Why a CodeMark certificate doesn’t always mean your product is NCC compliant.

When it comes to choosing building products, it’s always easy to assume that a CodeMark certificate ticks every box for compliance. After all, it’s issued by an accredited third-party and recognised nationally, so what could go wrong?

But here’s the catch, a CodeMark certificate doesn’t automatically mean the product meets the Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) provisions of the National Construction Code (NCC). In some cases, you’ll still need to consider a performance solution.

At Buildcert, we see this confusion often, so let’s break down what CodeMark really means, what to check and when extra steps may be needed.

What CodeMark certification actually means

The CodeMark Certification Scheme is a voluntary, third-party product certification system administered by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB).

It supports the use of new or innovative building products by providing a nationally accepted pathway to demonstrate compliance with NCC requirements. A CodeMark certificate is recognised as evidence of suitability under the NCC.

In simple terms – CodeMark is a tool to show compliance, but not a guarantee of it.

What to check before relying on a CodeMark certificate

Before using a CodeMark-certified product, it’s important to review the certificate carefully. In particular, you should check:

• Date of issue – Certificates can expire so ensure it’s still valid.
• Limitations and conditions – Only use the product within the specific scope approved by the certificate.
• NCC edition referenced – Make sure the certificate aligns with the current NCC version relevant to your project. Current certificates containing references to previous NCC provisions can remain valid despite amended provision references in a new NCC, provided the technical requirements remain the same between editions.
• Material compatibility – The product still needs to work with other materials and systems in your build.
• Official registration – You can search the JAS-ANZ CodeMark Register to confirm authenticity.

When a Performance Solution may still apply

If the CodeMark certificate confirms compliance with the NCC Performance Requirements only (not the DtS provisions), then a Performance Solution is required.

The good news is, according to the ABCB, in many cases the CodeMark certificate itself can do most of the heavy lifting, meaning you may not need a full Performance-Based Design Brief or Final Report.

To find out more from the ABCB, you can take a look here.

Getting it right

CodeMark certificates play an important role in product compliance, but understanding their scope is key.

By checking the details and knowing when a Performance Solution applies, you can be confident your project meets NCC requirements.

Still unsure how a CodeMark-certified product applies to your project?Our certifiers are here to provide tailored advice or support. Chat with us today.