Kiwa Evaluation guidelines
Evaluation of the products is carried out based on Kiwa evaluation guidelines. The guidelines contain requirements with respect to the functionality and durability of the product, as well as requirements with respect to the production process at the location of production. Often, the requirements are based upon European standards.
Evaluation guidelines for products that come into contact with drinking water also include the legal requirements for hygienic aspects.
Products in contact with drinking water
For products used in drinking water installations in most countries of the European Community, such as The Netherlands, Germany, UK and France, a specific separate approval is required when they come into contact with drinking water. Kiwa is appointed by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment to certify these products in The Netherlands. Therefore, Kiwa is in the unique position to combine the application for certification of functional and process aspects with the application for approval of products in contact with drinking water into a single application procedure.
This way of handling applications underlines the position of Kiwa as a partner for progress and as an establishment for one stop shopping.
Evaluation guidelines
Kiwa evaluation guidelines have been drafted by experts for various groups of products, such as:
- Gate and butterfly valves;
- Valves (stop, connecting, service, etc.);
- Sanitary tap ware;
- Shower heads and hand showers;
- Toilet bowls and close coupled suits;
- Flushing cisterns and float operated valves;
- Fire hydrants;
- Fittings;
- Water meters;
- Heat exchangers;
- Backflow preventers.
Overview of products with Kiwa quality declarations
For an complete overview of all products with Kiwa quality declarations visit our website: www.1kiwa.com
Other activities
Kiwa participates in various (inter)national normalization/standards committees. Kiwa shares its knowledge with its relations. Producers with a Kiwa agreement are served with timely and objective information about international developments with respect to their products. Kiwa is proactive in looking for possibilities for co-operation with other international institutes. Kiwa expertise, but most of all the practical approach by Kiwa employees, has resulted in co-operation with several other certification bodies, both inside and outside Europe, such as SAI- Global (Standard Australia Quality Assurance Services), DVGW (Deutscher Verein des Gas- und Wasserfaches e.V.), ÖVGW (Österreichische Vereinigung für das Gas- und Wasserfach), SVGW (Schweizerische Verein des Gas- und Wasserfaches), CSTB/AFNOR (Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment/Association Française de Normalisation), UL (United Laboratories), and WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme).