Ontario, California — IAPMO® has joined leading international industry associations in launching the International Valves and Taps Alliance, a new global partnership uniting organizations from the United States, Europe and Japan to strengthen collaboration across the valve and tap sector.
The alliance brings together organizations involved in manufacturering of valves, sanitary fittings, actuators and related components used in building and industrial applications and establishes a framework for cooperation among industry associations to address technological, regulatory and environmental challenges affecting manufacturers operating in global markets.
The foundation for the alliance was established Oct. 23 during the Italian Association of Valves and Fittings Manufacturers (AVR) 2025 Assembly in Milan, where participating associations drafted the founding document. The agreement includes a memorandum of understanding reflecting a shared commitment to advancing innovation, strengthening international dialogue and supporting manufacturers across the global supply chain.
“This alliance represents an important step toward stronger global collaboration across our industry,” said Sandro Bonomi, president of AVR. “Our sector is evolving rapidly, and international cooperation is essential to address common challenges while creating opportunities for innovation and growth.”
“IAPMO has long believed that collaboration across borders strengthens the plumbing and mechanical industry,” said John Watson, IAPMO executive vice president of Industry Relations and Business Development. “Through this alliance, manufacturers and industry leaders can share knowledge, align priorities and support technologies and standards that improve safety, efficiency and sustainability in the built environment.”
Participating organizations include: AVR (Italy); AGRIVAL (Spain); BVAA (United Kingdom); CIPHE (United Kingdom); EVOLIS (France); FLUIDEX (Spain); IAPMO (United States); JVMA (Japan); POMSAD (Turkey); SAI Valves and Fittings (Sweden); SPAP (Poland); URS (Switzerland); VDMA (Germany); and VMA (United States). Together, these organizations represent a broad cross-section of the global valve and fittings manufacturing sector.
The International Valves and Taps Alliance is intended to serve as a long-term platform for collaboration among industry associations, manufacturers and public authorities. By sharing technical expertise and coordinating engagement with regulators, the alliance will support manufacturers navigating evolving regulatory requirements while promoting high-performance, reliable products across global markets.
“IAPMO has long believed that collaboration across borders strengthens the plumbing and mechanical industry,” said John Watson, IAPMO executive vice president of Industry Relations and Business Development. “Through this alliance, manufacturers and industry leaders can share knowledge, align priorities and support technologies and standards that improve safety, efficiency and sustainability in the built environment.”
The initiative also reinforces the importance of international standards and technical expertise as drivers of innovation, competitiveness and product reliability throughout the supply chain. Through this cooperative approach, alliance members aim to support the continued development of technologies and practices that benefit manufacturers, installers and consumers worldwide.
About IAPMO
IAPMO® is a global team of experts engaging industry and government for a safer built environment. IAPMO develops codes and standards, including the Uniform Plumbing Code® and Uniform Mechanical Code®, and offers the UPC® and UMC® certification marks, which serve as a consistent model for building professionals, manufacturers and researchers.
Deep expertise in codes and standards is applied to rigorous product testing, certification and inspection services, professional development offerings, and policy and advocacy work. IAPMO also serves the market under specialty brands including The IAPMO Group, Construction Products Group, System Certifications Body and IWSH, its nonprofit foundation.
IAPMO®, a global team of experts engaging industry and government for a safer built environment, has opened a 45-day public review period for a revised draft of its Manual of Recommended Practice: Construction Practices for Potable Building Water Systems, inviting industry stakeholders to review and comment.
Today, IAPMO launches March4Water 2026, its annual observance month, to raise awareness about how communities can build resilience to water stress. This year's theme, “Water Solutions for Growing Communities,” demonstrates how water efficiency offers a proven path forward for policymakers facing the challenge of supporting economic growth while protecting drinking water supplies.
The International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH®), the public charity of IAPMO, will lead a new IWSH Community Plumbing Challenge® this summer to upgrade critical plumbing infrastructure at Los Angeles Mission, a nonprofit serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness in downtown Los Angeles.