The Bureau of Standards, Metrology & Inspection (BSMI), together with American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), held the Taiwan-US Seminar on Plumbing Product Regulations at Changhua County's Lukang on September 20. Taiwan Institute for Plumbing Innovation, a facility built by the Plumbing Association of Taiwan, was chosen as the venue as it symbolizes Taiwan's effort to tap into the international market.
More than 70 people attended the seminar, including legislator Chun-yi Hung, Lukang Township Mayor Zhen-yan Huang, representatives from the office of legislators Shiou-fang Huang and Hui-mei Wang and representatives from the plumbing industry, laboratories and the government.
In recent years, consumers have become quite concerned about the safety of drinking water, said the BSMI. In view of this, the Bureau has partially revised CNS 8088 "Faucets, ball taps and flush valves" after consulting NSF 61 on the effect of lead and heavy metal residues on human health. The Bureau also announced on May 11, 2016 that drinking water faucets both imported and domestically produced from January 1, 2017 onward must undergo mandatory inspection.
The NSF 61 standard is widely adopted by the international society. As an example, NSF 61 compliance is mandatory in 48 states in the United States. Canada, South Korea and Saudi Arabia have also adopted NSF 61.
Opening remarks were delivered by BSMI Director-General Ming-Jong Liou, AIT Commercial Officer Jim Curtis and Plumbing Association of Taiwan President Yih-dar Wu. They talked about the market regulations for plumbing products from the viewpoints of regulations, standards, inspection and certification. Strategies to tap into the international market are also touched upon.
NSF's Plumbing Products General Manager Dave Purkiss lectured on the management measures and regulations of plumbing products in the United States and Canada, NSF 61 standard and product certification procedures.
Meanwhile, three BSMI officers talked about CNS 8088, inspection regulations and inspection methods regarding the mandatory inspection of imported and domestically produced water faucets beginning January 1, 2017. Information exchange events like this reduce the uncertainty of new product marketing and help manufacturers of plumbing products seize market opportunities.
The Taiwan-US Seminar on Plumbing Product Regulations reflects the public's concern about drinking water safety. The BSMI will continue to work with both the private and public sectors to ensure that drinking water meets international standard and is safe to drink.
Agency in charge: Planning, Inspection Administration & Management, Certification & International Cooperation Division (5th Division)
Contact person: Mr. June-Chieh Lai
Telephone: +886-2-2343-1787