Low Lead Tapware NZ: Lead-Free and DZR Compliant Tapware Ready to Specify

As of 2 May 2026, New Zealand’s new lead-free and DZR brass requirements are live under G12/AS1 Amendment 14. For architects, designers, builders and plumbers, this means products used in contact with potable water must meet updated compliance requirements for lead content and dezincification resistance.

The good news? Every Robertson Bathware tapware product was compliant well before the deadline.

That means you can continue specifying Robertson tapware with confidence, and installing it without hesitation.

Whether you are searching for low lead tapware in NZ, lead-free basin mixers, DZR brass kitchen mixers, or G12/AS1 compliant tapware, our current tapware range is ready for New Zealand projects.

What has changed under G12/AS1 Amendment 14?

From 2 May 2026, G12/AS1 3rd Edition Amendment 14 became the only MBIE Acceptable Solution for new building consent applications under Building Code Clause G12 Water Supplies.

The two key requirements are:

Lead-free plumbing products

Any copper alloy product in contact with drinking water must have a weighted average lead content of no more than 0.25%. This includes products such as taps, mixers, valves, pipe fittings, water heaters and water meters.

DZR brass components

Any copper alloy component that is in contact with drinking water and subject to hydrostatic pressure must be made from dezincification-resistant copper alloy, commonly referred to as DZR brass.

In simple terms, compliant tapware now needs to be both low lead and DZR compliant where these requirements apply.

How compliance is evidenced:

• Check with suppliers declaration of compliance (SDoc)
• Recognised international product certification markings
• Look for LF and DR markings on products and packaging

What it covers: kitchen mixers, basin mixers, tapware, valves, water heaters, and any copper alloy fitting in the potable water chain.
What it does not cover: toilets, baths, urinals, laundry appliances, irrigation and fire systems, plus components not under hydrostatic pressure such as shower heads and open bath spouts.

What does this mean for architects and specifiers?

If a building consent application is lodged on or after 2 May 2026, products specified for the potable water system need to align with G12/AS1 Amendment 14.

For architects, designers and specifiers, this makes product selection and documentation more important than ever. Specifying compliant products from the start helps reduce the risk of delays, substitution issues or compliance questions later in the project.

When you specify tapware from Robertson Bathware, the compliance work has already been done. Our current tapware range is lead-free, DZR compliant and ready to specify.

What does this mean for plumbers and installers?

Plumbers and installers are responsible for ensuring the products they install comply with the Building Code at the time of installation. MBIE notes that plumbing professionals are responsible for ensuring building work, products and installation methods comply with the Building Code.

That makes supplier choice critical.

Every Robertson Bathware tapware product comes with the certification needed to support your install. If you need compliance documentation for a specific product, our team can provide it quickly for inspectors, specifiers or project records.

Robertson Bathware tapware is ready

Robertson Bathware started working with our European partners well ahead of the transition to ensure our tapware range met the new requirements before they became mandatory.

The result is simple:

If it is in our current tapware catalogue, it is lead-free, DZR compliant and ready to install.

No waiting.
No stock to phase out.
No uncertainty.
No asterisks.

For architects, designers, builders and plumbers looking for low lead tapware in New Zealand, Robertson Bathware offers a compliant range of basin mixers, kitchen mixers and tapware collections ready for today’s projects.

Due

Due Basin Mixer	Due Extended Height Basin Mixer	Due Kitchen Mixer with Pull Out Spray

Lente

Lente 3TH Deck Mounted Basin Mixer	Lente 2TH Progressive Wall Mounted Basin/Bath Mixer	Lente 2TH Progressive High Spout Deck Mounted Basin Mixer

Pan S

Pan S Basin Mixer	Pan S 3TH Extended Height Deck Mounted Basin Mixer	Pan S 2TH Wall Mounted Basin Mixer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is low lead tapware?

Low lead tapware refers to tapware made from copper alloy materials that meet the updated New Zealand Building Code requirements for products in contact with drinking water. Under G12/AS1 Amendment 14, copper alloy products in contact with potable water must have a weighted average lead content of no more than 0.25%.

What does DZR mean in tapware?

DZR stands for dezincification-resistant. DZR brass is designed to resist dezincification, a form of corrosion that can affect some copper alloy plumbing components over time.

Does tapware in New Zealand need to be lead-free?

For new building consent applications from 2 May 2026, copper alloy plumbing products used in contact with drinking water must meet the updated lead-free requirements under G12/AS1 Amendment 14.

Is Robertson tapware lead-free and DZR compliant?

Yes. Every tapware product in Robertson Bathware’s current range is compliant with the new lead-free and DZR brass requirements under G12/AS1 Amendment 14.

Do plumbers need compliance documents for low lead tapware?

Compliance documentation may be required for inspectors, specifiers or project records. Robertson Bathware can provide the relevant certification documentation for tapware products when required.