WRAS Product Approval

New Online Process

Applicable to: Taps, Showers & Components, both new and re-approval applications.

Complete the online application with the online portal following the guidelines in the attached document. There is no need to sign or date documents as the portal manages this information.

• Each non-metallic material should be accompanied by a valid WRAS Materials Approval number or valid BS6920 test report.

• To avoid delay and/or confusion, please ensure the labelling of the schematic ‘match’ the items listed on the schedule of materials.

The application will be reviewed, and WRAS will issue test requirements to the applicant and specify the samples that need to be provided to WRAS for verification.

• WRAS will charge the applicant for the cost of processing an application. This will be a fixed fee and will include the cost of certification if the application is successful. Once certain information has been provided the level of assessment will be presented within the application portal. Fees can be found here.

• If an application has to be split, additional fees will be applied.

• The cost of testing is not covered in the WRAS fee and will be unique to each application, customer and laboratory. Applicants should seek guidance on testing costs with their chosen laboratory. WRAS recommends that all applicants seek quotations from more than one laboratory as prices and lead-times may vary.

The Applicant can then choose and engage one of the WRAS-recognised mechanical test laboratories to carry out the necessary testing as outlined by WRAS.

• Your chosen Test laboratory will quote you for the cost and lead-time of the testing.

While the testing is carried out WRAS will address any application queries and inspect the requested samples. All products for the PAAG meeting will be presented during this period. This means that final approval decisions can now be made promptly after the test report is submitted and reviewed.

Once the test report is received, WRAS will perform a final review of the application, maintaining full independence from testing and upholding the high standards expected from WRAS.

Upon approval, the official documentation will be uploaded to the online portal, providing applicants with instant access to their certificates.

The listing/approval number is based on the date the approval is granted and expires five years after that date.

Please Note:

• WRAS, as the approval body, are independent of the test facilities and do not carry out any testing.

• Your chosen laboratory will advise on cost and timescales of testing.

• The online application process provides a route to communicate directly with WRAS about each specific application.

• WRAS have no control over the testing process.

Original Offline Process

Applicable to: All products not detailed in the online process.

Complete an F2 application form and Schedule of Materials (F2B), available from WRAS upon request or by clicking here.

• Please ensure the form is signed and dated

• List every material in contact with wholesome water. Each non-metallic material should be accompanied by a valid WRAS Materials Approval number or valid BS6920 test report.

• To avoid delay and/or confusion, please ensure the labelling of the schematic ‘match’ the items listed on the schedule of materials.

Contact a suitably accredited and WRAS recognised test facility. You can find the contact details of test facilities by clicking here.

• The fee you pay to the test house covers the cost of mechanical and any necessary water quality testing, so this should be agreed directly with the laboratory.

• The fee you pay to the test house also includes the cost of the WRAS certification and any administration charge from the laboratory for managing the application with WRAS. Applicants should seek clarification on the breakdown of the fees.

• The laboratory should assist you in preparing the applications and once necessary testing is complete, forward your complete application to WRAS and liaise with WRAS on your behalf.

The WRAS technical assessor will check that your application meets the Scheme’s requirements. If it does not, WRAS will contact your test laboratory about the problems and what is required to resolve them.

When the application has been checked and is confirmed to be correct and complete, the assessor will forward a recommendation for approval to the WRAS Approval decision maker.  Before an approval decision is made, application products are reviewed by the Product Approvals Advisory Group at the Product Approval Meeting. The feedback from the PAAG will be considered by the decision maker when considering the recommendations to approve an application.

For applications which are awarded WRAS Approval, applicants will receive an email with a link to the WRAS website where the certificate and approval letter can be downloaded. Details of the approval will also be entered onto the WRAS Water Products & Materials Directory.

Applicants with access to the online portal will have access to all of their approval documents.

The listing/approval number is based on the date of the meeting at which the application was presented and expires five years after that date.

Please Note:

• WRAS, as the approval body, are independent of the test facilities and do not carry out any testing.

• Your chosen laboratory will advise on cost and timescales of testing.

• WRAS will not be aware of the status of your product until it has been submitted to WRAS following testing.

• The test house, acting as your agent, is responsible for liaising with WRAS on your behalf. WRAS will advise you if your application has been successful, the test laboratory will advise you if your application has not been successful.