Plumbing Industry Welcomes Deadline Extension for Low-lead Products
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has extended the transition period for the changeover to lower-lead requirements in plumbing products. This decision, which moves the deadline from 1 September 2025 to 1 May 2026, has been welcomed by some industry members.
From this date, copper alloy plumbing products containing more than 0.25% lead will no longer be authorised for installation in a plumbing system used to convey drinking water.
Currently, a small amount of lead is used in the manufacture of some copper alloy plumbing products. While existing products are safe, health officials recommend that where exposure to lead can be reduced, it should be reduced.
“Members recognised that their investment to transition their businesses would bring health benefits to the Australian public,” national employer association Ai Group chief executive Innes Willox says.
“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.”
He adds that 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 products being sent to landfill.
“The decision shows that positive outcomes are achieved for consumers when government actively consults and listens to industry,” Innes adds.
When the limit was introduced, Master Plumbers and Gasfitters WA chief executive Murray Thomas said: “This decision means we have achieved one of our key policy objectives. We have worked long and hard to see Australia catch up with countries such as Canada and the USA that have had a 0.25% lead content limit for years.
“From a public health perspective, there was no justification for retaining Australia’s existing 4.5% limit.”
Lead is a toxic substance that accumulates in the human body. For children, the dangers are extremely serious and include impaired brain development, learning disabilities and behavioural problems. Long-term exposure in adults can cause kidney damage and high blood pressure.
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