The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has announced that the mandatory adoption of new lead-free provisions for WaterMark-related tapware and allied products will be delayed until May 2026. The provisions were previously scheduled to begin in September 2025.

“The sensible announcement from the ABCB to extend the transition period for the changeover to lower-lead requirements for plumbing products from 1 September 2025 to 1 May 2026 is welcomed by industry,” said Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the national employer association, Ai Group.

“The ABCB identified the need for a new regulatory regime for plumbing products five years ago with support from industry.

“Members recognised that their investment to transition their businesses would bring health benefits to the Australian public.

“We are pleased that the ABCB considered our representations to address manufacturing timetable issues caused by unanticipated delays with the approval of the trademark required to be attached to all products.

“With the approval of this mark, expected within days, plumbing products can be manufactured and legally be placed in the market by manufacturers and suppliers.

“The ABCB decision also reduces the risk of a non-competitive market that may have resulted in fewer compliant products being available and the quantity of product being sent to landfill.

“The decision shows that positive outcomes are achieved for consumers when government actively consults and listens to industry,” Mr Willox said.