The upcoming 2027 EU Harmonization is poised to reshape the landscape of the water treatment industry in Europe. Aimed at unifying and strengthening health, safety, and environmental standards across all member states, the harmonization effort presents challenges and opportunities for manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers. Here is what my team and I have learned:
1. Materials in Contact with Drinking Water (CDW) One of the most pivotal changes will be the enforcement of unified positive lists for materials used in water filters. Only substances proven to be safe for prolonged contact with drinking water will be permitted. Expect strict migration limits for heavy metals, endocrine disruptors like BPA, PFAS compounds, and even microplastics.
Manufacturers will need to thoroughly audit and possibly replace filter housings, seals, adhesives, and filtration media. Activated carbon will need to meet elevated standards for purity, including reduced ash content and tighter control on the iodine number.
2. Microbial and Hygiene Safety Harmonization is expected to introduce mandatory microbial safety protocols, especially for Point-of-Use (POU) filters. Filters must prevent bacterial growth during both use and storage.
Design enhancements like anti-microbial linings, improved flow paths, and the inclusion of UV or chemical sanitization components may become necessary. Filters without effective anti-biofilm properties may be phased out.
3. Performance and Efficiency Standards Water filters will be subject to category-specific minimum performance benchmarks. This includes measurable thresholds for the reduction of chlorine, turbidity, heavy metals, pesticides, and other regulated contaminants.
All filtration claims must be verifiable through harmonized EU testing standards, such as EN 14898 or EN 13443. Products that cannot prove stated performance will be barred from the market.
About EN 14898 and EN 13443:
- EN 14898: Specifies requirements and test methods for POU filters improving taste, odor, and the reduction of substances like chlorine, particles, and heavy metals.
- EN 13443: Addresses mechanical filters, such as pre-filters, and outlines requirements for the removal of suspended solids.
Other EN Standards Relevant to Industrial and Municipal Filters:
- EN 12729: Covers anti-pollution devices such as backflow preventers.
- EN 14346: Pertains to filtration systems in industrial applications, particularly for coarse particles.
- EN 1508: Outlines the quality of water supplied to buildings and touches on system-wide purification.
Broad Comparison to NSF/ANSI Standards:
NSF/ANSI standards are generally broader in scope and widely recognized in North America. EN standards are more focused, specifically designed to align with EU water quality directives and often more stringent in material safety and environmental compliance.
4. Testing & Certification Requirements With harmonization, water filters will likely require mandatory third-party testing and CE marking tailored to their function and risk level.
All manufacturers must undergo conformity assessments by Notified Bodies. This could increase compliance costs, but also offers long-term streamlining which hopefully will lower long-term costs.
5. Labeling and Consumer Information Transparency will become non-negotiable. Filters must include clear information on:
- Lifespan (volume and time)
- Replacement intervals
- Substances filtered
- Residual levels post-filtration
Vague marketing terms like “pure water” or “filters everything” will no longer be acceptable. Packaging and user manuals must be overhauled to comply with these rules.
6. Environmental and Circular Economy Mandates A major theme of the 2027 Harmonization is sustainability. Filters must be designed with end-of-life in mind, including recyclability and modularity.
Single-use filters may face restrictions or outright bans. Producers may need to implement take-back programs and ensure filter components can be easily disassembled and recycled.
7. Digital and Smart System Integration While not yet mandatory, digital features like IoT-enabled monitoring and filter change alerts are being strongly encouraged.
Smart systems will likely gain favor, especially in sectors like healthcare and food service. Early adopters can gain a competitive edge.
Impacted Filter Types and Risk Summary
What Should Manufacturers Do Now?
- Material Audits – Ensure all materials comply with CDW regulations.
- Performance Validation – Test against EN and ISO standards.
- Prepare for EPR – Set up take-back and recycling programs.
- Update Documentation – Manuals, labels, and datasheets.
- Enhance Designs – Build in modularity and smart features.
- Watch for Updates – Especially from CEN (TC 164), ECHA, and local regulators.
The 2027 EU Harmonization represents more than just a regulatory shift—it’s a call to action for the water filtration industry to evolve.
By prioritizing health, transparency, and sustainability, the new rules will not only protect consumers but also push the industry toward meaningful innovation. Companies that prepare early will find themselves at a distinct advantage in a rapidly changing market.
Are YOU ready for 2027?