Standards

Standards are documents that set out specifications, procedures, and guidelines designed to ensure that products, services, and systems are safe, consistent, and reliable.

In the context of the National Construction Code (NCC), standards—particularly Australian Standards—are referenced to provide detailed technical requirements for construction, design, and performance. These referenced standards support compliance with the NCC by covering aspects such as material properties, testing methods, and installation practices.

For more information, see What is a standard?

No. The ABCB does not develop the Australian Standards referenced in the National Construction Code (NCC).

Most referenced standards are developed by Standards Australia through technical committees. These committees include representatives from a wide range of interest groups, such as industry bodies, regulatory authorities, government departments, professional associations, academia, and consumers. Members are typically nominated by recognised organisations to represent the views of their sector.

While the ABCB may participate in some committees as a stakeholder, it does not control the content or development process of these standards.

The NCC uses referenced documents because it is not practical to include all detailed design, construction, and testing requirements within the NCC itself. Instead, the NCC references external documents, such as Australian Standards, ABCB standards and protocols, and other publications to provide the necessary technical detail and support compliance with NCC provisions.
This includes processes for determining the properties of materials, products, and systems used in buildings, plumbing, and drainage.

The NCC references a range of external documents including Australian Standards, ABCB protocols, and other publications to provide detailed technical requirements that support compliance.

To find which standards or documents are referenced:

• Check Schedule 2 of the NCC. This schedule lists all referenced documents, including the specific version applicable.
• Use the search function in the NCC Online platform to locate where a particular standard or document is referenced within the NCC.
• Check the rules and instructions for using NCC referenced documents. These are found in the Governing Requirements Part A4.

Please note: Access to the full text of referenced documents typically requires a purchase or subscription through authorised distributors such as Standards Australia, Accuris, or Intertek Inform.

The ABCB doesn’t provide access to the Australian Standards referenced in the NCC.

The cost of standards varies depending on the document. To obtain Australian Standards, you can purchase them from the following sources:

• Standards Store or call 1800 035 822
• Accuris (formerly Techstreet)
• Intertek Inform (formerly "SAI Global") or call 131 242 

Please note: Access to the full text of Australian Standards typically requires a purchase or subscription. Standards Australia offers online access to select standards for personal, non-commercial purposes through its Reader Room at no cost. Access is limited to online viewing only, downloading, printing, or sharing is not permitted.

Alternatively, some public and university libraries provide access to standards. Check with your local library.

The applicable version of a standard depends on the edition of the National Construction Code (NCC) that your building work complies with.

For the current edition of the NCC, refer to Schedule 2 to identify which version of each referenced standard applies to your project.

The ABCB does not provide advice on individual products or their compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).

To ensure your product meets the relevant NCC provisions, including applicable Australian Standards and testing requirements, you should consult a building certifier or building surveyor. They can advise on the specific compliance pathways based on your product’s intended use and the relevant NCC provisions.

Read more about the ABCB’s roles and responsibilities. 

No. For specific information or technical guidance, you should contact the relevant authority, regulatory body, or seek advice from a qualified professional in the appropriate field.

While the National Construction Code (NCC) references various Australian Standards, the ABCB is not responsible for the content of those standards and cannot provide technical advice about them.

You can also refer to Standards Australia’s FAQ page for more information.

The ABCB does not assess or verify compliance with Australian Standards.

To determine whether your building complies with a specific standard, you should contact the relevant building authority, regulatory body, or seek advice from a qualified professional, such as a building certifier or surveyor. They can assess your project against the applicable standards and NCC requirements.

The ABCB does not conduct product testing.

If your product needs to be tested against a particular Australian Standard, you will typically need to engage a NATA accredited laboratory or another recognised testing body. You can search for accredited facilities on the NATA website.

For further assistance, please consult a building certifier, building surveyor, or another appropriately qualified professional who can advise on relevant testing requirements and compliance pathways.

To comply with the NCC using a Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) Solution, you must use the specific edition of the standard listed in Schedule 2 of the relevant NCC volume. 

If a newer edition of a referenced standard listed in Schedule 2 is published, that newer edition is not automatically referenced by the NCC. However, the newer edition may be used as part of a Performance Solution, provided it can be demonstrated that its use meets the relevant Performance Requirements.

A list of newer editions of referenced standards that may be considered in Performance Solutions is available on the ABCB website.

Find out more about documents available for consideration as part of a Performance Solution.