In preparing this Standard, consideration has been given to comparable overseas Standards, to minimise duplication of effort and to maintain commonality, wherever reasonable, with those Standards. Particular consideration has been given to the various parts of BS 6920, Suitability of non-metallic products for use in contact with water intended for human consumption with regard to their effect on the quality of the water. Several of the test procedures and criteria given in BS 6920 have been adopted or modified for Australian and New Zealand requirements.

Significant changes from the previous edition include the following:

(i) Inclusion of a colorimetric method for determination of cytotoxic activity.
(ii) Inclusion of an appendix on the structure of test reports.
(iii) Revision of the appendix on product submission information.
(iv) Altered requirements for testing non-metallic products for leaching of metals.

The terms 'normative' and 'informative' have been used in this Standard to define the application of the appendices to which they apply. A 'normative' appendix is an integral part of a Standard, where an 'informative' appendix is for information and guidance only.

First published as AS 3855(Int)-1991. Redesignated AS 4020(Int)-1992. Second edition 1994. Jointly revised and designated AS/NZS 4020:1999. Fourth edition 2002.