Understanding the EU Drinking Water Directive and the New European Positive Lists
The EU Drinking Water Directive is a cornerstone of European public health policy, designed to protect both human health and the environment from the harmful effects of contaminated drinking water. A key element of the Directive is its focus on materials that come into contact with drinking water, from the water source all the way to the consumer’s tap.
What Are the European Positive Lists?
Under the Drinking Water Directive, any starting substances, compositions, or constituents used in manufacturing materials that come into contact with drinking water must be included on one of four European Positive Lists. These lists specify which substances are permitted, under what conditions they may be used, and the applicable migration limits where relevant.
The European Commission has adopted Positive Lists for the following categories of materials:
- EU Positive List for starting substances in organic materials
- EU Positive List for compositions in metallic materials
- EU Positive List for organic components in cement-based materials
- EU Positive List for compositions in enamel, ceramics, and other inorganic materials
These EU-wide lists are based on national positive lists that EU Member States submitted to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in July 2021, helping to harmonise requirements across the EU.
How to Add, Update, or Remove Substances
Companies wishing to add, update, or remove substances from the European Positive Lists must follow a defined regulatory process. This begins with submitting a Notice of Intent to ECHA. Once the Notice of Intent has been submitted, applicants have 12 months to prepare and submit a formal application.
A New Unified Submission Platform
On 5 January 2026, ECHA launched a unified submission platform for the Positive List for Materials in Contact with Drinking Water. This new system simplifies the process for industry by providing a single entry point for submissions.
Enterprises can now log into the ECHA Industry Portal to submit information on substances they intend to retain, add, or remove from the Positive Lists. Submissions can be made with just a few clicks, but all Notices of Intent must be prepared in IUCLID format, as required by the Drinking Water Directive.
Key Dates to Keep in Mind
- 31 December 2026: The first European Positive Lists will formally apply.
- Until 31 December 2026: National positive lists and other national provisions remain in force.
- From January 2027: Applicants may begin submitting formal applications to amend the EU Positive Lists, following their Notices of Intent.
How We Can Help
We can submit information on the ECHA Industry Portal on behalf of our clients, supporting companies throughout the Notice of Intent and application process and helping ensure compliance with the EU Drinking Water Directive.