Cost of Tap and Faucet Manufacturing
across the UK

# Tap and Faucet Manufacturing Accreditation

The tap and faucet manufacturing sector in the UK is primarily governed by standards set out by the British Standards Institution (BSI), which certifies compliance with BS EN 817 (specifications for baths) and BS EN 246 (specifications for taps). Water Regulations Approval Scheme (WRAS) certification is another critical accreditation, particularly for products that come into contact with drinking water, as WRAS approval ensures manufacturers meet strict hygiene and safety standards mandated by water companies and local authorities across England and Wales. Some manufacturers also pursue ISO 9001 certification, which demonstrates a commitment to quality management systems, though this is a general standard rather than sector-specific. The Faucet Manufacturers Association (FMA) provides guidance on best practices and technical standards within the industry, though membership is voluntary. Understanding these accreditations matters because they indicate a manufacturer has undergone independent assessment and commits to ongoing compliance with health, safety, and performance requirements.

To verify a provider's accreditation, start by checking the BSI's online register of certified companies, which is freely accessible on their website and allows you to confirm both the scope and validity date of certification. For WRAS-approved products, the WRAS online register lists approved manufacturers and specific product ranges, which is essential since approval often applies only to certain product lines rather than an entire company. You should request documentation directly from the manufacturer, including their current certification certificates, test reports for specific products you're interested in, and details of any third-party audits they've undergone. It's worth contacting the relevant certification body directly if you have doubts, as this takes only minutes and provides definitive confirmation. Verification matters significantly because non-compliant taps and faucets can pose health risks through bacterial contamination, may fail prematurely, and could