A new water efficiency label has been introduced in Australia to assist people to purchase and to encourage industry to produce more efficient products.
Labels will display from 1 to 6 stars, with more stars meaning the product is more water efficient. Some products may also be labelled with a "Zero Star Rated" label, whcih indicates that the product is either not water efficient or does not meet basic performance requirements. The 6 star label replaces the voluntary AAAAA label.
What products will be labelled?
Under the WELS Scheme, Water Efficiency Labels must appear on all:
- Showers intended for normal Bathing
- Clothes washing machines intended for household or similar use
- Dishwashers intended for household or similar use
- Toilets
- Urinals, except for "Waterless" urinals
- Taps for use over basins, ablution troughs, kitchen sinks or laundry tubs
 
Water efficiency labels may also appear on some flow control devices, but this will be optional for suppliers.
Toilets will in addition be subject to a minimum water efficiency standard, so that the maximum average flush capacity must not exceed 5.5 litres. (This effectively means that dual flush toilets must be 9/4.5 litres or less).
The number of products and additional types of products are also likely to be added to the WELS Scheme.
The requirements of the WELS Scheme generally only apply to new products and not to second-hand products. However, products that are imported, second-hand to be supplied in Australia will be subject to requirements.
Criminal penalties apply for non-compliance with the WELS ACT, up to 300 penalty units (currently $33,000) for a coporation for a single offence
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Who Registers WELS Products?
Importers or manufacturers of WELS Products. Only registered products may be labelled - Mandator WELS labels will apply equally to all products sold in Australia whether manufactured locally or imported.
Where does the WELS label need to appear; what are the labelling options?
Generally, if the WELS product is supplied in a package, the labelling should appear on the package. If the product is supplied without package, the labelling should be placed on the product or be attached to the product on a double-sided swing tag.
If a product is displayed in a showroom a label can be placed on the product or the information on the label can be displayed on the text or in WELS label form (eg: on a price tag) next to the product.
The WELS label may be reduced in the size to suit the paritcular WELS product.
Does the WELS label need to appear in advertising or promotional material?
The label, or the details from the label in text form, must be included in any WELS product specifications, brochures, magazines and websites where the registered product is profiled.
What does the transition period mean for me?
You may purchase non-compliant stock made or imported before
1 July 2006 until:
- 31 December 2006 for retail sale of plumbing/sanitary ware and
- 31 December 2007 for supply of whitegoods
For further information, please visit the WELS website by clicking here.
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