New Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/370 for products in contact with drinking water
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/370 introduces harmonised conformity assessment procedures and rules for notified bodies for pipes, fittings, valves, water meters and other products in contact with drinking water. It will apply from 31 December 2026, with a transition period until the end of 2032.
The European Commission has adopted Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/370, which supplements the framework for materials and products coming into contact with drinking water. The aim is to ensure that components used in drinking water installations do not compromise water quality and that the same hygiene requirements apply across all EU Member States.
The regulation covers a wide range of products, including plastic and metal pipes, fittings, valves, pumps, water meters and mixer taps used for the abstraction, treatment, storage and distribution of drinking water. For these products it introduces mandatory conformity assessment by a notified body, typically combining an EU type-examination module with ongoing surveillance of the manufacturer’s production.
Manufacturers will have to demonstrate compliance with the hygiene requirements, obtain an EU certificate and issue an EU Declaration of Conformity. Compliant products will then benefit from free movement on the EU market without the need for additional national hygiene approvals.
The new rules will become applicable on 31 December 2026. Products covered by existing national hygiene certificates may continue to be placed on the market during a transition period until 31 December 2032. Manufacturers, importers and designers of drinking water systems should therefore start preparing now – by planning material testing, selecting a notified body and updating their technical documentation to meet the new European requirements.