Transition To Lead-Free Update: Industry Progress and Challenges

As the Australian plumbing industry moves toward the mandatory use of lead-free products by May 2026, MPAQ has been closely monitoring and consulting with key stakeholders to understand the broader implications of the transition.

This article provides an overview of current progress and key concerns raised by industry.

Progress to Date

The transition to lead-free plumbing products has been led nationally by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), with the first WaterMark Conformity Assessment Body (WMCAB) accredited in September 2023. Since then, progress has reflected the below:

• As of March 2025, 8 of the 11 WMCABs are now accredited.
• Over 34,000 lead-free certified products are available across 86 categories.
• Nearly 400 WaterMark licences include lead-free compliant products.

While significant progress has been made, a key uncertainty remains, the number of non-compliant products still in circulation is unknown, as commercial decisions continue to evolve around product retirement, replacement, or conversion.

Key Industry Concerns

Several risks and challenges have been identified by stakeholders, see below:

• Financial Impact on Suppliers and manufacturers
• Environmental Disposal and Waste Management of products
• Supply Chain Uncertainty
• Commercial Strain on Supplier Relationships
• Awareness Gaps
• Will compliant products be available across all categories by 2026?
• Will any short-term exemptions be permitted if stock is unavailable?
• Support for businesses facing significant disposal costs.

There is still a significant lack of awareness among plumbing businesses, regarding the transition and its implications.

We are encouraging our members to make use of any existing inventory stored in trucks, vans, or sheds now is the time to use those products while they remain compliant.

Ongoing Engagement

The Master Plumbers' Association has actively engaged with industry groups such as the Plumbing Products Industry Group (PPI), the Australian Industry Group (AI Group), manufacturers, and major retailers. Feedback suggests that larger manufacturers are generally well advanced in the transition, whereas smaller players are more vulnerable to financial, operational, and regulatory pressure.

Looking Ahead

The transition to lead-free plumbing products is a positive step toward safer drinking water and improved public health outcomes. However, the practical challenges associated with product phase-outs, financial impacts, and environmental waste management cannot be ignored. A coordinated, whole-of-industry response with support from government will be critical to ensuring this important change is implemented in a way that is fair, manageable, and sustainable for all stakeholders.