AS2047 vs AS4420: What Australian Builders Need to Know

Australian window compliance involves two standards that builders, developers, and importers frequently conflate: AS2047 and AS4420. Understanding the distinction — and the fact that “AS2047 Certified” is technically a misnomer — is essential for any company supplying windows to the Australian market. This guide explains what each standard covers, how the declaration of conformity system works, how compliance is verified, and how BAL ratings intersect with window specification for bushfire-prone areas.

1 AS2047 vs AS4420: What Each Standard Covers

AS2047 and AS4420 are companion standards published by Standards Australia. They address different stages of a window’s lifecycle in a building. AS2047 defines what a window must achieve in terms of performance, while AS4420 defines how the window is installed to maintain that performance in the field.

AS2047 sets performance requirements for wind load resistance, water penetration, air infiltration, and structural adequacy under Australian conditions. AS4420 provides the installation procedures that ensure the window performs as tested once installed in the building envelope. In practice, a window can meet AS2047 performance requirements in the lab but fail in the field if installation does not follow AS4420 procedures. Both standards must be satisfied for building code compliance in Australia.

2 Why ‘AS2047 Certified’ Doesn’t Exist: The Declaration System

One of the most common misconceptions in the Australian window market is the phrase “AS2047 Certified.” No government body or standards organization issues an “AS2047 certificate.” Instead, compliance is demonstrated through a Declaration of Conformity — a formal statement by the manufacturer or supplier that their product meets AS2047 performance requirements, backed by test data from a NATA-accredited laboratory.

Key points about the declaration system:

• No certificate exists: AS2047 is a performance standard, not a certification scheme. There is no “AS2047 certificate” issued by Standards Australia or any regulatory body.
• Declaration of Conformity: The manufacturer issues a formal declaration stating the product meets AS2047 requirements, supported by NATA lab test reports.
• Evidence required: Test reports from a NATA-accredited laboratory must demonstrate compliance with each relevant performance requirement (wind, water, air, structural).
• Responsibility: The entity placing the product on the Australian market (importer, distributor, or manufacturer) holds responsibility for the declaration.

This system means that importers and distributors cannot simply reference a factory’s test data under a different brand name. The declaration must be issued under the brand name of the entity supplying the Australian market, with test specimens matching the exact product configuration being sold.

For importers working with overseas manufacturers, StarveilBuild provides full test specimen preparation and NATA-compatible test documentation, with the declaration of conformity issued under the buyer’s own brand. The certificate belongs to the buyer, not the factory.

3 Conformity Assessment: How Compliance Is Verified

Conformity assessment for AS2047 involves testing window specimens at a NATA-accredited laboratory and documenting the results in a formal test report. The assessment covers four primary performance requirements, each tested to specific methods defined in the AS4420 series of standards.

The conformity assessment process typically follows these steps:

1. Determine the wind classification for the project location (N1 to N4, C1 to C4, or D as per AS4055)
2. Select window products rated for the required wind class
3. Submit test specimens to a NATA-accredited laboratory
4. Receive test reports documenting performance for each requirement
5. Issue a Declaration of Conformity referencing the test reports
6. Provide documentation to builders, certifiers, and building surveyors

NATA accreditation is critical — test reports from non-NATA laboratories are not accepted for AS2047 compliance evidence in Australia. StarveilBuild coordinates NATA lab testing for Australian buyers, providing test specimens manufactured to the exact production configuration.

4 BAL Ratings & AS3959: Bushfire Zone Windows

In addition to AS2047, windows installed in bushfire-prone areas must comply with AS3959, the Australian Standard for construction in bushfire-prone areas. AS3959 defines Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) ratings that determine construction requirements based on fire risk. These ratings affect glass thickness, frame material, and screening requirements for windows and doors.

Key considerations for BAL-rated windows:

• Glass thickness: Higher BAL ratings require thicker, tougher glass to resist radiant heat and ember attack
• Frame material: Aluminum is non-combustible and acceptable for all BAL ratings including BAL-FZ
• Fly screens: BAL-rated stainless steel mesh screens (aperture less than 1.8mm) are required for operable windows in BAL-12.5 and above
• Seals: Intumescent or fire-resistant seals may be required for BAL-40 and BAL-FZ

StarveilBuild manufactures aluminum window and door systems suitable for BAL-29 and BAL-40 applications, with test specimens available for AS3959 compliance verification under the buyer’s brand.

5 Importer Compliance Checklist: 10 Steps to Market

For importers and distributors bringing aluminum windows into the Australian market, the following checklist covers the essential steps from factory selection through market entry. Following this sequence helps avoid the most common compliance pitfalls that delay product launches.

1. Verify manufacturer capability: Confirm the factory produces to AS2047 performance requirements and can provide test specimens matching your product configuration
2. Determine wind classification: Identify target markets (N1 to N4 for non-cyclonic, C1 to C4 for cyclonic regions) based on your distribution area
3. Select product configurations: Choose window and door types, sizes, and glass packages for your product range
4. Prepare test specimens: Factory manufactures specimens matching the exact production configuration intended for sale
5. Submit to NATA laboratory: Engage a NATA-accredited lab for AS4420.1 through .4 testing
6. Review test reports: Verify all performance requirements pass for the intended wind class
7. Issue Declaration of Conformity: Prepare formal declaration under your brand name, referencing the test reports
8. Prepare installation documentation: Create AS4420-compliant installation guides for builders and installers
9. Register with WERS (optional): Submit energy rating data to the Window Energy Rating Scheme for marketing advantage
10. Maintain records: Retain test reports, declarations, and production records for a minimum of 7 years

Common compliance pitfalls for importers to avoid:

• Using factory test data under a different brand name (non-compliant — declaration must be under your brand)
• Testing only one size and assuming all sizes pass (each configuration needs evidence)
• Ignoring cyclonic region requirements (C-rated products need separate testing)
• Overlooking BAL requirements for bushfire zone markets
• Failing to update declarations when product specifications change

StarveilBuild supports Australian importers through every step of this checklist, from specimen manufacturing through NATA lab coordination, with all declarations and certificates issued under the buyer’s brand identity.

Frequently Asked Questions