold in Australia, but they serve different regulatory purposes.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_all_faucets_sold_in_Australia_need_both_WaterMark_and_WELS\"><\/span>Do all faucets sold in Australia need both WaterMark and WELS?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Not all. Every faucet installed in an Australian plumbing system must have WaterMark certification. WELS registration is required only for specific tap categories \u2014 basin, kitchen sink, and laundry taps. Bathtub taps, bidet taps, and thermostatic mixing valves are excluded from WELS but still require WaterMark. Check the WELS regulated products list and the WaterMark schedule to confirm which certifications apply to your specific product.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_does_WaterMark_certification_take_for_faucet_products\"><\/span>How long does WaterMark certification take for faucet products?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The timeline varies, but a typical WaterMark Level 1 certification for a faucet takes 8\u201316 weeks. This includes type testing (4\u20138 weeks), factory audit scheduling (2\u20134 weeks), documentation review (2\u20134 weeks), and licence issuance. Delays often come from incomplete documentation, failed test samples, or factory audit findings that require corrective action. Start the process early \u2014 do not wait until you need to ship.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_WELS_star_rating_should_commercial_faucets_have\"><\/span>What WELS star rating should commercial faucets have?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For most commercial applications, 4\u20135 stars is the practical target. A 4-star basin tap delivers 6.0\u20137.5 L\/min, which is adequate for handwashing while saving roughly 40% water compared to an unregulated tap. For high-traffic public restrooms, 5\u20136 stars (4.5\u20136.0 L\/min) maximizes efficiency. Hospital and kitchen settings may accept 3\u20134 stars to ensure sufficient rinse performance. Choose based on project type, user expectations, and any green building rating requirements.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_imported_faucets_be_sold_in_Australia_without_WaterMark_certification\"><\/span>Can imported faucets be sold in Australia without WaterMark certification?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No. WaterMark is mandatory for any plumbing product installed in an Australian system. A licensed plumber cannot legally install a faucet without a valid WaterMark licence. Selling or importing such a product for plumbing installation is a breach of the NCC. Products without WaterMark can be sold for non-plumbing purposes (e.g., decorative or export-only), but they cannot be connected to any Australian water supply. If your business model involves Australian installation, WaterMark is non-negotiable.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"Conclusion\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclus\u00e3o<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>WaterMark and WELS are not competing standards \u2014 they are complementary layers of Australian regulatory compliance. WaterMark proves your faucet is safe and structurally sound. WELS proves it uses water responsibly. For B2B buyers importing faucets into Australia, skipping either one creates real legal and commercial risk. Verify both before you order, confirm that product specifications match the tested versions, and make sure your supply chain carries valid, current registrations.<\/p>\n<p>FAAO supplies WaterMark-certified, WELS-rated faucets built for commercial projects across hotels, hospitals, offices, and retail. If you need compliant products for your next Australian project, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">reach out to FAAO<\/a> for certification documentation and product recommendations.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Resources\"><\/span>Related Resources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/faucet\/basin-faucets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Basin Faucets \u2014 FAAO Product Range<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/faucet\/kitchen-faucets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kitchen Faucets \u2014 FAAO Product Range<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/faucet\/shower-faucets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shower Faucets \u2014 FAAO Product Range<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/product-line-faucets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FAAO Faucet Product Line Overview<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/oem-vs-odm-faucet-manufacturing-partnership-model\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">OEM vs ODM Faucet Manufacturing: How to Choose the Right Partnership Model<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/what-is-the-standard-flow-rate-of-a-commercial-basin-faucet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What Is the Standard Flow Rate of a Commercial Basin Faucet?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/how-to-choose-basin-faucets-for-hotel-bathroom-projects\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to Choose Basin Faucets for Hotel Bathroom Projects?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/top-basin-faucet-manufacturers-in-china-for-commercial-projects\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Top Basin Faucet Manufacturers in China for Commercial Projects<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/blog\/industry-news\/single-handle-vs-double-handle-basin-faucets-which-is-better-for-commercial-use\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Single Handle vs Double Handle Basin Faucets for Commercial Use<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>WaterMark and WELS are two mandatory certification schemes that govern faucet products sold in Australia. WaterMark certifies safety and fitness for purpose; WELS labels water consumption with a star rating. This guide explains the differences, certification processes, compliance requirements, and practical advice for B2B buyers sourcing faucets for Australian commercial projects.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"menu_order":6,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"blogs_category":[156],"class_list":["post-3197","blogs","type-blogs","status-publish","hentry","blogs_category-industry-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blogs\/3197","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blogs"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blogs"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3197"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"blogs_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fuaocn.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blogs_category?post=3197"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}