NSF Valve Certifications: NSF 61 vs NSF 372

When a product is NSF-certified, consumers can rest assured that in producing the product, the company complies with the strict requirements established and enforced by NSF. These procedures include comprehensive product testing and material analysis, impromptu plant inspections and other relevant evaluations that ensure a product meets NSF’s health and safety standards.

Gaining NSF certification is not a one-time event, but rather is an ongoing process of continuously meeting certification requirements. From routine on-site visits to re-testing products, NSF monitors its certified products to ensure their continued safety and compliance. In the event that a product does not meet the certification criteria, NSF takes swift action to notify the public, recall products or initiate decertification.

You can identify which products are NSF-certified by the product packaging. Items that gain NSF certification are labeled as “NSF Certified” or “NSF Listed” and include the appropriate NSF certification mark. This stamp of certification indicates that the product has been tested by an independent product testing organization.

When it comes to valve systems, there are two NSF certifications commonly used to designate valves and their components as being safe for consumers: NSF 61 and NSF 372.

According to the NSF, NSF 61 “is an American National Standard that establishes minimum health-effects requirements for the chemical contaminants and impurities that are indirectly imparted to drinking water from products, components and materials used in drinking water systems.”

This certification is meant to cover those materials or products that may come into contact with drinking water and drinking water treatment chemicals.

Products and materials covered by NSF 61 certification include:

• Protective barrier materials (cements, paints, coatings)
• Joining and sealing materials (gaskets, adhesives, lubricants)
• Mechanical devices, including treatment products (water meters, valves, filters)
• Pipes and related products (pipes, hoses, fittings)
• Plumbing devices (faucets, drinking fountains)
• Process media (filter media, ion exchange resins)
• Nonmetallic portable water materials

Unlike NSF 61, NSF 372 addresses lead content only. NSF describes this certification as an American National Standard that “establishes a standardized methodology for the determination and verification of product compliance to minimize lead contaminants.”

This certification meets the requirements set forth by the United States Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and lead-related standards set by individual states such as California.

The NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 standard includes:

• A maximum weighted lead content requirement of 0.25% (0.2% for solders and fluxes)
• A formula for calculating the weighted average lead content of each product before testing
• Distinct protocol for testing products for lead content

Products and materials covered by NSF 372 certification include:

• Coatings
• Valves
• Pipes
• Gaskets
• Solder and flux fittings
• Faucets
• Water filters
• Water softeners
• Reverse osmosis systems
• Ultraviolet reactors
• Water meters

Valves are commonly used in systems and processes that involve food, beverage, and drinking water applications. Any valves/fittings being used in drinking water systems must be certified as meeting NSF 61 and/or NSF 372. These designations ensure that your products comply with the necessary regulations to prevent harm to consumers

Once an NSF valve is certified, the process does not stop there. You will need to ensure that your NSF valves continue to meet the rigorous standards over time in order to remain NSF-certified. Keep in mind that NSF-61 valves include standards for many different materials, while NSF-372 valves pertain to lead only.

In general, any products or services that involve close human contact must meet the health and safety standards required by NSF.

The following consumer-facing industries typically require some kind of NSF certification:

• Commercial food service products
  • Water fountains, refrigerators, pots, pans, etc.
• Water systems and products
  • Bottled water
  • Municipal water systems
  • Pools and spas
  • Plumbing products
  • Water treatment systems
• Supplements
• Food and beverage products with label verification
  • Non-GMO
  • Organic
  • Gluten-free
  • Kosher
  • Plant-based
  • Raised without antibiotics

For companies to have their valves designated as NSF-certified, there are seven steps that must first be taken. The NSF certification process includes the following:

1. Application and information submission
2. Product evaluation
3. Product testing in lab
4. Manufacturing facility inspection, production confirmation and product sampling
5. Test results review and acceptance
6. Contract signed and products listed
7. Annual plant inspection and retesting

All NSF certification requirements are included in the contract, which implements a legally-binding basis for product certification. Once a valve is certified by NSF, it can be NSF marked or listed that way on its packaging.

NSF valve certification is necessary for meeting the health and safety standards that protect consumers from harmful materials like lead. Ensuring that your valve systems are NSF compliant not only helps keep consumers safe but also helps your company establish greater credibility and transparency.