At Neoperl, we have taken all necessary steps to ensure full compliance. Our product portfolio is undergoing final adjustments to be ready, our processes are aligned, and our team is prepared to guide you through every stage of the transition.
EU Drinking Water Directive
Neoperl is prepared for the EU Drinking Water Directive (EU-DWD). Read on and find all relevant and up-to-date information below to support you in your transition phase.
What’s the EU-DWD about?
The EU Drinking Water Directive (EU-DWD 2020/2184) harmonizes hygiene regulations across the European Union (EU) for all materials that are in contact with drinking water. It introduces stricter requirements to ensure a higher level of safety and quality for these materials.
From January 1, 2027, only substances listed in the EU’s positive lists will be eligible for new approvals. This change affects every manufacturer of plumbing faucets and other products in contact with potable water selling into the European Union and requires timely action, as selling products into the EU market requires certification, be it at a national level or DWD.
EU-DWD: What’s Changing?
- From January 1, 2027: Only materials made of substances in the › EU Positive Lists (EUPL) can be newly approved.
- Transitional period until December 31, 2032: National approvals remain valid only within their respective Member State. Products containing materials not listed in the EUPL may no longer be sold in the EU.
- Germany has restricted the transition period with regard to metals: As of January 12, 2028, products containing several common lead-based alloys may no longer be sold in Germany.
- Italy has shortened the transition period, with the new rules taking effect on January 1, 2031.
What do I need to do to be ready for the EU-DWD?
If I buy products containing metals from Neoperl, what do I need to do?
Neoperl makes EU Drinking Water Directive (EU DWD) compliant materials the new standard and manages the associated transition on behalf of its customers. This means that customers using metal-containing Neoperl products do not need to change their existing Neoperl item numbers.
Established item numbers will remain unchanged and will automatically comply with EU DWD requirements going forward. For the affected products, Neoperl will use CW510L as the standard material, including for adapters, flow regulators (except inserts and housings), connections for check valves and flow regulators, diverters, pressure limiters, and swivels.
This approach is based on the latest coordinated interpretation of the European Drinking Water Notified Bodies (NB-DW). According to this interpretation, separate permanent item numbers are generally no longer required for DWD-compliant product variants.
If I buy hose products from Neoperl, what do I need to do?
For hose products, compliant material options are being set up in consultation with customers.
Available material choices include CW510L, CW724R, AISI 304, and AISI 316, allowing the most suitable solution to be selected based on the specific application and compliance requirements.
If I purchase plastic products from Neoperl, what do I need to do?
For NEOPERL products containing plastics that are in contact with drinking water, no action by the manufacturer is required.
The materials of these products are already EU-DWD compliant: plastic aerators (inserts), check valves, Easy Push diverters, flow regulators, FSG valve cartridges, filters and the › WATERTRAIN dry-tap solution.
Reliable planning for your products
In addition, all further relevant materials used in the affected NEOPERL products — including seals, gaskets and plastics — have been fully reviewed and are listed on the EU’s positive lists.
We have started ramping up the production planning of our components now, aiming to have the products ready to deliver by 01 January 2027. › For detailed planning, please get in touch with us.
What do I need to do by 31 December 2026?
Take a look at our › checklist for manufacturers which will help you coordinate the individual steps.
Our Expertise and Further Support
As your reliable partner, we support you with tools like reverse timeline templates and cross-reference item number lists. › Please contact us to discuss your options.
Strong Foundation: Existing KTW-BWGL Approvals
Many of our products already hold KTW-BWGL approvals – the essential foundation for DWD certification. Since these principles form the basis for the forthcoming EU-DWD hygiene assessments, we are confident our products will meet all future requirements.
Priority Access to Accredited Testing
We are already in detailed planning with accredited laboratories to secure priority test slots, aiming to be among the first companies to obtain full DWD approval once the framework is fully operational.
Recap: What general steps do I need to take to ensure my products comply with the EU DWD?
In a nutshell: you need to act now! The upcoming regulatory changes require timely planning and aligned implementation on the manufacturer’s side. Inaction would mean that no new products can be approved and sold on the market until 2032. To remain flexible until 2032, immediate action is essential:
- Check if you are selling products into the European market: The transitional period until December 31, 2032 allows materials with national approvals (granted before the end of 2026) to remain valid, but only within the respective member state. Germany goes further: from January 12, 2028, several commonly used alloys will no longer be permitted in new installations. Similar restrictions will be introduced in Italy from 1 January 2031.
- Check your bills of material (BOM) regarding materials: From 1 January 2027, only materials listed in the EU Positive Lists (EUPL) can be newly approved. By listing compliant product alternatives (referring to EUPL) in your BOM now, you are keeping your options open: you can switch to compliant components at any time without needing a new approval.
While Neoperl provides expertise, compliant components, and guidance, the strategic planning and transition must be completed by our manufacturing customers.
Now is the moment to define your pathway, initiate internal steps, and secure your product readiness.
Get more information about the EU-DWD
In the following link of › ECHA (European Chemicals Agency), you can find more detailed information about the transition.
