The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has extended the installation timeframe for existing lead-free plumbing products to 1 May 2028. The decision aims to give the plumbing industry additional time to transition to lead-free requirements while maintaining supply continuity.

The ABCB confirmed that while manufacturers will be required to hold Lead Free WaterMark certification from 1 May 2026 to maintain their licence, the extended installation period will apply to existing compliant stock already in the supply chain.

The Board also made clear that the 1 May 2028 end date is final, reinforcing the need for manufacturers who have already transitioned to lead-free products to support ongoing market demand.

The Australian Industry Group says the extension delivers immediate relief to manufacturers and suppliers facing mounting cost pressures.

“This is a present for an industry facing millions of dollars of losses from stock write-offs,” Australian Industry Group chief executive Innes Willox says.

According to the Australian Industry Group, plumbing product suppliers have faced a combination of challenges as the lead-free transition has progressed.

“Plumbing product suppliers have faced delays linked to certification bottlenecks, accelerated implementation timelines and disrupted supply chains. We have consistently highlighted these challenges and advocated for workable frameworks that prevent unnecessary cost and waste across the sector,” Innes says.