New European Regulations for Brass Alloys in Contact with Drinking Water: Berti MPS is already prepared

 

The European Union has introduced significant regulatory updates for materials used in components intended to come into contact with drinking water. In particular, EU Directive 2020/2184 (Drinking Water Directive – DWD) and the related delegated acts published in 2024 impose stricter limits on the use of lead-containing brass alloys.
These rules will have a significant impact on the entire metalworking supply chain: taps, valves, fittings and hydraulic components will have to comply with new safety, sustainability and traceability standards.

What changes: less lead, more safety
The core of the new legislation is the reduction of the maximum limit for lead in drinking water to 5 µg/l, a value that will be mandatory throughout the EU from 31 December 2032.
To comply with this parameter, only alloys included in the European Union Positive List (EUPL) will be permitted, i.e. materials that:

The main regulatory deadlines:

  • January 2024 → Publication of the EUPL: CW509L, CW510L, CW724R are already approved.
  • 31 December 2026 → End of grace period: from this date onwards, only alloys included in the list or approved on a transitional basis may be used.
  • 31 December 2032 → Definitive end of the transitional period: only alloys listed in the EUPL will be permitted throughout the EU.

The EU Positive List (EUPL)

To date, the alloys considered compliant, already included or nominated for inclusion in the EUPL, are:

Approved alloys:

  • CW724R
  • CW511L
  • CW509L (Pb max 0,2%)
  • CW510L (Pb max 0,2%)

Alloys under evaluation:

  • Magnesium (Mg) alloys
  • Silicon (Si) alloys
  • Tin (Sn) alloys

All alloys with lead content exceeding the limits or not yet tested/certified are excluded.

The consequences for the sector

Metalworking companies will have to:

  • Gradually replace lead-containing alloys with alternative materials;
  • Adapt production processes, tools and machining to new alloys, which are often more technical and less workable;
  • Invest in testing and certification to ensure the compliance of the materials used;
  • Review product development strategies with a view to sustainability and regulatory compliance.

Berti Metal Parts Solutions is already compliant:

A competitive advantage for our customers.
The innovation process required by the new legislation is nothing new for Berti Metal Parts Solutions, which has been ahead of the curve for years by adopting alternative materials that are lead-free or low in lead content:Click here to discover all our materials
Thanks to a corporate strategy focused on sustainability and international regulatory compliance, Berti MPS has integrated materials already included in the EU Positive List into its production processes, ensuring:

  • Maximum safety and hygiene for contact with drinking water;
  • Wide range of alternative materials to meet every application requirement;
  • Continuous compliance with the highest European and non-EU standards;
  • Reduced environmental impact and certified traceability.

The transition is the natural result of a strategic vision that has been in place for some time. Our customers can count on a solid partner that is up to date and ready for the challenges of the future.

 

BERTI MPS S.r.l
Innovation, Quality, Growth.