The Australian Industry Group commends New Zealand for extending its lead-free transition period for plumbing products to May 1, 2026, to align with Australia.
The decision follows extensive consultation by the New Zealand Government's Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment with industry on both sides of the Tasman.
When Australia announced the lead-free transition period, both nations agreed on an end date of September 1, 2025.
However, owing to unanticipated delays with the approval of the trademark required to be attached to all products, Ai Group and other industry bodies lobbied the Australian Building Codes Board to extend the end date to May 1, 2026.
The change by New Zealand will remove a point of confusion between Trans-Tasman plumbing product markets.
Australia and New Zealand both recognised the health benefits of lead-free plumbing products and have been working towards this objective with the support from industry for many years.
The alteration to lead levels, previously made by both nations, will limit the maximum lead content for plumbing products that contain copper alloys and are used with potable water for human consumption.
James is the Lead – Standards and Product Regulation with Ai Group. He currently manages members' engagement with Standards Australia and regulatory advocacy in the electrical and plumbing space. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and a Masters in Professional Accounting.
