Oct 6, 2026

Understanding the Difference Between WRAS and Kiwa: What You Need to Know

When designing luxury accessible bathrooms, every specification matters - especially when it comes to the products and components that interact with the water supply. At Fitzroy of London, we work closely with interior designers and specifiers to ensure that every product not only elevates the aesthetic of a space, but also complies with the relevant water safety regulations.

Two key certification bodies in this space are WRAS and Kiwa. While both serve a similar purpose - ensuring materials and products used with mains water are safe - their processes and recognition differ in important ways. Here’s what you need to know when selecting compliant bathroom components for commercial projects.

What Is WRAS Approval?

The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) certifies products and materials that comply with UK water supply regulations. This includes ensuring that materials:

Do not contaminate or affect the taste and smell of drinking water
Prevent waste, misuse, and undue consumption
Can withstand long-term use in plumbing systems

WRAS approval is widely recognised by water authorities across the UK, and is often a minimum requirement in commercial builds such as hotels, restaurants, and high-end office developments.

What Is Kiwa Approval?

Kiwa is a globally recognised certification body that provides independent testing and certification for water products and materials. Kiwa's testing process is equivalent to WRAS in terms of UK water regulation compliance, and includes:

Rigorous material testing (including for toxicity and odour)
Evaluation of manufacturing processes
Long-term performance and safety

Kiwa approval is accepted by water suppliers in the UK and many international markets. It is equally valid to WRAS approval, and in some cases, it offers additional flexibility, particularly for manufacturers working across different regions.

WRAS vs Kiwa: What’s the Difference?

Feature	WRAS	Kiwa
Geographic Recognition	UK Only	UK & International
Testing Body	WRAS-Approved Test Laboratories	Kiwa Test Facilities
Regulation Compliance	UK Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999	Same as UK Regulations
Scope	Final Products And Some Materials	Materials, Components & Systems
Equivalence	Required By Many UK Authorities	Accepted As Equivalent To WRAS

What This Means for Interior Designers

As a designer or specifier, you can specify Kiwa-approved products with confidence that they meet the same rigorous standards as WRAS-approved components. At Fitzroy of London, we use Kiwa certification to support our commitment to delivering:

Safe, regulation-compliant bathroom solutions
Bespoke finishes that don’t compromise performance
Streamlined specification and approval processes

Our WRAS 4-compliant, Kiwa-approved products are ideal for commercial spaces where both style and safety are paramount. Whether you're specifying accessible grab rails, sensor taps, or shower seats, we ensure full technical compliance - and beautiful results.

Explore Our Certified Product Range

Looking for products that combine luxury, accessibility, and full certification?
View our WRAS 4 Kiwa-approved bathroom solutions or speak with our technical team to ensure compliance on your next project.

Let’s Create Spaces Designed Around Luxury

With world-class workmanship, unswerving commitment to design excellence and more than two decades of expertise in inclusive, compliant washroom spaces, Fitzroy of London exists to help the most discerning venues meet their obligations on inclusivity with innovation and panache.

Our in-house designers will work collaboratively with your team to develop solutions that meet all your practical and aesthetic needs, selecting from our peerless range of classic and contemporary washroom fixtures to create unforgettable design experiences.

Discuss your property or project with a Fitzroy of London specialist.