March 2026: New Standards Advance Plastic Piping System Quality in Fluid Systems

The field of fluid systems and components takes a significant leap forward in March 2026 with the publication of two pivotal technical standards. These new guidelines set a comprehensive framework for assessing the conformity of plastics piping systems used in the rehabilitation of existing pipelines. Focused respectively on polyethylene (PE) and unplasticised poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) materials, these standards bring sharper clarity and improved reliability for manufacturers, engineers, and quality managers throughout the fluid transport sector. In this article, we explore the content, requirements, and practical implications of CEN ISO/TS 23818-1:2026 and CEN ISO/TS 23818-3:2026, providing a roadmap for achieving best-in-class performance and regulatory compliance.

Overview

The fluid systems and components for general use industry is at the core of water management, industrial transport, utility provisioning, and municipal infrastructure. Ensuring the quality, safety, and verifiable performance of plastic piping systems is essential, especially when these systems are installed as part of critical rehabilitation projects. Standards in this field:

• Enable consistent quality across global markets
• Support safety for both installers and end users
• Provide manufacturers and procurement specialists with clear certification pathways

This article delivers an in-depth review of the two newly published standards, helping professionals understand and navigate the latest technical requirements and certification processes.

Detailed Standards Coverage

CEN ISO/TS 23818-1:2026 – Assessment of Conformity for Polyethylene (PE) Piping Systems

Assessment of conformity of plastics piping systems for the rehabilitation of existing pipelines – Part 1: Polyethylene (PE) material (ISO/TS 23818-1:2026)

This standard provides a rigorous scheme for the assessment of conformity of PE products and assemblies designed for the rehabilitation of existing pipelines. It establishes detailed procedures and methodology for ensuring product quality, traceability, and regulatory compliance.

Scope and Key Requirements:

• Applies to PE piping systems intended for underground drains, sewers, water, and gas supply networks.
• Integrates with ISO 11300-1 (water, non-pressure, drains, sewers) and ISO 11301-1 (gas) as primary references.
• Incorporates conformity assessment methodologies to be included within the manufacturer’s quality plans, supporting robust quality management under frameworks such as ISO 9001.

Key Specifications Include:

• Definitions and roles for certification bodies, inspection bodies, and testing laboratories, with an emphasis on impartiality and competence (ISO/IEC 17021-1, ISO/IEC 17065).
• Requirements for different conformity assessment tests: type testing (TT), batch release testing (BRT), process verification testing (PVT), and audit testing (AT), each with prescribed frequency and sampling plans.
• Grouping of pipes and fittings by size and type to ensure representative testing.
• Detailed lists of performance characteristics to be tested, including:
  • Melt mass-flow rate (MFR-value)
  • Resistance to internal pressure
  • Thermal stability (OIT)
  • Ring stiffness, creep ratio, memory ability
  • Dimensions, color, marking, appearance
  • Installation practice compliance
• Procedures for retesting and dealing with non-conforming batches.
• Explicit recordkeeping: all test records must be maintained for at least ten years.

Who Should Comply:

• Pipeline system manufacturers (especially those specializing in PE systems)
• Pipeline rehabilitation contractors and installers
• Quality managers and compliance officers at utilities, municipal agencies, and certification bodies

Practical Implementation:

• Manufacturers must integrate these procedures into their quality management systems and maintain conformity documentation.
• Certification and inspection bodies should follow the prescribed methods and frequencies for product and audit testing.

What's New Compared to the 2020 Edition:

• Updated references and definitions per ISO 11295.
• Exclusion of spirally-wound pipe techniques (now in ISO/TS 23818-4).
• Alignment with latest practices for product grouping and audit traceability.

Key highlights:

• Comprehensive testing requirements for PE piping systems in rehabilitation
• Clear distinction and scheduling of type, batch, process, and audit tests
• Mandatory long-term recordkeeping to facilitate traceability

Access the full standard:View CEN ISO/TS 23818-1:2026 on iTeh Standards

CEN ISO/TS 23818-3:2026 – Assessment of Conformity for Unplasticised Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC-U) Piping Systems

Assessment of conformity of plastics piping systems for the rehabilitation of existing pipelines – Part 3: Unplasticised poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) material (ISO/TS 23818-3:2026)

This standard complements Part 1 by focusing specifically on PVC-U piping systems used in rehabilitation of non-pressure pipelines (drainage and sewer networks). It sets out conformity assessment procedures analogous to those for PE but tailored to the material properties of PVC-U.

Scope and Key Requirements:

• Targeted at non-pressure underground drainage and sewer systems utilizing PVC-U.
• Designed to be implemented within manufacturers’ quality management systems (per ISO 9001 and similar frameworks).
• Defines types and frequencies of testing, grouped similarly to the PE standard but with material-specific test methods.

Key Specifications Include:

• Coverage of product, material, and process definitions specific to PVC-U.
• Assessment and documentation requirements for:
  • Type testing (TT) on new or modified product designs, and for major changes in manufacturing
  • Batch release tests (BRT) with regular, documented sampling
  • Process verification (PVT and PVT-I), especially during installation
  • Audit testing (AT) for certified manufacturers
• Reference to specialized tests for characteristics such as:
  • Viscosity and material batch uniformity
  • Dimensional and mechanical property checks (diameter, wall thickness, color, etc.)
  • Joint tightness and watertightness of assemblies
• Normative documents referenced include ISO 1628-2 (viscosity of PVC), ISO 4435, ISO 11300-3, and EN 1401-1.

Who Should Comply:

• Manufacturers of PVC-U pipes, fittings, and rehabilitation assemblies
• Utility providers and contractors responsible for non-pressure pipeline rehabilitation
• Quality assurance professionals in the pipeline component industry

Practical Implementation:

• Requires manufacturers to establish quality plans with explicit testing frequencies and compliance documentation
• Ensures all batches are release-tested prior to distribution, with robust retest and rejection protocols
• Facilitates independent audit testing for certified suppliers

What's New Compared to the Previous Edition (2022):

• Updates to align terminology and definitions with ISO 11295
• Removal of spirally-wound lining techniques to a different standard (ISO/TS 23818-4)
• Reorganization of requirement tables for improved usability

Key highlights:

• Tailored conformity assessment for PVC-U piping in non-pressure rehab
• Modular, updatable structure—supports future standardization integration
• Harmonizes core definitions and processes with PE and other material specifications

Access the full standard:View CEN ISO/TS 23818-3:2026 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

The release of these technical specifications marks an essential advancement for the fluid systems and components for general use sector. By outlining standardized conformity assessment processes, these standards:

• Reduce risks related to pipeline rehabilitation by ensuring product reliability and process consistency
• Help manufacturers and contractors streamline internal quality controls and external certification processes
• Enable procurement specialists to specify products with improved confidence in their compliance and performance

Compliance Considerations and Timelines:

1. Timely Implementation: Manufacturers and engineering organizations should immediately review their existing quality management systems to ensure alignment with the new standards.
2. Certification Transition: Where previously certified pipelines exist, project teams should transition testing and documentation processes in accordance with the updated standards.
3. Training: Staff across production, quality, and installation lines should be trained on the revised protocols, sampling frequencies, and reporting requirements.
4. Documented Testing: All laboratories and inspection bodies must verify that they are adequately equipped and accredited for the expanded range of material-specific tests (e.g., MFR-value, OIT, dimensional checks).

Benefits of Adoption:

• Enhanced product safety and reduced maintenance issues
• Increased client and end-user confidence in system reliability
• Streamlined audits and market acceptance, especially for export

Risks of Non-Compliance:

• Increased costs through batch rejections and failures
• Potential regulation-based exclusion from public contracts
• Higher operational risks—including product recalls, system failures, and legal liabilities

Technical Insights

Common Technical Requirements

• Test Frequency and Coverage: Both standards require a layered approach, including type, batch, process, and audit tests at defined frequencies for comprehensive oversight.
• Documented Quality Plans: Manufacturers must maintain quality plans specifying sampling, retesting, and corrective action protocols, and retain associated records for at least 10 years.
• Grouping Strategies: Pipe and fitting products are grouped by nominal size and type, enabling representative testing without overburdening the process.
• Use of Accredited Laboratories: Testing must be conducted by accredited bodies (ISO/IEC 17025 or equivalent), ensuring impartiality and reliability.
• Retest and Rejection Protocols: Procedures for handling failures are outlined: trace and reject affected batches or lots, perform retests, and document all outcomes.

Best Practices for Implementation

• Integrate Early: Update quality management systems proactively, not reactively. Integrate new conformity requirements into current audit cycles.
• Cross-Train Teams: Production, QA, and procurement should share a common understanding of definitions, requirements, and test acceptance criteria.
• Invest in Measurement Tools: Reliable MFR-value, OIT, and physical property measurement equipment is indispensable for test consistency.
• Supplier Engagement: Regularly verify supplier certifications and request evidence of compliance with the latest version of these standards.
• Digital Documentation: Adopt digital batch records and automated test result documentation for agility and audit-readiness.

Testing and Certification Considerations

• Engage recognized certification partners for independent audits, particularly when project specifications or regional regulations require third-party certification.
• Prepare for both as-manufactured and as-installed condition verifications, with a particular focus on installation practice compliance.

Conclusion & Next Steps

The March 2026 updates to plastics piping system conformity assessment standards bring significant advancement to the fluid systems and components sector. By embracing CEN ISO/TS 23818-1:2026 and CEN ISO/TS 23818-3:2026, organizations can:

• Enhance the quality and reliability of pipeline rehabilitation projects
• Standardize procedures for testing, batch release, and audits
• Minimize compliance risks while expanding market potential

Recommendations:

1. Review the full text of both standards and integrate requirements into your quality management practices.
2. Schedule staff training sessions and process reviews to ensure smooth standard adoption.
3. Conduct a gap analysis of current documentation and testing protocols.
4. Leverage the guidance and resources available at iTeh Standards for ongoing compliance and technical support.

Stay ahead by accessing these standards, exploring their requirements, and ensuring your organization remains at the forefront of pipeline quality and safety.