Latest Update from EDW
ESA continues to align with the Drinking Water Regulations in the EU as an associate member of the EDW association. A significant milestone was achieved on November 9, 2023, when assessment bodies in the EU (including DVGW and KIWA) endorsed a mission statement. This statement applauds EU legislators’ efforts to harmonise minimum hygiene requirements for materials in contact with drinking water, following the EU Drinking Water Directive (Directive (EU) 2020/2184).
This guidance document is set to take effect on December 31, 2026, targeting materials and products used in new installations, as well as during renovations or repairs of existing installations. The primary goals are to prevent microbial growth and minimise the risk of harmful substances leaching into drinking water.
Additionally, a CEN TC 164 meeting is scheduled to take place in Milan in mid-2024. A notable agenda item is the new work proposal for ISO 24994, which focuses on determining metal migration values in plastic piping systems.
EU Industrial Deal Declaration
During the EU Industrial Summit on February 20, 2024, at the BASF plant in Antwerp, the EU Industrial Deal declaration was signed with several key objectives:
- Centralise the Industrial Deal in the new EU Strategic Agenda for 2024–2029.
- Include a substantial public funding chapter featuring a Clean Tech Deployment Fund.
- Position Europe as a global energy provider.
- Address Europe’s infrastructure needs.
- Enhance the EU’s raw material security.
- Increase demand for net-zero, low-carbon, and circular products.
- Strengthen, enforce, and improve the Single Market.
- Innovate the legislative framework.
- Ensure that the structure supports achieving tangible results.
So far, 1234 organisations from 25 sectors, including 841 companies and 348 associations, have signed the declaration. ESA is proud to be among them!
You can also show your support by signing the declaration at antwerp-declaration.eu.
DG Grow Risk & Policy Analysis (RPA)
The European Commission is exploring the digitalization of conformity assessment certificates for all CE-marked products through a database known as the Digital Solution for Conformity Verification (DSCV). The DSCV aims to:
- Enhance product safety by simplifying market surveillance and reducing fraud.
- Decrease the administrative burden of CE-marking management, reducing paperwork for all economic actors.
- Support customs control and provide consumers and retailers with reliable CE marking data.
The study involves stakeholder consultations through interviews, an online survey, and a workshop. These will help assess data needs for stakeholders within the EU Single Market and the New Legislative Framework. Relevant stakeholders include customs authorities, market surveillance authorities, accreditation bodies, notifying authorities, notified bodies, manufacturers, distributors, importers, exporters, consumers/end-users, and managers of similar databases.
ESA members are encouraged to participate in the survey available at RPA Ltd. The deadline for completing the questionnaire was Friday, May 31, 2024.
Stay informed and engaged as we navigate these important developments together!