 Product
Certification and Labeling Questions
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How does a product earn the WaterSense
label?
The first step toward obtaining the WaterSense label is
for the product manufacturer to enter into a WaterSense partnership
agreement with EPA. Manufacturers can sign a WaterSense
partnership agreement (writeable PDF) (3 pp, 289K, About PDF)
with EPA once a draft specification has been released for a product
they produce or a product they manufacture under a private label.
Under the partnership agreement, manufacturers will have 12 months
to obtain certification for a product that conforms to a relevant
WaterSense specification.
The second step is to have the product certified for conformance
to the WaterSense specification by a licensed certifying body either
accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in
accordance with the WaterSense product certification system, or otherwise approved for that purpose by EPA. Manufacturers
apply directly to the licensed certifying body for certification.
Who will authorize the use of the WaterSense label?
The licensed certifying body will authorize the use of
the WaterSense label. This will lessen the burden on manufacturers
by reducing the layers of approval and associated wait time for
product labeling. In addition, the licensed certifying body will
also include its name in close proximity to the WaterSense label,
which will aid in tracking the use of the label in the marketplace.
The licensed certifying bodies will authorize the use of the WaterSense
label in accordance with requirements specified by EPA.
Which licensed certifying bodies
are accredited by ANSI or otherwise approved by EPA to certify products?
A listing of approved
licensed certifying bodies that meet WaterSense criteria is
posted on the WaterSense Web site, or is obtainable from the WaterSense
Helpline at (866) WTR-SENS (987-7367). EPA anticipates that licensed
certifying bodies currently approved to certify plumbing products
will be on this list.
The relevant WaterSense specifications for which the licensed certifying
bodies are approved will also be identified on this list. Products
may be certified by any licensed certifying body accredited for
the relevant WaterSense specification.
What is generally involved in product certification?
At a minimum, a sample of the product will be selected
and tested for conformance to the relevant WaterSense specification.
Certification may also include factory visits, periodic retests,
or other approaches to monitor ongoing conformance. These details
are still being evaluated for specific product categories.
How will consumers know that a product has been certified?
Only products certified to WaterSense specifications are
allowed to bear the WaterSense label. In addition, EPA will maintains
a master list of certified WaterSense products on the WaterSense
Web site.
Will this certification process apply to all products?
EPA will require all WaterSense labeled products to be
certified by a licensed certifying body. EPA may, however, adjust
the specific certification requirements as appropriate for individual
product categories.
Are there licensed certifying bodies that can certify all
products?
There are licensed certifying bodies that are currently
ANSI accredited to certify a majority of the products for which
EPA is interested in developing specifications. EPA anticipates
that more licensed certifying bodies will obtain accreditation to
certify the relevant products as the WaterSense specifications are
developed.
Why did EPA choose ANSI accredited third-party certification?
EPA wants to ensure the WaterSense program's integrity
and sustainability. EPA also wants to ensure consumer confidence
in the products that bear the WaterSense label. Licensed certifying
bodies, independent of EPA and the product manufacturers, will certify
product conformity to the specifications, authorize the use of the
WaterSense label, and conduct periodic surveillance of a product's
continued conformance. ANSI accredited certification is the already
established framework in the United States to verify that products
in the marketplace meet specifications and standards.
What is the cost of certification to product manufacturers?
The cost structure for product certification is determined
by the licensed certifying bodies. EPA anticipates that the testing
fee and cost for certification of products, which may include opening
a new certification file or adding models to an existing file, will
be in line with the current cost structure for plumbing product
certification by an ANSI accredited licensed certifying body.
How will this certification process impact smaller manufacturers
of products?
EPA is in the process of developing the requirements for
certification. EPA is considering the impact on small businesses
in the decisions that it makes and is receiving input from all interested
stakeholders. While there will be some cost impact on all manufacturers
to submit a product for certification, the strength of the WaterSense
label should help products stand out in the marketplace. This should
be of particular value to small business partners.
Will the development of the certification program delay
specifications?
No, specifications for the initial WaterSense labeled products
and development of the certification approach is proceeding at the
same time.
How long will the process take from
the time I submit my product for certification until the time when
I can apply the WaterSense label to products?
The exact process and timing will be determined by the
licensed certifying body conducting the certification. Licensed
certifying bodies recognize that time to market is an important
consideration and will compete for a manufacturer's business in
this area. EPA anticipates that the time to achieve product certification
to WaterSense specifications will be similar to the time it currently
takes to get plumbing products certified to American Society of
Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and other relevant standards.
How will EPA know that a product has been certified?
Licensed certifying bodies are required to maintain a listing
of all products they certify on their Web sites. They will periodically
submit an updated list to EPA so the WaterSense Web registry remains
as current as possible. Using the WaterSense product notification
form that is available on the WaterSense Web site, manufacturers
should also notify EPA directly when a new model is certified. This
will ensure that EPA has the most current list of certified products
possible on the WaterSense Web site.
How do stakeholders provide input on
the specification development and certification development processes?
EPA is interested in input from all stakeholders in the
specification development and certification development processes.
EPA has established a mailing list to notify interested persons
when various programmatic elements are developed and released for
public input. Please contact the WaterSense
Helpline to be added to the WaterSense e-mail and mailing lists,
and specify your interest in becoming part of the specification
and certification development processes in the "Message"
field.
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