Plastic Materials and Ingredients

We provide testing and certification services for manufacturers of plastic plumbing materials and ingredients designed for pipes, fittings, valves and other end-use applications.

We test plastic materials at our on-site laboratories to ensure they meet regulatory requirements and plumbing codes throughout the U.S. and Canada.

We also provide testing services for international suppliers wishing to demonstrate compliance to international standards or expand into North American markets.

As the leading testing and certification provider in the plastics industry, NSF can guide you through this rigorous process. Our plumbing standards expertise extends across the globe and can help you expand into international markets with ease.

NSF offers expertise in both standards, which establish minimum physical, performance and health effects requirements for plastics piping system components and related materials.

NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 establishes minimum health effects requirements for plastic materials used in products in the water distribution system.

Plastic piping products are heavily regulated in North America and must comply with NSF/ANSI 14 for market entry. NSF/ANSI 14 also applies to the blended plastic compounds used to manufacture plastic piping system components.

We test and certify a wide range of plastic materials and ingredients, including:

• PVC
• Ingredients and additives used in the manufacture of PVC pipe, such as resin, stabilizers, waxes, colorants, processing aids, calcium carbonate, calcium stearate and titanium dioxide
• CPVC
• PEX
• ABS
• PP
• PE
• PE-RT

We also perform the following tests for plastic materials:

• Physical properties testing, including:
  • ASTM D1784 for PVC and CPVC
  • ASTM D3350 for PE
  • ASTM D3965 for ABS
  • ASTM D6394 for sulfone plastic
  • ASTM D4101 for PP
• Long-term hydrostatic strength testing (HDB and MRS)
• Chlorine resistance testing of PEX, PE-RT, PE and PP

As the only independent, third-party certification provider with a mission to promote public health and safety, NSF is committed to brand quality.

Certified manufacturers receive detailed NSF test reports that demonstrate independent validation of product performance.

With the additional use of the NSF certification mark, you’ll give end users and regulators peace of mind about your products.