When producing materials that come into contact with drinking water, you must comply with new and stricter guidelines and safety standards. This can have major implications if you are a manufacturer of these materials. Here’s what you need to know about the new Drinking Water Directive EU 2020/2184.
In Europe, we have had a drinking water directive for many years. This directive ensures that everyone in Europe can drink clean drinking water from the tap or bottle in a sustainable way. In 2021, the rules were tightened to improve the quality of our drinking water further.
Comply with Drinking Water Directive EU 2020/2184
The previous drinking water directive was from 1998 and was due for renewal. The main reason is the renewal of the safety standards for several substances, like microplastics and lead. In addition, the new directive applies from source to tap. And, there must be more transparency for the European consumer.
From the source to consumption, water comes into contact with all kinds of products and materials. Think of pipes, couplings, valves, and filters. All materials affect the quality of drinking water. That is why requirements have been set for the release of substances into the water by the materials.
Strict requirements and safety standards
The impact on manufacturers who produce products that come into contact with drinking water is significant. The materials that are currently used for production may (soon) no longer be permitted. Examples include various types of brass.
There are also strict deadlines for meeting the requirements for new and existing products. An additional difficulty is that Germany has decided to use more ambitious deadlines. As a result, many stronger products must meet the requirements sooner than originally intended.
1-4-2024
- Legislation
- The new DWD has come into effect
30-6-2025
- Germany – UBA positive list
- New applications for the positive list can be processed until 30 June 2025.
- This list will be used until 31-12-2026
1-1-2026
- European Positive List
- From 1 January 2026, Member States can submit their lists of positive materials to ECHA to be added to the European Positive List
1-1-2027
- Application DWD
- The new DWD will come into effect for applications from 1 January 2027. Materials/products that were approved before 1-1-2027 may be used up to and including 31-12-2032
12-1-2028
- Germany – Lead-containing material
- From 12 January 2028, only lead-containing materials with the reduced threshold value of 5.0µg/l may be used
31-1-2032
- Evaluation
- The evaluation of the functioning of the new DWD will take place from 31 January 2032
31-12-2032
- End of transition period
- on 31 December 2032 the transitional arrangement for the new DWD will end and all materials/products must comply with the DWD EU2020/1284
Adaptation in processes and product requirements
Meeting the requirements on time can be quite a challenge. It often requires an adjustment in the processes and production methods to be compliant with the drinking water directive. But also with the product requirements when new materials are used.
FACT compliance provides advice and support in complying with the guidelines and product certifications. This way you can make the transition without any worries and do what you are good at. Contact us to have a cup of coffee and see what we can do for each other!
