MBIE changes lead transition dates

The Ministry of Building, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has changed the transition date for lead and dezincification plumbing product provisions.

MBIE originally asked for feedback on the following proposals in 2022:

• To limit the amount of allowable lead content for some plumbing products to 0.25% by 2025.
• A new requirement for copper alloy water supply system components to be dezincification resistant to minimise premature corrosion.

Submissions for the first consultation closed on 1 July 2022.

There were 40 submissions on the proposal, with over 90% in favour. Of those, 86% were in favour of the proposed transition end date of 1 September 2025 or sooner.

At the time, MBIE stated: “Due to the overwhelmingly positive response, we decided to proceed with the proposed changes to Acceptable Solution G12/AS1, limiting the maximum quantity of lead in plumbing products and the proposed transition period ending on 1 September 2025.”

When the initial decision was published on 15 November 2022, the dezincification resistant copper alloy provisions had a transition date ending “at least one year from publication of the amended Acceptable Solution G12/AS1”. The amendment to G12/AS1 is due to be published in November 2024.

Transition extension

These changes and timelines coincided with the same changes in Australia, as is often the case with standard changes. However, in April 2023, Australia extended its transition period end date to 1 May 2026.

“When we published the updated Building Code documents in November 2023, we confirmed the announced transition period end date would remain,” explained MBIE. “However, where possible, we strive to align with our major trading partners to ensure a healthy and competitive New Zealand market.”

As a consequence of Australia’s decision to extend its transition period, MBIE went back to the drawing board with a second consultation in April 2024. This time, the department sought feedback on a proposed extension to the transition period for both lead and dezincification plumbing product provisions to align with Australia’s transition period end date of 1 May 2026.

MBIE said the move “aims to provide clear and consistent transition period end date timeframes for the sector, especially for those that need to adapt the types of copper alloys used to manufacture plumbing products”.

Proposed dates approved

MBIE received 41 submissions – over 80% of which supported the proposal.

“Due to this positive response, we have decided to proceed with the proposed changes,” said MBIE.

*Image from the Adesso range, available at PlaceMakers. The Adesso Mode range doesn’t just meet the new low-lead requirements, it exceeds them – with less than 0.1% lead throughout its range of fixtures and fittings