From March 2021, entrepreneurs and other owners of water supply systems must ensure that only such organic materials are used for the new construction or maintenance of systems for the production, treatment or distribution of drinking water
On March 21, 2019, the German Environment Agency (UBA) has published new regulations regarding to materials and products in contact with drinking water that are sold on the German market. These ‘Assessment criteria for plastics and other organic materials in contact with drinking water (KTW-BWGL)’ will officially replace the previous recommendations, known as KTW Guideline, Coating Guideline and Lubricant Guideline as from March 21, 2021.
This means that after transition period of two years current KTW, coating and lubricant test certificates will lose their validity. New certificates must be issued by accredited certification bodies, and a yearly inspection including regular sampling and testing will be demanded for the majority of the products. Sedal Group became the first cartridge manufacturer to renew the KTW certification, as it had been working on it since May 2020 to avoid the collapse of the sector.
Sedal Group is currently certifying its products in accordance with the recommendation of the UBA (attestation of conformity of the drinking water hygiene suitability of products) and is one of the first manufacturers with KTW certification. In order to significantly simplify the certificate process of the end products for you, our customers, and to meet our own quality requirements, Sedal Group certifies its products according to the more stringent certification.
What is KTW certification?
KTW (plastics in drinking water, Kunststoff-Trinkwasser) is a publication of the German Federal Environment Office that defined hygienic requirements for plastics and silicone’s used in contact with drinking water (Kontakt mit Trinkwasser). As a result, KTW – W270 certification’s purpose is to certify that product elements in contact with drinking water have been tested and sanctioned by German laboratories (TZW and DVGW) in accordance with the guidance of the UBA (Umwelt Bundesamt). Manufactures in Germany recognise KTW and W270 as the two main certifications in regard to potable water.
In the market there are different certifications at the international level that are responsible for regulating the materials that are in direct contact with drinking water or food. Some of the most important certifications are NSF for the United States, WRAS for the United Kingdom, Germany UBA (KTW), France ACS, and Australia AS/NZS.
If you would like to have more information about our cartridges or electronic mixing water systems and talk with our Sales or Technical Department, do not hesitate to contact us at sales@sedal.com. Our team is always happy to help you.
