The European Drinking Water Directive establishes minimum hygiene requirements for materials in contact with drinking water throughout the entire supply chain, from the source to the point of use (tap), with the aim of protecting human health and the environment from the harmful effects arising from drinking water contamination. In particular, the DWD requires that starting substances, formulations, or components used in the manufacture of materials in contact with drinking water be included in one of the four European Positive Lists.
The four European Positive Lists may be amended through the addition, update, or removal of the substances listed therein. In order to add, update, or remove substances from the European Positive Lists, it is necessary to submit a “Notification of Intention.” This notification aims to promote coordination among potential applicants, inform interested parties, and enable ECHA to manage the evaluation process more effectively and efficiently.
On 5 January 2026, ECHA announced the launch of a new online tool allowing companies to notify their intentions regarding updates to the Positive Lists. Through the ECHA Industry Portal, companies can indicate the substances they intend to maintain, add, or remove from the European Positive Lists. Notifications of intention must be prepared in IUCLID format.
Following the submission of a notification of intention, notifiers will have 12 months to submit the corresponding Application. Companies will be able to start submitting Applications from January 2027.
TEAM mastery’s experts are ready to support your company at every stage of compliance with the Drinking Water Directive—from understanding regulatory obligations to preparing IUCLID Notifications of Intention and submitting Applications for amendments to the European Positive Lists.