On 6 May 2026, Defra published updated Water Fittings Regulations: Specifications Approved by the Regulators, introducing new requirements around backflow prevention from toilet cisterns and the performance of WC suites.
The revised requirements become mandatory from 6 May 2027, giving manufacturers, laboratories, installers and specifiers time to prepare.
WRAS is working closely with recognised laboratories and manufacturers to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible. They have shared all the information you need to know below, which you can also find on their website:
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On 6 May 2026, the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) published updated Water Fittings Regulations: Specifications Approved by the Regulators.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/water-fittings-regulations-specifications-approved-by-the-regulators
These revisions introduce new requirements for the prevention of backflow from toilet cisterns and updated performance requirements for WC suites.
The revised regulations will become mandatory on 6 May 2027, giving manufacturers, laboratories and WRAS time to prepare for a smooth transition.
At WRAS, we are already working closely with our recognised laboratories and customers to ensure the industry is ready well in advance of the implementation date.
What is WRAS doing?
WRAS Approvals is working directly with all WRAS recognised laboratories to:
- Introduce the new and revised WC Test Code Sheets
- Provide technical guidance and support on the updated testing requirements
- Assess laboratories to ensure they can competently undertake the revised testing
- Extend each laboratory’s WRAS recognition once they have successfully demonstrated compliance with the new requirements
This proactive approach will allow manufacturers to begin testing products ahead of the regulations coming into force, helping to minimise disruption to product development and approval times.
As soon as a laboratory is recognised for the new tests, we’ll be highlighting this to manufacturers who may wish to start testing to the new specification.
What do WRAS recognised laboratories need to do?
Before a laboratory can undertake testing for WRAS Approval against the revised regulations, it must:
- Update internal procedures and ensure staff have completed the necessary training
- Update its ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation to include the new or revised WC testing or provide evidence that an application has been submitted to its accreditation body
- Apply to WRAS to extend its laboratory recognition to cover the revised WC Test Code Sheets
- Successfully demonstrate competence during a WRAS laboratory assessment
Once these steps have been completed and WRAS recognition has been extended, WRAS will accept test reports where the updated requirements have been used in support of WRAS Product Approval applications. Where appropriate a new approval will be issued with an approval start date of May 6th 2027.
What do manufacturers need to do?
Existing approvals
WCs containing an AUK1 backflow arrangement and cisterns incorporating an AG airgap will not need to be retested until the approval expires as all WRAS approved WCs complied with the previous versions of tests and the WRAS clarifications. The changes to the tests incorporate the same requirements that were previously specified as additional requirements by WRAS.
New approval applications with testing before 6th May 2026
Testing of WC’s with an AUK1 backflow arrangement and cisterns incorporating a Type AG airgap can be performed immediately to the existing specification and approvals will be issued if compliance is demonstrated.
Testing of WC’s with an AUK4 backflow arrangement and cisterns incorporating a type AC airgap can only begin when the selected laboratory is recognised for the new tests. If compliance is demonstrated an approval will be issued with an approval date of 6th May 2027.
New approval applications with testing after 6th May 2026
All new WC related products will need to be tested to the new WC specification.
WRAS will continue to work with manufacturers throughout the transition period and will provide guidance where existing approvals are affected.
What does this mean for customers?
For installers, specifiers, retailers and consumers, the transition provides confidence that WRAS Approved WC products will continue to meet the latest regulatory requirements and maintain the highest standards of water safety and performance.
By working closely with laboratories and manufacturers well before the implementation date, WRAS is ensuring that:
✔ Products are independently tested against the latest regulatory requirements.
✔ Manufacturers have sufficient time to prepare for the changes.
✔ The transition to the new regulations is smooth and well managed.
✔ Customers can continue to specify and purchase WRAS Approved WC products with confidence, knowing they comply with the latest UK water fittings requirements.
Supporting the industry through the transition
WRAS is committed to making this transition as straightforward as possible for laboratories, manufacturers and customers.
We will continue to communicate updates throughout the transition period and encourage manufacturers planning new WC approvals to speak with both their chosen WRAS Recognised Laboratory and the WRAS Approvals Team at the earliest opportunity.