Plumbing Solutions

Star Level Protocols for the US Marketplace


Business Challenge

Demonstrating compliance with legal regulatory requirements is a primary concern for DIY retailers, big box retailers, private labelers and manufacturers when placing plumbing product on the market. But beyond meeting basic regulatory requirements, how can you protect your brand equity and stay competitive in this growing market? More effectively manage and improve the return on your QA spend? And how can you verify products meet the growing consumer demand for environmental conservation? Our experienced technical professionals and our Star Level Protocol testing packages can help you answer all of these questions.

Solution

What is a Star Level Protocol?
Star Level Protocols are product test packages offering various levels of testing and evaluation that provide you with the flexibility to select and customize a testing package to meet your needs. Designed by experienced Bureau Veritas engineers, our Star Level Protocols allow you to choose from basic product testing packages to meet minimal legal requirements for market entry and very comprehensive testing requirements to help you reach the highest quality levels. Additionally, our Star Level Protocols provide you with the flexibility to switch from one testing level to another at different times or different production stages, depending on your needs.

What are the key benefits?
• Select from basic testing levels for regulatory compliance to the most comprehensive protocol levels to help protect and build your brand equity
• Choose the most appropriate testing protocol levels for your product and have the flexibility to change your testing levels as needed
• Gain a clear understanding of mandatory requirements
• Verify environmental conservation claims such as the WaterSense® Program
• Maximize your planning efforts and better control your QA spend

Our Approach

At Bureau Veritas, in addition to reliable, convenient service and fast turnaround times, we offer three distinct levels of service, so you can select the most appropriate one to help protect your brand. Services are available for a wide variety of plumbing products including bathtubs and shower stalls, faucet aerators, faucets, in-line fittings, repair kits, supply fittings, toilets and bidets. Services also are available for related items such as towel bars and vanity cabinets. Evaluations are available to all required US federal and state regulations.

Star Level 1: Testing for Regulatory Compliance (Must Do)National Regulatory Requirements:
  • Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Section 1417 for lead content “Low Lead”
  • California AB1953 and Vermont Act 193
  • California Proposition 65
  • EPA Water Consumption
Star Level 2: Testing for Regulatory Compliance and Minimum Quality (Should Do) Star Level 1 plus industry/product specific standards:
  • Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) conformity audit/testing
  • NSF 61 Certification Documentation Review
  • Americans Disability Act (ADA) if claimed
  • EPA WaterSense® Program Verification
  • ANSI, ASME, CSA standards testing
  • Label Claim Verification
  • Sharp Points/Edges
Star Level 3: Testing for Regulatory Compliance and Maximum Quality (Could Do) Star Level 2 plus client specific quality/performance requirements (if they are not included in the product standard), for example:
  • Finish
  • Strength
  • Durability
  • Fit
  • Life Cycle Testing
  • Name Brand Comparison
  • Installation Instruction Review
  • Performance Audit/Testing

Why Choose Bureau Veritas?

Reputation
For over 30 years, we have worked successfully with top manufacturers and retailers around the world to help them better manage risk and regulatory compliance.

Worldwide Locations
With locations close to sourcing areas in over 40 countries, we offer you the convenience of global coverage with local service where you need it.

Technical Knowledge & Leadership

Our staff participate in the development of international, industry and regulatory standards worldwide, keeping you and us at the forefront of changes in safety requirements and testing methods.


Personal Personalized Service
We are committed to meeting your evolving needs as you anticipate new market trends. We offer customized quality assurance services throughout your supply chain. Providing you with the highest levels of service is our priority.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Can you test my products in China where they are manufactured?
Yes, we have facilities both in China and the US that are equipped to test plumbing products and staffed by personnel who are trained to conduct evaluations to US requirements. Our Shenzhen laboratory is accredited by CNAS (China National Accreditation for Conformity) for plumbing.
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