Overview
ISO 31600:2022 sets out international requirements and guidance for establishing water efficiency labelling programmes for plumbing products and water-using appliances. Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this standard aims to support national authorities, manufacturers, suppliers, and other stakeholders in reducing water consumption, improving product design, and empowering consumers to make sustainable choices. The document applies to a comprehensive range of products, including showers, tap (faucet) equipment, flow regulators, toilets, urinals, dishwashers, clothes washing machines, and washer-dryers with water-based drying functions.
Key Topics
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Scope of Water Efficiency Labelling:
ISO 31600:2022 outlines requirements for implementing water efficiency labelling applicable to:
- Showers and shower assemblies
- Faucet (tap) equipment
- Flow regulators (controllers)
- Water closet (toilet) and urinal equipment
- Dishwashers
- Clothes washing machines
- Washer-dryers (where the dryer uses water)
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Programme Development:
The standard provides guidance for developing and implementing effective water efficiency labelling, offering best practices for rating systems, label design, and verification processes.
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Labelling Models:
- Banded (tiered) labelling: Categorizes products by multiple efficiency levels, helping consumers compare and encouraging innovation.
- Single threshold labelling: Certifies products meeting or exceeding a fixed efficiency benchmark.
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Testing and Measuring Methods:
The document references established national and international standards for determining water consumption, ensuring consistency and reliability in labelling programmes.
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Labelling Guidance:
Guidance includes minimum label specifications (such as rating, product brand/model, water consumption, and usage information), traceability requirements, and recommendations for advertising and ongoing compliance monitoring.
Applications
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National and Regional Programme Development:
ISO 31600:2022 serves as a foundation for governments, regulatory agencies, and standards bodies to create or enhance water efficiency labelling schemes, particularly in regions developing new water-saving initiatives.
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Manufacturers and Product Designers:
Product manufacturers and designers use the standard to ensure their plumbing fixtures and appliances meet internationally recognized requirements, improving competitiveness and consumer trust.
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Retailers and Suppliers:
By following ISO 31600 labelling requirements, retailers can display water efficiency labels that facilitate consumer decision making at the point of sale.
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Consumer Empowerment:
Transparent, standardized water efficiency labelling helps consumers identify high-performing products, reduce water bills, and support environmental sustainability.
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Policy Support:
While ISO 31600 does not prescribe integration into public policy, the guidance enables authorities to reference robust labelling schemes in environmental regulations, green building codes, and procurement requirements.
Related Standards
For comprehensive water efficiency management and coherence with international best practices, consider the following related standards:
- ISO 24513:2019: Terminology related to water utility services
- ISO 14024: Environmental labels and declarations - Type I environmental labelling - Principles and procedures
- ISO 14021: Self-declared environmental claims (Type II environmental labelling)
- National and regional standards for plumbing product performance and testing
- National water efficiency labelling schemes (consulted and referenced within ISO 31600 annexes)
ISO 31600:2022 provides a flexible, globally relevant framework for water efficiency labelling, supporting resource conservation and sustainable consumer behaviour in both developed and emerging markets. Using this standard ensures credible, traceable, and effective implementation of water labelling programmes, ultimately advancing efforts toward efficient water use and environmental protection.