Lead Free at Mico
Beginning from May 2026, all newly installed copper-alloy (brass) products are required to contain less than 0.25% lead, in accordance with updated regulatory standards. Additionally, any tapware installed must not only be lead-free but also dezincification resistant (DZR), ensuring greater safety and durability over time. In preparation for these changes, Mico has already begun transitioning its product range, with the newly compliant items clearly identified by “LF” or “Lead-Free” markings or labels on both packaging and the products themselves. You will notice these already starting to appear in our shelves and bins.
To support this shift and to ensure full compliance with the products that we supply you as of May 1st next year, Mico will stop accepting returns of non-lead-free products from November 1st, 2025. We will have this clearly signposted in our branches to remind you. We suggest that you only take the product that you need for the job. (see FAQ’s below for exceptions to the new regulations)
The production of lead-free products incurs higher manufacturing costs, however Mico is committed to offering these items at the same price as their current equivalents. In most cases, we have been able to keep pricing the same.
Throughout this process, Mico remains dedicated to making the change as seamless as possible, with our team available to provide guidance, support, and clarity every step of the way
Key Regulatory Details
- Effective Date: 1st May 2026
- Requirement: All new copper-alloy (brass) plumbing products installed that come into contact with drinking water must contain less than 0.25% lead.
- Applies to:
- Tapware, which must also be dezincification resistant (marked as DR or DZR)
- Copper alloy fittings (Brass), valves and fittings used for drinking water
- Any plumbing fitting that comes into contact with drinking water
- Reason for Change: To improve health and safety by reducing lead exposure in potable water systems. In the UK, lead was banned in plumbing fittings in 1999 and in the US, it was banned in2014.
FAQs
Are there any exceptions to the new regulations?
Yes. If a building consent was applied for or issued before the 1st May 2026, then the product that was deemed as compliant prior to the 1st May 2026 is fit for purpose.
Is it Lead-free if it contains up to 0.25% lead?
It has been internationally accepted that when the lead content is less than 0.25%, it is referred to as Lead-Free. Mico was keen to call this Low lead, however, this would have led to confusion as our suppliers are using the internationally accepted term “Lead-Free”.
Are all products affected by these changes?
No, see the table below for guidance on which product types are required to be lead-free and those that aren’t.
Which Products are affected?
- copper alloy fittings (brass)
- stainless-steel braided hoses
- valves (such as valves for isolation, backflow prevention, alteration of pressure and temperature)
- basin and sink taps and mixers, including shower mixers with DZR requirements
- water meters
- pumps (for use with cold and hot water supply systems)
- water heaters
- residential water filtration equipment
- water dispensers (such as boiling and cooling units, drinking fountains and bottle fillers)
- fire sprinkler systems that are connected to cold water supply systems and are not isolated from fixtures and fittings intended to supply water for human consumption
Which Products are NOT affected?
- shower systems (slide showers, column showers, overheads, roses, etc.) and bath spouts
- emergency showers, eye wash and/or face wash equipment
- pumps used for irrigation, fire-fighting or other non-potable water purposes
- fire-fighting water services and equipment
- appliances, including clothes washing machines and dishwashers
- commercial boilers associated with heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems
- sanitary fixtures (such as toilets, cistern inlet valves, bidets, urinals)
- non-potable water systems (such as recycled water systems)
- products used exclusively for non-potable uses such as manufacturing, industrial processing, irrigation or any other uses where the water is not anticipated to be used for human consumption