Water is precious in Australia. To promote water-saving products, the Australian government implemented the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme, which sets mandatory water efficiency requirements for toilets and other bathroom fixtures.
If you’re a builder, hotel purchaser, developer, or cross-border seller, making sure your toilet products comply with WELS is not only a legal must — it’s key to winning customer trust and staying competitive.
What is WELS and Why Does Your Toilet Need It?
WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) is a mandatory government program that requires all toilets sold or supplied in Australia to be registered and display a water efficiency label. Non-compliance can result in heavy fines or sales bans.
Toilets are among the highest water users in homes. A well-designed, efficient toilet can save thousands of litres of water annually, lowering bills and reducing environmental impact. This is the essence of WELS.
🔗 Learn more about the official WELS program
How to Read the WELS Toilet Label
Every WELS-approved toilet sold in Australia must display a label showing:
| Label Element | What It Means |
|---|---|
| ⭐ Star Rating | Ranges from 1 (least efficient) to 6 (most efficient). More stars = more water saved. |
| Water Usage Per Flush | Litres used for full flush, half flush, and an average figure. Typically 3/4.5L or similar. |
| Product Registration # | Verifies the model is officially registered in the WELS database. |
| Brand and Supplier Info | Helps buyers verify product authenticity and compliance. |
📘 More tips: How to spot genuine WELS labels
Comparing Toilet Types by Water Efficiency
| Toilet Type | Typical Star Rating | Flush Volume (L) | WELS Label Required? | Water Saving Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Single-Flush | None | 11–12L | No | Very high water consumption |
| Standard Dual-Flush | ⭐⭐⭐ | Half: 3L / Full: 6L | Yes | Saves ~50% water over old models |
| High-Efficiency Dual-Flush | ⭐⭐⭐⭐–⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Half: 2.6L / Full: 4.5L | Yes | Best choice for water saving |
| Smart Toilets | Varies | Depends on design | Yes | Efficient if properly certified |
📘 Recommended reading: Big Blue Plumbing’s Guide to Toilet Water Efficiency
7 Steps to Ensure Your Toilet Complies with WELS
1. Choose a Registered Product
Check the WELS register to confirm your toilet model’s certification and rating.
2. Confirm Compliance with Australian Standards AS 1172.1 & AS 1172.2
These standards cover the toilet pan design and flushing performance.
3. Use WaterMark Certified Components
Valves, inlet fittings, and other parts must be WaterMark certified to comply.
4. Hire Licensed Plumbers for Installation
Only licensed professionals should install toilets to ensure proper operation and regulatory compliance.
5. Match Toilet Pan and Cistern Properly
Ensure both parts are tested as a set; mismatched components can reduce efficiency.
6. Follow Rental Property Regulations
For example, in NSW, rental toilets must be dual-flush with at least 3 stars if landlords pass water costs onto tenants.
🔗 NSW Rental Water Efficiency Requirements
7. Avoid Unauthorized Modifications
Do not remove flow restrictors or replace parts with non-certified components that void WELS compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I sell toilets in Australia without a WELS label?
No. It’s illegal and may lead to fines and product bans.
Q2: Does a higher star rating mean better overall quality?
Star ratings reflect water efficiency only. Consider brand reputation, flushing effectiveness, and ease of cleaning too.
Q3: My toilet has water efficiency certification from another country. Is that enough?
No, WELS is specific to Australia. Products must be registered and tested to Australian standards separately.
Final Thoughts: Save Water, Stay Compliant, Win the Market
Meeting Australia’s WELS standards is a must for anyone looking to supply toilets to this market. It combines legal compliance, environmental responsibility, and commercial advantage.
If you’re sourcing WELS-certified ceramic toilets, smart toilets, or basins — whether via OEM or ODM — partnering with a knowledgeable manufacturer who understands the Australian requirements can simplify your entry.
If you want help verifying product compliance or sourcing WELS-certified toilets for the Australian market, feel free to reach out for customized support!
📩 Interested in a free guide or sample quote? Contact us anytime.