Consultation period now closed

Following consultation with plumbing industry stakeholders and other interested parties, the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) is now being prepared. The PCA is produced by the National Plumbing Regulators Forum (NPRF), which is made up of representatives from each state and territory government. The NPRF is the national policy advisory body for the regulation of on-site plumbing.

The PCA is a major step in the development of uniform plumbing standards across Australia, as well as providing nationally consistent procedures for the approval of plumbing products. A Regulatory Impact Statement, prepared for the consultation, concluded that a nationally accepted PCA would deliver significant benefits to industry, the community and government.

Benefits

The benefit to industry will be greater consistency, with the requirements of all states and territories outlined in a single document. In addition, new streamlined product approval procedures address concerns manufacturers have with the current National Certification of Plumbing and Drainage Products Scheme.

For the community, the PCA provides a platform by which important public health, safety and environmental issues can be resolved efficiently and effectively by all governments.

Scope of proposed code

The scope of the proposed PCA is broad and covers:

• water services
• sanitary drainage and plumbing
• stormwater
• on-site domestic wastewater treatment
• heating and cooling systems.

Part A establishes agreed performance requirements for plumbing and drainage work. It references standards which meet the performance requirements and the way in which these requirements can be achieved.

Part B of the PCA specifies the procedures and requirements for certifying plumbing and drainage products that require statutory authorisation to protect public health and safety. It will allow manufacturers to use any certifying body approved by the Joint Accreditation System for Australia and New Zealand.

Once the PCA has been finalised, each state and territory will consider adopting it under relevant legislation. Not all states and territories currently regulate all aspects of work covered by the PCA, and therefore not all jurisdictions will adopt all elements of the code.

Consultation documents

Please note: the period for public comment is now closed.

Documents related to the proposed code are provided for reference purposes only:

• Final Draft Plumbing Code of Australia ( 246 kB)
• Draft Regulatory Impact Statement - PCA ( 504 kB)

Further information

Further information about the PCA/RIS and the consultation process can be obtained from:

National Plumbing Regulators Forum
C/O Plumbing Industry Commission
PO Box 360
Caulfield East, Victoria 3145 Australia