Waterproofing Legislation NSW

Waterproofing Legislation in NSW requires all wet area waterproofing (such as bathrooms, laundries, balconies and decks) to comply with strict Australian Standards, NSW Building Codes, and mandatory licensing rules.  Only licensed professionals can legally perform and certify most waterproofing work and recent changes have further tightened compliance in 2025.

 

Core Legal Requirements

• Australian Standards (AS 3740 & AS 4654.2).

• All internal residential wet area waterproofing must meet AS 3740-2021.

• External areas (balconies etc) follow AS 4654.2 with updated UV and slip-resistance standards from 2025.

 

Who can Waterproof?

• Waterproofing in wet areas (such as bathrooms, showers, laundy, balconies) must be carried out by a licensed contractor.

• A contractor licence for waterproofing is required for any work valued over $5,000 inc GST (labour + materials combined).

• For smaller jobs under $5,000, a licence is still strongly advised, and in practice, almost all waterproofing work in regulated areas requires a licence.

• Owner builders are not permitted to perform waterproofing unless they hold the specific waterproofing licence.

 

Licence & Qualification Requirements

• To get a waterproofing licence, an applicant must complete a Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing (CPC31420 or related previous codes) or hold an equivalent, recognised qualification.

• Experience and documentation of competency may be required, along with a general construction induction card (White Card), references and validation of work history.

• All completed waterproofing jobs must be certified and documented, with compliance certificates required for inspections and insurance purposes.

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Recent & Upcoming Regulatory Changes

• As of 2025, regulations have been strengthened with stricter compliance, new membrane standards, and heavy penalties for unlicensed work (up to $22,000 for individuals and $110,000 for companies, with higher penalties proposed for reforms.

• Proposed reforms are expected to make a specialist waterproofing licence mandatory for all waterproofing, regardless of projects value, phased in by 2028.

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Consequences of Non-Compliance

• Unlicensed waterproofing can void warranties, make insurance invalid, risk property value, and attract heavy fines and legal penalties.

• Non-compliant waterproofing is a leading source of building defects in NSW.

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How do you get a waterproofing licence in NSW Australia?

 

To get a waterproofing licence in NSW, a person must complete a recognised qualification, gain relevant experience, and apply to NSW Fair Trading with supporting documentation.

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• Complete Formal Training by obtaining Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing

• This course is offered by registered training organisations (RTOs) such as TAFE and building industry training centres.

• The training covers waterproofing methods, compliance, safety, and site preparation.

• Gain work experience - minimum of 2 years may be required.

• Trainseeships combine on-the-job learning with study and can help meet experience requirements

• Apply for a licence by preparing documentation and lodging an application with Service NSW.  Application fees apply.