On September 25, a reporter learned from the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine that the national standard for "ceramic seal faucets" (GB18145-2003) is undergoing revision. According to the drafters, the updated standard is expected to be released in early 2014. This comes as a response to growing concerns over lead content in copper faucets, which previously led to serious quality issues in the market.
In the past, many faucet products exceeded safety limits for lead, with some well-known brands registering levels up to 173 μg/L—over 34 times the acceptable limit. These findings sparked widespread media attention and public concern, highlighting the urgent need for stricter regulations.
The new standard is set to align closely with international benchmarks, particularly the U.S. NSF/ANSI 61-2012 standard, which sets strict limits on heavy metals such as lead, chromium, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and more. Under the revised rules, the maximum allowable lead level will be reduced to 5 μg/L, significantly improving consumer safety.
Industry insiders believe the new standard will bring major changes to the domestic faucet sector. With stricter requirements, approximately 30% of manufacturers may struggle to meet the new criteria, especially smaller companies lacking advanced production equipment. Many will either upgrade their facilities or face closure.
The AQSIQ has already begun monitoring lead levels in faucets and is conducting quality improvement campaigns in key production areas like Guangdong, Fujian, and Zhejiang. Technical experts have also been sent to inform companies about the upcoming standards, urging them to enhance their production processes.
According to Xie Xin, Secretary-General of the Sanitary Ware Committee of the National Chamber of Commerce for Furniture Decoration, the revised standard aims to eliminate outdated provisions and replace them with more scientific and reasonable requirements. The focus is on ensuring water safety by strictly regulating heavy metal content.
Experts predict that once the new standard is implemented, the faucet industry will see a significant shift. Companies that fail to adapt will be left behind, while those that invest in modern technology will gain a competitive edge. As a result, the industry is expected to become more standardized and globally aligned.
Shi Hongwei, deputy director of the National Building Materials Industry Construction Hardware Plumbing Product Quality Supervision and Testing Center, emphasized that the new standard will push manufacturers to improve product quality and raw material selection. This will ultimately drive the entire industry forward.
However, not all companies are prepared for the change. A small manufacturer, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concerns about the high costs of upgrading to meet the new standards. Advanced inspection and casting equipment can cost hundreds of thousands to millions of yuan, placing a heavy financial burden on smaller firms.
While large-scale manufacturers are better positioned to adapt, many small and medium-sized enterprises may find it difficult to keep up. Industry analysts estimate that around 30% of companies could be forced to shut down, while another 40% are in the process of upgrading. The remaining 30% may eventually be acquired or go out of business.
Overall, the introduction of the new national standard marks a turning point for the Chinese faucet industry. It represents a move toward higher quality, greater safety, and stronger alignment with global standards. While the transition may be challenging, it is seen as a necessary step toward long-term sustainability and competitiveness.
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