Strengthening Regulatory Dialogue on the European Positive List
The implementation of Article 11 of Directive (EU) 2020/2184 continues to shape the transition towards a harmonised European framework for materials and products intended to come into contact with water intended for human consumption. As delegated and implementing acts progressively define the practical application of the framework, manufacturers, laboratories, conformity assessment bodies and other economic operators are increasingly required to address both regulatory and technical challenges.
Against this background, TEAM Mastery and Bird & Bird will host the roundtable discussion “Implementing the European Positive List under the Drinking Water Directive: From Theory to Practice” on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, at the Bird & Bird offices in Brussels.
The event has been designed as a technical discussion bringing together regulatory, legal and scientific perspectives to examine the practical implementation of the European Positive List (EUPL) under the Drinking Water Directive.
Why the European Positive List Matters
The European Positive List is one of the key elements supporting the implementation of Article 11 of Directive (EU) 2020/2184. Together with harmonised testing methodologies, conformity assessment procedures and declaration of conformity requirements, it contributes to the establishment of a common European approach for evaluating materials intended to come into contact with drinking water.
As the harmonised framework develops, organisations are required not only to understand the regulatory provisions but also to translate them into practical compliance activities. Questions relating to material selection, testing strategies, technical documentation and conformity assessment are becoming increasingly relevant for stakeholders operating throughout the supply chain.
The transition therefore requires continuous dialogue between industry, laboratories, legal specialists and regulatory experts.
From Theory to Practice
While the regulatory framework establishes the legal principles governing the European Positive List, its implementation raises practical questions that organisations must address when preparing products for the European market.
The Brussels roundtable has been developed to explore these practical aspects through an open discussion of the regulatory framework, implementation challenges and technical considerations associated with Article 11.
The objective is to provide participants with a clearer understanding of how the European Positive List is being implemented and how organisations can prepare for the continued development of the harmonised European framework.
Topics to Be Discussed
According to the event programme, the roundtable will focus on both regulatory and practical aspects of the implementation process. Discussions will include topics such as:
- implementation of the European Positive List under Directive (EU) 2020/2184;
- practical challenges associated with the transition to the harmonised European framework;
- conformity assessment and technical documentation;
- legal and regulatory considerations affecting manufacturers and other economic operators;
- practical strategies for managing compliance throughout the implementation process.
The event is intended to encourage dialogue between stakeholders while providing an opportunity to exchange technical experience and regulatory perspectives.
Who Should Attend
The roundtable is particularly relevant for organisations involved in the manufacture, assessment and supply of materials and products intended to come into contact with drinking water, including:
- manufacturers;
- laboratories;
- conformity assessment bodies;
- importers and distributors;
- Regulatory Affairs professionals;
- quality and compliance managers;
- legal and regulatory consultants;
- other stakeholders involved in the implementation of Directive (EU) 2020/2184.
Event Information
Event: Implementing the European Positive List under the Drinking Water Directive: From Theory to Practice
Date: Tuesday, 8 September 2026
Location: Bird & Bird (Belgium) LLP, Avenue Louise / Louizalaan 235, B1
1050 Brussels, Belgium
Organised by: TEAM Mastery and Bird & Bird
Format: Roundtable discussion
The roundtable will combine regulatory presentations with an interactive discussion, providing participants with the opportunity to exchange practical experience and discuss the implementation of the European Positive List from legal, technical and regulatory perspectives.
Supporting the Implementation of Article 11
As the harmonised European framework continues to evolve through delegated and implementing acts, technical dialogue remains an important element of successful implementation. Events bringing together regulatory, legal and technical expertise contribute to a broader understanding of the practical implications of the new requirements and facilitate the exchange of experience between stakeholders.
For organisations preparing for the implementation of Article 11, remaining informed of regulatory developments and participating in technical discussions can support a more consistent interpretation and application of the harmonised European framework.
The Role of the DWD-EUPL Initiative
The DWD-EUPL Initiative supports the dissemination of regulatory information relating to the implementation of Directive (EU) 2020/2184 and the European Positive Lists. Through technical publications, regulatory updates and stakeholder engagement activities, the initiative promotes a better understanding of the harmonised European framework governing materials and products intended to come into contact with drinking water.
The Brussels roundtable forms part of these activities by providing a forum for discussion between industry representatives, laboratories, legal professionals, conformity assessment bodies and regulatory experts on the practical implementation of Article 11. By encouraging the exchange of knowledge and experience, the initiative aims to support stakeholders in interpreting and applying the evolving regulatory framework.
Registration
Registration for the Brussels roundtable is available through the official DWD-EUPL event page:
Participation is recommended for professionals seeking a deeper understanding of the implementation of the European Positive List and its practical implications under Directive (EU) 2020/2184.