Plumbing and Sanitary Products U.S. DOE Certification

Amazon U.S. Site Policy Update on Plumbing Products

Amazon recently announced that starting February 18, 2025, its U.S. marketplace will update its policy for plumbing products. Only products verified by the manufacturer or importer as compliant with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) requirements will be allowed for sale.

Products that do not contain a valid model number in the model field will also be deactivated.

This means that beginning February 18, 2025, any product not compliant with DOE standards may be removed from Amazon listings. Sellers must take immediate action to ensure product compliance.

What is DOE Certification?

The Department of Energy (DOE) is a U.S. government agency that sets energy efficiency standards for certain appliances and equipment. These standards are designed to improve product performance, conserve energy, and reduce waste.

In addition to common household appliances, the DOE also regulates plumbing and sanitary products, including:

1. Commercial pre-rinse spray valves

2. Faucets

3. Showerheads

4. Urinals

5. Toilets

Relevant DOE Regulations:

10 CFR Part 429: Specifies product sample selection and reporting requirements

10 CFR Part 430: Outlines testing procedures and compliance declarations

Plumbing Product Standards

According to DOE regulations updated on October 4, 2023, testing procedures for faucets, showerheads, toilets, and urinals have been revised based on updated industry standards from ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers).

Faucets:

At a water pressure of 60 psi (414 kPa), the following maximum flow rates are allowed:

1. Lavatory faucets and aerators: 2.2 gallons per minute (8.3 liters/minute)

2. Kitchen faucets and aerators: 2.2 gallons per minute (8.3 liters/minute)

3. Metering faucets: 0.25 gallons per cycle (0.95 liters/cycle)

Showerheads:

At a water pressure of 80 psi (552 kPa), the maximum allowable flow is 2.5 gallons per minute (9.5 liters/minute).

Urinals:

1. Maximum flush volume per use: 1.0 gallon (3.8 liters)

2. For trough-type urinals, the allowed water volume is calculated by multiplying the maximum urinal flow rate by the trough length (in inches) divided by 16

Toilets:

Maximum flush volume per use: 1.6 gallons (6.0 liters)

DOE Certification Process

Required Documents and Materials:

1. Product samples

2. Application form

3. Product list and specifications

Certification Procedure:

1. Submit product list and application form to confirm quotation

2. Select samples and receive preparation guidance

3. Ship samples to testing laboratory

4. Product testing conducted by JJR Laboratory, with test report issued upon approval

5. Product registration and listing

6. Regular reminders for certification renewal

After successful registration, product models can be found on the official DOE website.

Timeline:

Total certification time: approximately 4 to 5 weeks

1. Testing: about 1 week after receiving samples

2. Registration: 3 to 4 weeks after test report is issued

Certification is valid for one yearand must be renewed before the same registration month in the following year, per DOE requirements.

Our Advantages

1. Accredited Laboratory

JJR Laboratory is fully qualified for DOE plumbing product testing and holds IAS accreditation, ensuring readiness for future regulatory updates.

2. One-Stop Service

Our dedicated DOE certification team assists with initial consultation, standard interpretation, sample preparation, testing, and registration until completion.

3. Fast Turnaround

Testing and registration processes run in parallel after project confirmation, significantly reducing the overall certification period.

4. Cost Efficiency

With our in-house sanitary ware testing lab, we avoid outsourcing costs. Once testing is passed, certification registration is provided free of charge.

5. Ongoing Support

Our service team monitors certification validity, sends timely renewal reminders, and provides compliance guidance to help your products maintain market access.