The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute has formed an ad hoc group to study the feasibility of becoming a third-party certifier. Potentially PMI could be a significant competitor in that market. PMI supports Universal Conformity Assessment, whereby plumbing products are tested once and recognized worldwide.
The task group was formed at PMI's 2001 spring meeting in March. The group will study issues such as organizational and board of directors structure, certification program costs to clients, and a pro forma business plan.