Sweden adapts rules on materials in contact with drinking water

The Swedish government is imposing requirements linked to the EU’s Drinking Water Directive. Manufacturers must ensure that products in contact with drinking water are made from safe materials that have been tested and approved in accordance with new EU legislation.

The government is proposing amendments to the Planning and Building Ordinance to ensure that Sweden complies with the requirements of the EU Drinking Water Directive (DWD). The directive contains provisions on products that come into contact with drinking water and the requirements that must be met before such products can be placed on the market. The detailed regulations are contained in implementing provisions adopted by the European Commission, which will enter into force on 31 December 2026.

Amendments to the Planning and Building Ordinance

The government has promised on providing information on how companies should demonstrate that products meet the hygiene requirements for materials in contact with drinking water. As part of implementing the Drinking Water Directive and to supplement the Commission’s implementing provisions, the government is now proposing amendments to the Planning and Building Ordinance.

New legal regulations

According to a press release, the amendments mean that “a manufacturer may only place a construction product that comes into contact with drinking water on the market if the manufacturer has ensured that the product is made from end materials that have been tested and approved in accordance with the new EU legal regulations.” The press release also specifies which other requirements a manufacturer or importer must meet for a construction product that comes into contact with drinking water to be placed on the market.”

Providing predictable rules

The Swedish government wants to simplify rules, reduce the regulatory burden and cut unnecessary costs for people and businesses. “Clean drinking water is one of our most basic societal needs. With these amendments to the ordinance, we are taking the necessary steps to ensure that Sweden can comply with the EU’s Drinking Water Directive, while also providing Swedish manufacturers and importers of construction products with clear and predictable rules to follow”, says Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Andreas Carlson in the press release.

Transitional period

The amendments to the regulation are proposed to enter into force on 31 December 2026. During a transitional period, construction products that come into contact with drinking water that are deemed suitable for their intended use in a construction works according to currently applicable national regulations at the time of entry into force will be allowed to be sold until 31 December 2032.

This article was published first by the Swedish platform for water professionals cirkulation.se