Before you can register your products, you will need to have them tested for performance and water efficiency. This applies to all products that we regulate under the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme.
Testing has to be conducted:
- at an accredited laboratory
- in line with requirements for the Australian standard relevant to the product.
Thorough testing helps your consumers trust the information on the water rating label and in text advice.
Find a laboratory
Testing of regulated products must be performed by a laboratory accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), or an affiliated international body.
Not all NATA laboratories can perform the necessary water efficiency testing for WELS registration.
Search the NATA directory of facilities and labs to find one equipped to test your products.
Read the standards
All regulated products must be tested, rated and labelled to meet requirements detailed in Australian Standard 6400:2016 Water efficient products — Rating and labelling.
The Australian Standard 6400:2016 also refers to product-specific standards that need to be met.
Check details of testing, performance requirements and technical specifications available in the standards for each product type.
These water efficiency and performance standards are managed by Standards Australia.
Supply testing results
Results of product testing must be included with your application for product registration.
Find out how to register a product.
Check other requirements
Regulated products must also comply with other relevant legislative and regulatory requirements.
WaterMark certification
Plumbing products must have a valid WaterMark certification before they can be registered under the WELS scheme.
Generally, if you have your product tested for WaterMark, the test report you receive can be used for your application for WELS registration. You will be provided with test reports for each product. Submit these with your registration application.
WaterMark is a mandatory certification scheme for plumbing and drainage materials and products and is managed and administered by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB).
Certification ensures products are fit for purpose and authorised for installation.
Find an assessment body to provide WaterMark certification:
- Australian Building Codes Board list of Conformity Assessment Bodies
- Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ) — filter the list by ‘product certification’ and ‘WaterMark’.