On September 25, the reporter learned from the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) that the national standard for "ceramic seal faucets" (GB 18145-2003) is undergoing revision. According to the drafters of the new standard, the updated version is expected to be released in early 2014. This update aims to address long-standing concerns about lead content in copper faucets, which have led to serious safety issues in the market.
Previously, many faucet products failed to meet safety standards due to excessive lead leaching. Some well-known brands were found to release up to 173 μg/L of lead, exceeding the acceptable limit by over 34 times. These findings sparked widespread media attention and public concern, pushing authorities to take action.
The new standard will align with international benchmarks, particularly referencing the U.S. NSF/ANSI 61-2012 standard for drinking water system components. It will impose strict limits on lead, chromium, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and other heavy metals. The threshold for lead will be reduced to a maximum of 5 μg/L, matching U.S. requirements. This move is expected to significantly improve product safety and bring domestic manufacturing closer to global standards.
Industry experts believe that the new regulation will drive a major transformation in the sector. With stricter compliance requirements, approximately 30% of small and outdated manufacturers may be forced to shut down. Companies lacking advanced production and testing equipment will struggle to keep up, while larger firms with modern facilities are better positioned to adapt.
AQSIQ has already begun monitoring lead levels in faucet products and is conducting quality improvement campaigns in key production areas like Guangdong, Fujian, and Zhejiang. Technical agencies are working closely with manufacturers to ensure they meet the new requirements before the standard is officially implemented.
According to Xie Xin, Secretary-General of the Sanitary Ware Committee at the National Chamber of Commerce for Furniture and Decoration, the revised standard reflects the latest industry needs and scientific advancements. It removes outdated provisions and introduces more rigorous and practical criteria, especially regarding heavy metal content.
Experts predict that the implementation of the new standard will accelerate the industry’s development and promote healthier competition among global faucet manufacturers. As the standard becomes mandatory, companies will need to invest in better production technologies and quality control systems to remain compliant.
For smaller manufacturers, the cost of upgrading equipment can be prohibitive. One unnamed factory owner expressed concerns that the investment required for advanced casting and testing machines could become a significant financial burden. While large-scale producers are already adapting to international standards, many small and medium-sized enterprises face an uncertain future.
Overall, the new national standard marks a turning point for the Chinese faucet industry, bringing it into line with global practices and ensuring safer, higher-quality products for consumers.
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