The Building Code of Australia (BCA) is supported by ‘referenced documents’ including Australian Standards.  In simple terms, the BCA specifies 'what' is required and the Australian Standards specify 'how' something is to be done. The Australian Standards form an integral part of the deemed to satisfy provisions of the BCA.  Australian Standards set out specifications and procedures designed to ensure products, services and systems are safe, reliable and consistently perform the way they were intended to. They could cover a range of matters including a: 

1. material, for example, concrete, steel, or timber; 
2. product, e.g. roof tiles or fibre-cement sheets; 
3. system, e.g. water service; or 
4. design methodology or testing or measuring procedure. 

There are other Australian Standards which may not be referenced in the BCA and not required for the purpose of compliance with the deemed to satisfy provisions, however, they may provide guidance in areas not covered by the BCA.

The BCA and its referenced Australian Standards generally do not cover workmanship issues in respect to paving, tiling, cabinet works etc. When not covered by the BCA or Australian Standards, these aspects may be subject to requirements under the building contract or manufacturers’ recommendations.

Australian Standards are developed by Standards Australia Ltd, but published and sold by SAI Global.  

Purchasing Australian Standards

To purchase any Australian Standard please click on the link below:

SAI Global InfoStore

Phone (from Australia): 131 242
Phone (from overseas): +61 2 8206 6010
Email:  sales@saiglobal.com

Go to the Australian Standards website Click here for further information about Australian Standards