EU Drinking Water Directive (DWD) Compliance Support

The EU Drinking Water Directive (EU) 2020/2184 establishes a harmonised regulatory framework for substances used in materials that come into contact with drinking water in the EU.

Under Article 11, European Positive Lists adopted by the European Commission defines which substances and constituents are permitted for use in drinking water contact materials in the EU.

Where a company wants a substance or constituent to be included in the EU Positive Lists (EUPL), it must submit a Notification of Intention (NoI) to ECHA as the first procedural step ahead of a full application dossier.

REACHLaw supports industry with expert-driven regulatory services designed to help companies understand their obligations, prioritise actions and move efficiently through the evolving DWD framework.

EU manufacturers and importers of materials coming into contact with drinking water are responsible for notifications and applications.

The new DWD applies to a broad range of products and components used in drinking water systems, for example:

• Dutine iron pipes
• Plastic pipes
• Plastic fittings Water meters
• Taps and valves
• Coatings and linings
• Pumps
• Other complex devices, materials and components in contact with drinking water

The legislation applies across four major material groups:

• Organic materials
• Metallic materials
• Cementitious materials
• Enamel, ceramic and other inorganic materials

• The Notification of Intention (NoI) is a mandatory first step before submitting a full application.
• Both the NoI and future applications must be prepared in ECHA’s IUCLID format in the ECHA Industry Portal.
• Full applications require extensive scientific, technical and toxicological information.
• Early preparation is essential to reduce delays, identify data gaps and support long-term compliance planning.

1. DWD portfolio screening and applicability mapping:

REACHLaw provides expert assessment of your portfolio to determine how the new DWD requirements may affect your business.

Our support includes:

• Identification of products and materials potentially within scope
• Assessment of applicable material groups and regulatory pathways
• Evaluation of compliance priorities and potential risks
• Strategic mapping of next steps and regulatory timelines
• Supply chain communication & use collection

2. Notification of Intention (NoI) preparation and submission (Article 2 (EU) 2024/369):

REACHLaw supports companies throughout the NoI preparation process with a structured and reliable approach.

Our services include:

• Substance and material identification support
• Review of available technical information
• Data gap identification
• IUCLID dossier preparation and submission via the ECHA Industry Portal
• Strategic preparation for future Positive List applications

Our experience with complex regulatory submissions helps ensure that dossiers are prepared efficiently, consistently and in line with regulatory expectations.

REACHLaw is a trusted and recognised regulatory consultancy with extensive experience in EU chemical and product legislation.

Clients rely on us for:

• Strong regulatory interpretation expertise
• Practical understanding of complex compliance frameworks
• Hands-on IUCLID experience
• Scientific and technical regulatory support
• Reliable project management and strategic guidance
• Testing strategy
• Consortium management and data sharing guidance

We combine regulatory depth with a business-oriented approach!

A proactive approach reduces risk

The DWD implementation timeline is progressing rapidly. Companies that begin preparations early are better positioned to:

• Reduce regulatory uncertainty
• Plan data and resource needs efficiently
• Build a stronger pathway toward future Positive List compliance

REACHLaw – Trusted regulatory expertise for drinking water contact material requirements. Contact us at sales@reachlaw.fi for support!