Eligibility and Process

Smart Drop is for water efficient products that are not eligible for the mandatory Water Efficiency Label, which is due to be introduced in the UK later this year. (The Label will cover water efficient appliances in the home, including toilets, urinals, bathroom taps, shower outlets and assemblies, dishwashers, washing machines and combination washer-dryers.) 

Smart Drop UK is only available to Waterwise Affiliates either under the ‘Product Affiliate’ package or as an additional fee in the ‘Engagement Affiliate’ package. Once onboard, £1000 of the £2000 Affiliate Product Package price covers a single application to Smart Drop UK (£500) plus one year license fee once approved (£500). An Affiliate on the ‘Engagement’ package would pay an ‘additional’ £1000 for a Smart Drop UK application and license fee.

The certification is awarded once, and the license must be renewed annually to remain valid (£500 per license renewal for Waterwise Affiliates).

Expert Panel:

The Water Conservancy’s expert panel independently reviews products and services for Smart Drop Certified. The Panel meets four times a year to consider applications from product manufacturers and service providers across Australia, North America and now the UK. The next round of reviews will take place in September 2025. A UK representative also forms part of the expert panel for UK-certified applications.

If you’re interested in becoming certified, the first step is to review the criteria, and the key dates that the Expert Panel meet to review products. Your product must save water, be environmentally sustainable and fit for service in the UK. Once on board as a Waterwise ‘Product’ Affiliate, the application process starts with the submission of an application form via the Smart Drop website, including documentation to support your water-saving claims. If your application is approved, you will be licensed to use the Smart Drop Certified logo to promote your approved product or service in the UK for one year. You will then need to renew the license fee annually along with your Waterwise Affiliation.

How to apply:

Check your product fits one of the categories outlined and meets all criteria and guidelines here:

You will need to provide evidence that the product is:

1. Water saving – with independent evidence such as independent testing, case studies, or comparative reports
2. Fit for purpose – ie share the information provided to the customer in terms of instructions/guidance on use
3. Meets regulations and standards in the UK
4. Is environmentally sustainable – i.e. will not adversely affect the environment in other ways, despite saving water

Smart Drop certified product examples:

Pricing

£1000 for Waterwise ‘Product Affiliate’ members only. Waterwise will handle your Smart Drop UK application payment as part of your Affiliate ‘Product Package’ fee of £2000. It will be up to the Affiliate organisation however to make the application. (You will be charged £1500 upon joining for your Affiliate membership + Smart Drop application fee, but the license fee of £500 will only be charged if the product achieves the Smart Drop Certification.) The certification is awarded once, and the license must be renewed annually (£500 per license renewal for Affiliates).

FAQs:

Question: How often do the panel meet to review applications?

Answer: Quarterly in September, December, March and June.

Question: How long does it take the panel to review and award the certification?

Answer: The panel will advise within a few days of assessment if successful or if further information is required (such as a case study, testimonial or further evidence).

Question: Once approved, how long is the certification valid for?

Answer: The certification is valid for 1 year from the date of certification.

Question: How do I renew my license for Smart Drop?

Answer: As a Waterwise Affiliate you will be able to renew your Smart Drop license annually. The renewal fee will be £500 for the Smart Drop license renewal. 

Question: How much is it if I want to apply for more than one product?

Answer: There is a 10% discount on three or more applications. 

Question: What if I have a number of similar products to certify? 

Answer: If your products are similar i.e. the same model but a slightly different variation, then this may be considered under one application fee. 

Question: What happens if my application is unsuccessful?

Answer: In the rare case that your application is unsuccessful, you will be notified with details and guidance on the reasons why. You may be asked to provide additional information before a final decision is made. Please ensure you review the eligibility criteria carefully before applying. While you will be supported through the process, we cannot guarantee that a Product Affiliate will receive Smart Drop certification. 

Question: If my application is unsuccessful, do I get a refund? 

Answer: Sorry, no. The fee paid per application covers the panel review time and expertise, and does not guarantee certification being awarded. However, you will only pay for the license fee ‘if’ certification is awarded.

Question: What if I am unsure if my product is eligible?

Answer: Get in touch with us and we can advise you on this or on alternative options. 

Question: Where will my products get listed as a result of being Smart Drop UK certified?

Answer: Your products will be listed on the Waterwise Affiliate Product List here and, once certified, on the Smart Drop Certified product listing website here.

Question: Will my Smart Drop product certification be recognised in Australia and North America as well as the UK?

Answer: No, but get in touch with The Water Conservancy if you are interested in getting your products Smart Drop certified in these countries too.