PlumbingAfrica_Oct2025 Plumbing Africa | Page 29

HEALTH AND SANITATION 27
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Make sure everyone knows the safety protocols confusion, failed inspections, legal liabilities, and— most concerning— compromised public safety.
chain— from manufacturers and inspectors to online retailers and everyday homeowners.
Standing up against counterfeits: A new resource for the industry Even before Moen’ s testimony became national news, IAPMO was building tools to fight the growing threat of counterfeit goods. That effort culminated in the launch of a new website resource that focuses on counterfeit products and trademark infringement. The web page is part of IAPMO’ s broader mission to preserve the value of certification and protect public trust. The site empowers manufacturers, inspectors, distributors and consumers to report counterfeit products and misuse of IAPMO certification marks. The resource can be found at www. iapmo. org / counterfeit-productsand-infringement. Key features of the page include:
• An online portal to report suspected trademark infringement
• Information on how to verify a product’ s certification through IAPMO’ s official product listing directories
• Guidance for industry professionals on spotting and stopping counterfeit products
A call to action The Senate hearing marked a turning point in the public conversation about counterfeit plumbing products. But as Moen’ s testimony made clear, this issue affects every level of the supply
IAPMO stands ready to support the industry with trusted certification, responsive enforcement, and public education. We urge all stakeholders to:
• Look for the UPC ® and other official IAPMO certification marks
• Verify products in IAPMO’ s online product directory
• Report suspicious or counterfeit products at our Counterfeit Products and Trademark Infringement web page
Together, we can ensure that the water flowing out of plumbing products in American homes is safe, the products installed are certified, and that public trust in our industry remains strong. PA
“ The improper use of certification marks leads to confusion, failed inspections, legal liabilities, and— most concerning— compromised public safety.”
October 2025 Volume 31 I Number 08 www. plumbingafrica. co. za