Overview
ISO/TS 18671:2026 establishes standardized test methodologies for assessing the compatibility of wet wipes and moist toilet tissue with wastewater collection and treatment systems. Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this technical specification also defines appropriate labelling practices for products not suitable for flushing. The document aims to support manufacturers, regulators, and consumers in reducing adverse impacts on plumbing infrastructure and the environment by providing objective criteria and recommendations for product testing and labelling.
Key Topics
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Assessment Methodologies: ISO/TS 18671:2026 provides multiple recognized methodologies for evaluating how wet wipes and moist toilet tissues perform within wastewater management systems. The main reference models are GD4 and UK Water Industry Specification (WIS), each with tailored test parameters for local infrastructure requirements.
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Product Impact on Wastewater Systems: The standard addresses critical elements of wastewater systems, including toilets, drainlines, transport networks, pumping stations, and treatment plants. It covers risks of blockages, equipment malfunctions, and environmental harm caused by improper disposal of non-flushable products.
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Testing Procedures:
- Toilet Clearance Tests: Determine if a product can be flushed without causing blockage or overflow.
- Drainline Tests: Confirm that the product moves efficiently through domestic plumbing and does not cause backups.
- Disintegration Tests: Evaluate whether products sufficiently break down under wastewater transport and treatment conditions.
- Pump Compatibility Tests: Assess the likelihood of products interfering with household and municipal pumps.
- Biodegradation and Bio-disintegration Tests: Analyze breakdown of materials under aerobic and anaerobic treatment processes.
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Labelling Requirements: The document prescribes clear labelling for non-flushable products, indicating incompatibility with wastewater systems. Guidelines are included for symbol usage, placement, and advisory text to improve consumer understanding.
Applications
ISO/TS 18671:2026 is essential for:
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Manufacturers of Wet Wipes and Moist Toilet Tissue: Enables the design, testing, and appropriate labelling of products intended for disposal via toilet. Compliance ensures product compatibility with global wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure.
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Regulatory Bodies and Standards Organizations: Provides a uniform basis for evaluating and regulating product claims related to flushability, contributing to the reduction of sewer blockages and treatment plant disruptions.
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Wastewater Utilities and Environmental Agencies: Helps in minimizing maintenance costs, reducing environmental impact, and managing public communication regarding safe disposal practices.
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Retailers and Importers: Assists in verifying supply chain compliance, especially for products marketed as flushable within specific regions or countries.
Related Standards
ISO/TS 18671:2026 builds upon and complements several international standards and guidelines related to wastewater systems and sanitary paper products, such as:
- ISO 24513: Vocabulary for service activities relating to drinking water supply, wastewater, and stormwater systems.
- ISO 12625-1: Definitions for tissue paper and tissue products.
- ISO/TR 24524: Framework for evaluating elements of wastewater systems with regard to product compatibility.
- Various local and international documents referenced within the standard for specific test methodologies, such as Belgium, Spain, China, Australia, and New Zealand guidelines based on GD4, and protocols established by the International Water Services Flushability Group (IWSFG).
By referencing these and harmonizing methodologies across countries, ISO/TS 18671:2026 supports global consistency in the assessment of wet wipes and moist toilet tissue, promoting sustainability, operational efficiency, and consumer awareness in wastewater management.
Relevant keywords: wet wipes, moist toilet tissue, wastewater compatibility, flushability standard, product labelling, ISO/TS 18671:2026, test methodologies, sewer blockages, environmental protection, wastewater treatment, plumbing systems.
Open preview (PDF)Test methodologies for assessing the compatibility of wet wipes and moist toilet tissue with the wastewater collection and treatment systems, and appropriate labelling
