Australian Watermark Certification: A Must-Know Guide for Kitchen Tap Buyers
Updated: [2025-06-20] | Xiamen Smart Water Tech. Allen Huang
As a trusted boiling water tap manufacturer, Xiamen Smart Water Technology Co., Ltd. ensures that our products meet international standards-especially the stringent Australian WaterMark and WELS certification requirements. If you're an Australian brand, wholesaler, or OEM/ODM buyer sourcing kitchen tapware, this guide explains everything you need to know to stay compliant and competitive in the Australian market.
What Is the WaterMark Certification?
The WaterMark Certification Scheme is a mandatory national certification in Australia, governed by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB). It applies to all plumbing and drainage products installed in water supply and sewage systems.
Why It Matters:
Products without WaterMark certification cannot legally be installed in Australia. This includes boiling water taps, mixer taps, and under-sink water systems. Without WaterMark approval, builders, plumbers, and inspectors may reject your product-leading to project delays or legal penalties.
WaterMark Certification Standards
Each product category must comply with specific Australian/New Zealand Standards:
- AS/NZS 3718 – Tapware (including boiling and filtered water taps)
- AS/NZS 3662 – Showers
- AS 3498 – Water treatment systems
For boiling water taps and instant hot water dispensers, AS/NZS 3718 is the most relevant standard.
WaterMark Certification Process
Here's a quick breakdown of how the certification is obtained:
1. Initial Assessment
Contact a WaterMark Conformity Assessment Body (WMCAB) to evaluate your product design and compliance needs.
2. Product Testing
Send your product to a NATA-accredited or equivalent ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory for testing under relevant AS/NZS standards.
3. Documentation & Review
Submit your test results and technical documentation to the certification body for review.
4. Certificate Issuance & Listing
Once approved, your product receives a WaterMark certificate and is listed on the ABCB's WaterMark Product Database.
5. Annual Compliance Audits
Certification must be maintained with annual reviews and compliance checks to ensure product consistency.
What Is the WELS Certification?
The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) is Australia's water-saving label system. Introduced in 2006, WELS is mandatory for certain water-using products such as faucets, showers, toilets, dishwashers, and washing machines.
To apply for WELS, your product must first be WaterMark certified. Without WaterMark, WELS cannot be granted.
How the WELS Label Works
WELS labels give consumers clear information on how water-efficient a product is. The label includes:
1. Star Rating (Top):
Ranges from 0 to 6 stars. More stars = higher water efficiency.
2. Flow Rate (Middle):
Indicates the water used per minute (for taps/showers) or per flush (for toilets).
Example: 5.5 L/min for a standard kitchen tap.
3. Product Info (Bottom):
Includes manufacturer name, registration number, and testing standard used.
Consumers and plumbers can verify the label using the official WELS registration database.
WELS Certification Costs
The cost of WELS certification is based on a tiered annual fee model, not per product unit. This benefits ODM partners and brands selling in bulk or with multiple product lines.
Why Australian Certification Matters for ODM Buyers
As a global OEM/ODM manufacturer of instant hot water dispensers, boiling water taps, and kitchen filtration systems, Xiamen Smart Water Technology Co., Ltd. understands that meeting local compliance standards like WaterMark and WELS is essential for entering the Australian market.
We provide:
✔ WaterMark-compliant product development
✔ Assistance with lab testing and documentation
✔ Engineering design for AS/NZS standards
✔ ODM support tailored for Australian market entry
Ready to Launch Your Boiling Water Tap Brand in Australia?
Partner with a certified, experienced manufacturer that knows how to navigate Australian compliance. Contact us today to get WaterMark-ready boiling water taps designed and manufactured to the highest standard.
🔗 Visit: www.kitchenwatertap.com