Materials in Contact with Drinking Water according to EU 2020/2184

A practical guide to implementing EUPL, certification and compliance (2027)

The recast Drinking Water Directive (EU) 2020/2184 introduces a new EU-wide regulatory framework for materials and substances in contact with drinking water that may affect its quality. While adopted in 2020, its practical implementation is now entering a critical phase.

From 2026 onwards, the focus is on the assessment of drinking water at the tap and on ensuring that materials and products used to convey drinking wate rare compliant. Companies must prepare for applications to the European Positive List (EUPL) and understand their rôle within this new system.

From January 2027 onwards, the new EU-wide certification system will apply, introducing additional requirements related to migration, toxicological data and risk assessment for materials in contact with drinking water.

These developments represent a new compliance layer beyond established frameworks and are particularly relevant for professionals working in REACH and chemical compliance, as well as in biocidal and material-related sectors.

This online training provides a practical, EU-focussed and cross-regulatory perspective, combining regulatory interpretation and scientific understanding to explain how the new requirements are applied in practice.

After the training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the key requirements of the recast Drinking Water Directive (EU) 2020/2184
• Explain the role and structure of the European Positive List (EUPL)
• Identify whether their substances and materials fall within the scope
• Assess compliance obligations related to EUPL applications and certification requirements
• Understand links to REACH and the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR)
• Identify data gaps and regulatory risks
• Understand practical aspects of implementation

Highlights

• New EU requirements for materials in contact with drinking water
• The European Positive List (EUPL): Scope, obligations and timelines
• EU certification system (from 2027) and its practical implications
• Migration, exposure and risk assessment concepts explained
• Links to REACH and biocides frameworks
• Practical compliance strategies and real-world implications
• Combined expertise: Regulatory + scientific perspective

Who should attend this training?

This training is relevant for professionals responsible for compliance of materials and substances in contact with drinking water under the recast Drinking Water Directive (EU) 2020/2184, helping them understand the new DWD and European Positive List (EUPL) requirements and their practical implementation:

Professionals in the fields of:

• Regulatory affairs
• Chemical compliance (REACH)
• Exposure assessment and migration studies
• Product stewardship and product compliance
• Material compliance, testing and certification

Sectors that should take part:

• Material manufacturers (e.g. coatings, polymers, metals, inks, packaging)
• Chemical industry (substances, additives, formulations)
• Biocides industry
• Testing laboratories, certification bodies and CROs
• Concultancies and professional associations
• FCM specialists (migration and compliance of drinking water contact materials)

Picture credit: © ivector – Shutterstock