The Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) in collaboration with the Consumers' Foundation released the test results of drinking water faucets randomly purchased from the market to check their compliance with relevant requirements. 10 drinking water faucets were purchased from physical stores in Kaohsiung and on-line shopping platforms. They were subject to testing of quality items (inorganic contamination level in leach and lead content of faucet in contact with drinking water) and labeling checks. The results showed that 1 product did not pass quality tests, 1 did not bear the Commodity Inspection Mark and 4 did not comply with the requirements of Chinese labeling.

The BSMI reminds business operators of their responsibilities to place only safe products on the market and to ensure that products are properly labeled in accordance with the regulations, and urges consumers to buy drinking water faucets bearing the Commodity Inspection Mark. When shopping, consumers are advised to check that the relevant information about the manufacturer (name and address) and the product (model and specifications) is labeled clearly. It also advises consumers to contact the business operators immediately upon purchases of noncompliant products so as to protect their own rights.

The BSMI indicated that drinking water faucets are subject to mandatory inspection and are not allowed to be released from production premises or imported before completion of the inspection procedures. The BSMI implements an annual market surveillance program to continuously monitor the safety of products on the market. In case noncompliant products are found, the BSMI looks into the causes, makes an interview report and takes actions in accordance with relevant regulations.

The product failing quality tests did not pass the test item of lead content, which went beyond the limit of 0.25% in the material in contact with water. Such concentration will increase potential lead leach into drinking water and prolonged lead exposure may pose risk to human health. The BSMI had educated the manufacturer about the obligation to comply with regulatory requirements and ordered the products to be removed from shelves.

The BSMI said that the following measures were taken for those noncompliant products:

1.For noncompliance with quality tests, registration of the products under BSMI's mandatory product certification system was rescinded and the company was ordered to take corrective actions or recall the products within a certain time limit. A fine of not less than NTD 100,000 and not more than NTD 1,000,000 will be imposed if the company fails to do so.

2.For noncompliance with Chinese labeling or failing to affix the Commodity Inspection Mark, the companies were ordered to take corrective actions within a certain time limit. If the company fails to do so, a fine of not less than NTD 100,000 and not more than NTD 1,000,000 will be imposed and the registration of the products under BSMI's mandatory product certification system will be rescinded.

BSMI Spokesperson: Chen, Ling-Hui, Deputy Director General

Tel. (O): +886-2343-1709

Email: lh.chen@bsmi.gov.tw

Responsible Person: Chen, Cheng-Chang, Deputy Director, 3rd Division

Tel. (O): +886-2343-1905; Tel. (M): +886-935-885350

Email: chang.chen@bsmi.gov.tw

Press Contact: Lin, Ching-Yen

Tel. (O): +886-2343-1759; Tel. (M): +886-976-425601

Email: chingyen.lin@bsmi.gov.tw