Building Code Glossary
Third-party Certified: Building Code Definition
How the IPC 2009 define third-party certified, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Third-party certified is a defined term in the International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “Certification obtained by the manufacturer indicating that the function and performance characteristics of a product or material have been determined by testing and ongoing surveillance by an approved third-party certification agency. Assertion of certification is in the form of identification in accordance with the requirements of the third-party certification agency.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IPC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 6 chapters of this corpus, most often in Water Supply and Distribution (IRC 2009), Water Supply and Distribution (IPC 2009), Definitions (IPC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Third-party Certified — IPC 2009, Definitions:
Certification obtained by the manufacturer indicating that the function and performance characteristics of a product or material have been determined by testing and ongoing surveillance by an approved third-party certification agency. Assertion of certification is in the form of identification in accordance with the requirements of the third-party certification agency.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Third-party Certified is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions chapter of the International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2009:
Certification obtained by the manufacturer indicating that the function and performance characteristics of a product or material have been determined by testing and ongoing surveillance by an approved third-party certification agency. Assertion of certification is in the form of identification in accordance with the requirements of the third-party certification agency.
Where third-party certified is used in the code
The term appears in 6 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Water Supply and Distribution | IRC 2009 | 5 |
| Water Supply and Distribution | IPC 2009 | 4 |
| Definitions | IPC 2009 | 1 |
| General Regulations | IPC 2009 | 1 |
| Water Heaters | IPC 2009 | 1 |
| General Plumbing Requirements | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about third-party certified, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Water service piping materials not third-party certified for water distribution shall terminate at or before the full open valve located at the entrance to the structure.
All plastic pipe, fittings and components shall be third-party certified as conforming to NSF 14.
The terms third-party certified is built out of
The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what third-party certified covers:
- Third-party Certification Agency — IPC 2009: An approved agency operating a product or material certification sytem that incorporates initial product testing, assessment and surveillance of a manufacturer's quality control system.
- Approved — IBC 2009: Acceptable to the code official or authority having jurisdiction.
Third-party Certified: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IPC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Water Supply and Distribution (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Water Supply and Distribution (IPC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IPC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | General Regulations (IPC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Third-party Certification Agency | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Approved | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Third-party Certification Agency: Building Code Definition
- Approved: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of third-party certified?
The International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “Certification obtained by the manufacturer indicating that the function and performance characteristics of a product or material have been determined by testing and ongoing surveillance by an approved third-party certification agency. Assertion of certification is in the form of identification in accordance with the requirements of the third-party certification agency.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on third-party certified?
In this corpus the term is used across 6 chapters, led by Water Supply and Distribution in the IRC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is a third party inspection certificate?
Inspection Certificate is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “An identification applied on a product by an approved agency containing the name of the manufacturer, the function and performance characteristics, and the name and identification of an approved agency that indicates that the product or material has been inspected and evaluated by an approved …” That is not the same as third-party certified, which the IPC 2009 defines as “Certification obtained by the manufacturer indicating that the function and performance characteristics of a product or material have been determined by testing and ongoing surveillance by an approved third-party certification agency. Assertion of certification is in the form of identification …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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