Lead free means a maximum of 0.25% lead content across wetted surfaces.
Lead free tapware in Australia refers to plumbing products that contain no more than 0.25% lead in wetted surfaces, as required under NCC 2022.
These requirements apply to all drinking water systems and will be fully enforced for installation from 1 May 2028.
Lead Free Tapware - Key Facts
- Maximum 0.25% lead in wetted surfaces
- Required under NCC 2022
- Applies to all drinking water plumbing products
- Manufacture deadline: 1 May 2026
- Installation deadline: 1 May 2028
What Is Lead Free Tapware?
Lead free tapware is defined as plumbing products that contain no more than 0.25% lead across wetted surfaces. This requirement was introduced under NCC 2022 to improve drinking water safety and reduce exposure to harmful metals such as lead.
Is Lead Free Tapware Mandatory in Australia?
Yes. Under NCC 2022, all plumbing products used in contact with drinking water must meet the lead free requirement (≤0.25% lead).
- From 1 May 2026: Non-compliant products cannot be manufactured
- From 1 May 2028: Non-compliant products cannot be installed
Victoria has already mandated compliance from 1 May 2026 with no transition period.
What Products Are Affected?
Lead free requirements apply to all plumbing products in contact with drinking water, including:
- Tapware and mixers
- Valves and fittings
- Backflow prevention devices
- Water heaters and dispensers
- Water meters and drinking outlets
If a product contains copper alloy and is used to convey drinking water, it must comply.
The Manufacture Deadline is here - and Installation Compliance follows in 2028
From 1 May 2026, the manufacture of non-lead-free WaterMark certified plumbing products is prohibited.
Existing WaterMark certified stock already in the market can continue to be installed until 1 May 2028 - a final, non-negotiable deadline.
This transition period has been introduced to allow the orderly sell-down of existing stock and to support the housing supply pipeline. It is not a relaxation of the requirements.
Lead Free Tapware Timeline (Australia)
- 1 May 2026: Manufacture of non-compliant products stops
- 1 May 2026 – 1 May 2028: Existing stock can still be installed (except Victoria)
- 1 May 2028: Only lead free WaterMark certified products can be installed
NCC 2022 Lead Free Transition Timeline
From 1 May 2026
- Manufacture of non-lead-free WaterMark certified products is prohibited
- Products without lead-free certification will lose compliance and cannot be newly licensed
1 May 2026 – 1 May 2028
- Existing WaterMark certified (non-lead-free) products already in the supply chain can still be installed
- This is a controlled sell-down period only
From 1 May 2028
- All regulated plumbing installations must use lead-free WaterMark certified products
- This deadline is final and applies across all jurisdictions
Victoria Leads the Transition
Victoria has become the first Australian state to formally mandate lead-free plumbing products in new buildings, confirming adoption of NCC 2022 requirements from 1 May 2026.
This applies to all regulated plumbing work - including projects where building permits were issued prior to the new standards taking effect.
What this Means for Specifiers and Plumbers
The regulatory position is now clear:
- From 1 May 2026, non-compliant products can no longer be manufactured or certified
- From 1 May 2028, non-compliant products can no longer be installed
- All new specifications should now nominate lead-free compliant products
Updating your base BIM specification to lead free products today eliminates compliance risk across all jurisdictions and ensures projects remain compliant beyond the 2028 deadline.
NCC 2022 Compliant Lead Free Tapware - Available Now
Galvin anticipated the shift to lead free tapware in 2017 - years ahead of NCC 2022 - meaning compliant solutions are already available today.
The GalvinClear® Lead Safe™ range is:
- Fully compliant with NCC 2022
- Independently tested to recognised international standards
- WaterMark certified for use in Australian plumbing systems
This ensures your specification is already aligned with current and future regulatory requirements.
About GalvinClear® Lead Safe™ Technology
All products carrying the GalvinClear® Lead Safe™ designation have been redesigned and re-engineered using specialist materials and manufacturing techniques to meet stringent lead-free requirements.
The range maintains similar styles, aesthetics and dimensions to predecessor products wherever possible, supporting straightforward upgrade and exchange.
Materials Used
- 316 Stainless Steel: 0% lead, highly durable, ideal for external and high-use environments such as schools, parks, and coastal locations
- DZR Brass: ≤ 0.25% lead, suitable for controlled applications such as health, aged care and custodial facilities
- Approved Polymers: Reduce reliance on metallic components in wetted pathways
Design Approach
GalvinClear® Lead Safe™ technology reduces the volume of drinking water in contact with metallic surfaces, minimising exposure to contaminants such as lead and arsenic at the source.
Standards and Compliance
- NCC 2022 Vol. Three, Clause A5G4(2) compliant
- NSF/ANSI 372 compliant
- AS/NZS 4020 tested for contact with drinking water
- WaterMark certified
- Materials aligned with 4MS Common Approach
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Visit our NSF/ANSI 372 Type Test Licence
What Materials Are Used in Lead Free Tapware?
Lead free tapware is manufactured using materials that meet strict international drinking water standards:
- Stainless Steel (0% lead): Preferred for durability and corrosion resistance
- DZR Brass (≤ 0.25% lead): Engineered for controlled lead content and long-term performance
- Polymers and Plastics: Used to reduce metal exposure in wetted components
All materials used in GalvinClear® Lead Safe™ products comply with recognised global standards, including European 4MS requirements.
Lead Free Regulations & Industry Updates
Stay informed with the latest developments in lead free plumbing compliance:
- Government and regulatory updates
- Guidance from the ABCB
- Industry news and technical articles
- White papers on water quality and compliance
Latest regulatory updates:
NSF/ANSI 372 Certified Products
Galvin Lead Free Articles & White Papers:
- Check before you spec (Article)
- The case for change (Article)
- Is your base spec due for an upgrade based on lead free changes? (Article)
- Improving Water Quality in Australian Schools and Hospitals (White Paper)
Lead Free News Stories
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GalvinClear Ezy-Drink Drinking Bubbler a Standout at Bramston Park |
