Faucet Water Efficiency Standards in China and the USA: What Global Buyers Need to Know

[2025-09-01] | By Xiamen Smart Water Technology Co., Ltd. Allen Huang

Water efficiency is becoming a global priority as governments and manufacturers look for ways to reduce waste, improve sustainability, and lower energy costs. For companies sourcing boiling water taps or other advanced kitchen faucets, understanding efficiency standards in different markets-particularly China and the USA-is essential. These standards affect not only product compliance but also long-term brand reputation in international markets.

The "Measures for the Administration of Water Efficiency Labeling" (hereinafter referred to as the "Measures"), jointly promulgated by the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Water Resources, and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, officially came into effect on March 1, 2018. The use of water efficiency labeling will provide consumers with clear and effective information on product water efficiency, guiding them in purchasing efficient and water-saving products. Currently, the product catalogue subject to water efficiency labeling in my country covers a wide range of categories, including faucets, toilets, water purifiers, washing machines, dishwashers, and showers (including shower heads).

In 2023, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Water Resources, and the State Administration for Market Regulation issued the "Notice on Issuing the Fourth Batch of Products Subject to Water Efficiency Labeling in the People's Republic of China and the Implementation Rules for Water Efficiency Labeling of Faucets" (Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Water Resources, and State Administration for Market Regulation), which clearly stipulates that the water efficiency grade of faucets will be determined in accordance with GB25501, "Limited Values ​​and Grades for Water Efficiency of Faucets." Only faucets that meet these requirements can be marketed and use the "CHINA WATER EFFICIENCY LABEL" logo.

The "Implementation Rules for Water Efficiency Labeling of Faucets" will take effect on January 1, 2025. Products manufactured or imported before January 1, 2025, may delay applying water efficiency labels until January 1, 2026.

National water efficiency certifications for faucets in the United States include DOE energy efficiency certification (mandatory) and WaterSense water efficiency certification (optional).

The US Department of Energy (DOE) energy efficiency certification, also known as the US Department of Energy (DOE) energy efficiency certification, is a mandatory certification for electronic and electrical products implemented by the DOE in accordance with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) and related federal regulations (such as 10 CFR Part 430). Its primary purpose is to improve product efficiency, conserve energy (water and electricity), and reduce energy waste, thereby reducing energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions. DOE energy efficiency certification covers over 60 different product types, including bathroom products such as faucets, showerheads, urinals, and toilets. All manufacturers and importers of covered products must use DOE testing procedures to ensure compliance, unless specifically exempted.

WaterSense is a voluntary certification program launched by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2006. It aims to promote water conservation by identifying and promoting efficient water-saving products. The program covers a variety of product categories, including bathroom fixtures, irrigation systems, and household appliances. Products that have obtained WaterSense certification not only have excellent water-saving performance, but also must meet strict EPA standards to ensure their reliability in real-world use environments. Products involved include Residential Toilets, Showerheads, Bathroom Faucets, Commercial Toilets, Urinals, Irrigation Controllers, Spray Sprinkler Bodies, etc.

1. GB/T 33733-2017 Terminology and Classification of Kitchen and Bathroom Hardware Products

• A faucet is a terminal device that opens and closes the outlet and controls the flow rate and/or temperature of water.
• A kitchen faucet is installed in the kitchen and is used for washing vegetables, fruit, tableware, etc.
• A lavatory faucet is installed on the basin and is used for washing face, hands, rinsing, etc.
• A washing faucet is a single-handle, single-control faucet used for general washing (hands and mops).
• A bidet faucet is a faucet designed for feminine cleansing, used in bidets or bidets.
• A fixed-volume faucet has a timer to maintain a fixed amount of water per use.

2. GB 25501-2019 Faucet Efficiency Limits and Efficiency Grades
The definitions defined in GB/T 33733-2017 apply to this document. The "Scope" section clearly states: This standard applies to washbasin faucets, kitchen faucets, bidet faucets, and ordinary washing faucets installed at the end of cold and hot water supply pipes, with a nominal pressure (static pressure) not exceeding 1.0 MPa and a medium temperature between 4°C and 90°C. It does not apply to faucets with delayed self-closing functions.

3. 10 CFR Part 430 Consumer Product Energy Conservation Program
Faucet: means a lavatory faucet, kitchen faucet, metering faucet, or replacement aerator for a lavatory or kitchen faucet, excluding low-pressure water dispensers and pot fillers.

4. ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1 Water Supply Pipe Fittings
Faucet: a terminal fitting, including lawn faucet, sediment faucet, and self-closing faucet (metering faucet).

5. High-Efficiency Lavatory Faucet Specification

This document is based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) WaterSense™ standard. The plan is drafted and applies to bathroom faucets, bathroom faucet accessories specially designed to control water flow, and any other bathroom faucet technology that meets these performance specifications; it is applicable to bathroom faucets for private use, such as in residences, hotels, hospitals, etc.; it does not apply to metered faucets, public bathroom faucets and residential kitchen faucets.

According to GB 25501-2019, water efficiency limits and water efficiency grades for faucets, the flow uniformity of washbasin faucets, kitchen faucets, and bidet faucets should not exceed 3.0 L/min. Faucets are graded into three levels of water efficiency, with Level 3 being the lowest. For multi-blocking faucets, the water efficiency grade of the large block should not be lower than Level 3. The actual water efficiency grade achieved by the large block will be used as the water efficiency grade for the faucet.

According to 10 CFR Part 430 Subpart C – Energy and Water Conservation Standards, the maximum water flow rate allowed for bathroom faucets and their replaceable aerators, kitchen faucets and their replaceable aerators, and metering faucets manufactured after January 1, 1994, at a dynamic pressure of 60 psi (0.414 MPa) is as shown in the following table.

①. Sprinklers with Individually Controlled Spouts and Manual Controls
The maximum flow rate of each manually opened or closed spout must not exceed the maximum flow rate of the bathroom faucet.

②. Sprinklers with Centrally Controlled Spouts and Manual Controls
The maximum flow rate of a manually opened or closed spout must be the product of: (a) the maximum flow rate of the lavatory faucet, and (b) the number of components (the rim clearance of the lavatory in inches (mm) divided by 20 inches (508 mm)).

③. Sprinklers with Individually Controlled Spouts and Metered Controls
The maximum flow rate of each sprinkler, when gradually closing after delivering a preset flow rate, must not exceed the maximum flow rate of the metered faucet.

④. Sprinklers with Centrally Controlled Spouts and Metered Controls
The maximum flow rate of a sprinkler, when gradually closing after delivering a preset flow rate, must be the product of: (a) the maximum flow rate of the metered faucet, and (b) the number of components (the rim clearance of the lavatory in inches (mm) divided by 20 inches (508 mm)).

WaterSense certification requires that water-efficient faucets (used in residential, hotel, and restaurant bathrooms) meet the requirements of ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1 and NSF/ANSI 61-91. Furthermore, minimum and maximum flow rates are specified: 0.8 gpm (3.0 L/min) at an inlet pressure of 20 psi to 1.5 gpm (5.7 L/min) at an inlet pressure of 60 psi.

Note 1: NSF/ANSI 61, Section 9: Drinking Water System Components Health Effects, Mechanical Plumbing Devices. This standard, jointly developed by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), covers the health effects of drinking water system components, including requirements for material safety and biosafety.

By comparing multiple conditions such as water temperature and water pressure, it was found that there are significant differences between China and the United States in the following three aspects of water efficiency standards:
 
(1) Product scope covered: my country's faucet water efficiency standards mainly classify and regulate according to the product usage scenario. The product scope of the two certification methods in the United States itself is quite different. As a mandatory certification requirement, DOE covers almost all faucet products, even including faucet accessories - replaceable aerators. WaterSense currently only focuses on faucet products in private use scenarios.
 
(2) Product indicators covered: The United States currently only considers the maximum flow and minimum flow of faucet products, while my country mainly considers the maximum flow and flow uniformity indicators of faucet products.
 
(3) Test methods: There are significant differences between China and the United States in test conditions and test methods. Therefore, the results of flow test cannot be directly compared.

For faucet products certified to the American standard, if they are to be sold domestically, their maximum flow rate and flow uniformity should be retested according to the relevant requirements of GB 25501, and the measured results should be compared with the water efficiency grade indicators of the faucets in Table 1. If the requirements cannot be met, adjustments to the product design or production process should be considered.

For international buyers considering ODM boiling water taps or other advanced drinking water systems from China, understanding these standards is crucial:

• Global Market Readiness: A product meeting both China's WEL and the USA's WaterSense requirements is more likely to succeed in multiple regions.
• ODM Advantage: Manufacturers like Xiamen Smart Water Technology Co., Ltd. can design and produce faucets that comply with different standards, helping brand owners reduce compliance risks.
• Sustainability and Branding: Distributors and retailers increasingly demand eco-friendly certifications, which strengthen brand positioning.

Water efficiency standards in China and the USA may differ in structure and certification, but they share the same goal: reducing water consumption while maintaining performance. For international buyers and brand owners, partnering with an experienced boiling water tap manufacturer that understands and complies with these standards is crucial for confidently entering global markets.

Xiamen Smart Water Technology Co., Ltd. specializes in ODM boiling water taps, under-sink drinking water systems, and smart kitchen faucets that meet international standards. By working with us, global partners gain access to high-quality, compliant, and sustainable products tailored to their brand's needs.

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1. What is the faucet water efficiency standard in China?
China regulates faucets through the Water Efficiency Label (WEL) system. Products are tested for water flow performance and categorized into efficiency grades, with Grade 1 being the most efficient. For certain faucet categories, carrying the WEL label is mandatory before they can be sold in the Chinese market.

2. What is the faucet water efficiency standard in the USA?
The USA uses federal plumbing standards and the EPA WaterSense program. Federal law sets a maximum flow rate of 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm), while WaterSense-certified faucets must use no more than 1.5 gpm without sacrificing performance.

3. Is WaterSense certification mandatory in the USA?
No, WaterSense is a voluntary certification, but it has become an important marketing advantage. Many distributors, retailers, and eco-conscious consumers specifically look for WaterSense-labeled faucets.

4. Do China's and USA's faucet standards affect international buyers?
Yes. For ODM buyers and global brands, compliance with both China's WEL and the USA's WaterSense requirements ensures smoother entry into different markets and strengthens a brand's sustainability credentials.

5. Can boiling water taps meet both China and USA standards?
Yes. Leading manufacturers like Xiamen Smart Water Technology Co., Ltd. design and produce boiling water taps and under-sink drinking systems that comply with multiple international standards, making them ideal for global distribution.