The European drinking water industry is entering a new era of harmonised regulation, driven by the implementation of Directive (EU) 2020/2184 on the quality of water intended for human consumption. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of common hygienic requirements for materials and products that come into contact with drinking water.
Amazon Filters Limited’s drinking water filter housings and compatible filtration products have been independently certified by DVGW in Germany in accordance with the KTW-BWGL (Assessment Basis for Plastics and Other Organic Materials in Contact with Drinking Water) issued by the Umweltbundesamt. This approval demonstrates that the materials used within our products meet one of Europe's most rigorous hygienic assessment standards for drinking water contact.
This certification provides confidence that both the filter housing and filtration system have been assessed for their suitability in potable water applications and are aligned with the direction of future European drinking water regulations.
Across Europe, regulators are strengthening requirements to ensure that every component in a drinking water installation contributes to protecting public health. Historically, each country maintained its own approval systems for products used in contact with drinking water. Manufacturers supplying multiple European markets often had to obtain separate approvals for identical products.
The revised European Drinking Water Directive (EU) 2020/2184 introduces a harmonised approach for drinking water contact materials. The objective is to establish common standards that ensure products do not adversely affect drinking water quality while simplifying trade throughout the European Union. Every material that comes into contact with potable water is now subject to increasing scrutiny regarding hygiene, chemical safety and long-term performance.
When discussing water filtration, the focus is often placed on the filter cartridge. Many filter cartridges, including the SupaGard, SupaSpun and Contour product range from Amazon Filters Limited, have undergone assessment and achieved approval for use with drinking water.
However, filter housings are classified as drinking water contact products and the filter housing is equally critical as it remains in continuous contact with potable water throughout its service life. It also requires careful material selection and independent hygienic assessment to demonstrate its suitability for use with drinking water. The 316L stainless steel filter housings from Amazon Filters Limited have been successfully assessed and certified for use in drinking water applications.
Germany has developed one of the world's most comprehensive approval systems for materials used in drinking water applications. Assessment according to KTW-BWGL includes material formulation review, migration testing, extraction testing, organoleptic assessment (taste and odour), hygienic suitability and long-term material performance.
DVGW is internationally recognised as one of Europe's leading technical certification organisations for this drinking water infrastructure.
Amazon Filters Limited’s filter housings and filtration products have successfully completed independent assessment by DVGW in accordance with KTW-BWGL requirements.
KTW-BWGL approval demonstrates compliance with many of the hygienic principles that underpin the emerging European regulatory framework, even though the implementation of the European Drinking Water Regulations is continuing in phases.
European drinking water regulations will continue to move towards greater harmonisation, transparency and material safety. Manufacturers that invest in independent testing today are well positioned for tomorrow's regulatory environment. Amazon Filters Limited’s DVGW approval under KTW-BWGL demonstrates our commitment to delivering drinking water filter housings and filtration products that meet the highest standards of hygiene, material safety and regulatory compliance.
As the European framework continues to develop, customers can specify our products with confidence, knowing that both the filter housing and the filtration system have been independently assessed under current regulations.