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Lead-free plumbing requirements and transition arrangements for 2 May 2026

Posted: 23 January 2026

Woman shopping for plumbing fixtures
Changes to the amount of lead allowed in plumbing products were announced by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) in November 2022.

On 2 November 2024, G12/AS1 3rd Edition Amendment 14 became an MBIE Acceptable Solution. This solution introduces a maximum lead content of 0.25% for any copper-alloy product used in contact with drinking water. This includes products such as pipe fittings, valves, taps, mixers, water heaters and water meters.

Currently, there are two Acceptable Solutions that can be used to demonstrate compliance with Building Code Clause G12 Water Supplies:

The transition period for Acceptable Solution G12/AS1 3rd Edition Amendment 13 ends at 11:59pm on 1 May 2026. 

Australian transition period

Australia have recently announced a further change to the date that they will transition to reduced lead in potable water fixtures. Our requirement for lead free products from 2 May 2026 will remain in place.

What this means for designers and trades people

G12/AS 3rd Edition Amendment 13 [PDF 5.7mb] will be revoked on 2 May 2026.

  • This MBIE Acceptable Solution can still be used as a means of demonstrating compliance for building consent applications submitted up to and including 1 May 2026. 
  • From 2 May 2026, Amendment 13 will no longer be an MBIE Acceptable Solution.
  • From 2 May 2026, Amendment 14 will become the only MBIE Acceptable Solution.

G12/AS1 3rd Edition Amendment 14 [PDF 5.6MB] is a current MBIE Acceptable Solution and can be used now and after 2 May 2026.

Consented building work (including plumbing works) being carried out after the transition period will continue to be subject to the conditions, plans and specifications set out in the approved building consent. Onsite construction and installation work must follow the specifications in the building consent for a code compliance certificate to be issued.

Building work done without a building consent must still meet the Building Code as required by the Building Act 2004. Practitioners may choose to use an MBIE Acceptable Solution, such as G12/AS1 3rd Edition Amendment 14, however this is not the only way to demonstrate compliance. Plumbing professionals are responsible for ensuring the building work (which includes plumbing work), and all building products and building methods (including plumbing products and plumbing installation methods) complies with the Building Code.

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This information is published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Chief Executive. It is a general guide only and, if used, does not relieve any person of the obligation to consider any matter to which the information relates according to the circumstances of the particular case. Expert advice may be required in specific circumstances. Where this information relates to assisting people: