Magazine
EU drinking water directive: Harmonised product certification
With the EU drinking water directive (Directive 2020/2184), the European Union has established new standards to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water as a fundamental right. While the directive has already mandated stricter limit values for pollutants and expanded monitoring requirements since January 2021, the next decisive step in the schedule is now approaching: the introduction of a fully harmonised system for materials and products in contact with drinking water.
Previously, manufacturers had to undergo separate certifications for each country. From 2026, however, the new EU-wide requirements will take effect, gradually replacing national approvals such as the DVGW seal, ACS or Kiwa.
One standard for Europe: What operators need to know now
The fragmentation of national approval systems long caused a lack of transparency regarding material quality. The new directive therefore introduces EU-wide minimum hygiene requirements (Article 11) to ensure a consistently high level of protection for human health.
The core points of the new EU conformity system
The new system is based on strict criteria. In the future, products that come into contact with drinking water must:
- not release harmful substances in concentrations that endanger human health.
- not promote microbial growth (for example of Legionella pneumophila or other bacteria).
- not negatively influence the taste, odour or appearance of the water.
A central instrument is the so-called EU positive lists. These lists define, in a legally binding manner, which starting substances and materials are permissible for the manufacture of drinking water installations. Products that meet these requirements receive an EU declaration of conformity and corresponding marking. This allows these components to be used in all EU Member States without additional national hygiene tests.
Special case UK: What happens to WRAS certification?
While the EU member states are harmonising their national systems, the United Kingdom represents a special case following Brexit. The well-known WRAS certification (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) continues to exist for the British market. As the United Kingdom is no longer bound by the direct implementation of the EU drinking water directive, national requirements for the mechanical and hygienic safety of products will continue to be maintained independently according to the current status.
The importance of the EU conformity system for Aqua free products
For Aqua free, this regulatory innovation means that we are consistently aligning our future product certifications with this new European standard, as in the future we will no longer carry out or have to carry out individual national certifications for each individual country – such as ACS, KIWA or UBA.
The transition schedule: Deadlines from 2026 to 2032
The transition to the new system is taking place gradually to provide manufacturers and operators of drinking water installations with a reliable transition phase:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Entry into force of the framework for the EU positive lists for materials and products in contact with drinking water. |
| 1 January 2027 | Hard regulatory cut-off: All new products placed on the EU market from this date must mandatory comply with the new EU hygiene standards. |
| 2027 – 2032 | Transition period: Products that already have existing national approvals (such as ACS or Kiwa) may still be marketed until the end of 2032. |
| End of 2032 | Full harmonisation: National hygiene certificates lose their significance for market access; the EU system is solely authoritative. |
Strategic importance: “One standard – one test”
For you as an operator, planner or person responsible for a drinking water installation, this development is a significant simplification. The principle of "One standard – one test – accepted across Europe" reduces the administrative burden and ensures transparent comparability of products.
Important to know: While hygienic suitability will be harmonised across the EU in the future, mechanical or functional requirements (e.g. load capacity or flow rates) will partially remain in national hands.
Our expert tip: Even today, check for upcoming renovations or new construction projects whether the chosen components are ready for the regulatory requirements from 2027. This way, you avoid bad investments and secure water hygiene in your facility for the long term.
Do you have questions about choosing compliant materials?
We will be happy to advise you comprehensively on how to operate your drinking water installation in a future-proof and hygienically sound manner.