FAQ / Frequently Asked Questions

Can I continue to use my previous test certificates?

The test certificates lose their validity on the 21st of March 2021. Current test certificates that are valid for 5 Years can be used for a conformity attestation in accordance with the UBA Recommendation.

Test certificates and reports will be accepted. There is no need for additional testing if the material has been sampled by a laboratory or certification body.

How long will my current test certificates and reports according to the KTW-, Coating- und Lubricant guideline be valid?

If the approvals don’t lose their validity beforehand, they will lose their validity at the 21.03.2021.

What is the essential change based upon the new UBA documents?

The essential change is that many products will have, according to the law, to be certified according to the “+1 System”. More Information can be found on this page.

Is a "self-declaration" sufficient for my product?

No, a self-declaration is not enough. Even for components of an assembled product a self-declaration is not sufficient. Because in this case an accredited certification-body cannot issue an attestation for the complete product. For each component an attestation of conformity is needed. More information can be found here.

What is an attestation of conformity (or: conformity attestation)?

The attestation of confirmation is carried out by the certification body in accordance with system 1+ or typetesting according to the Construction Products Regulation (EU) No. 305/2011.It has the rank of a certificate.

How do I start the procedure for an attestation of conformity of product hygiene suitability for drinking water?

This is an application procedure. For this the certification application and the attachment 1 to be filled in. They have to be sent to ktw@kiwa.com

This is a non-binding application for you and there are no liabilities. These steps need to be taken according to the accreditation. We will get in touch with you as soon as possible and discuss the further proceedings.

Why do I have to disclose my recipe?

The disclosure of the formulation is necessary and prescribed. All substances which are in contact with drinking water, can migrate to or influence the quality of the drinking water. They shall match with the positive lists and, if necessary, further investigated.

The data of the recipe are handled strictly confidentially. Only appointed employees have insight. The recipe is secured and protected accordingly. A mutual non-disclosure contract is self-evident.

Does it make sense to merge components into group of products or components for one attestation of conformity?

From the supplier's point of view: Components made of the same materials and under the same production conditions can be grouped.

From the point of view of a component manufacturer: If the same components are always used in products, then it’s maybe useful to merge the individual products into one group. In this case the data of the attestation of conformity of the individual products should be situated in the same period.

Can I merge components made of the same source material?

Yes, provided that the products are made from the source material and under similar conditions. It can also include products with different dimensions. For this the wetted surface of the products is the relevant criteria.

Does Kiwa have to take the samples or is it sufficient if the manufacturer does so?

For the attestation of conformity according to System 1+ as well as for the simplified attestation of conformity (type testing). Test specimen for type testing need to be taken by the certification body or the designated testing body. Within the system 1+ the certification body or the designated testing body shall take samples annually.

Does Kiwa acknowledge the test certificates and reports from other laboratories (TZW, TÜV, HY, etc.)?

Test certificates and test methods as described in the KTW-BWGL of - accredited laboratories - according to DIN ISO/IEC 17025 - are accepted until 21.03.2021. The test certificate must be issued within the last 5 years. Furthermore, the recipe and the production process must still be the same.

Test reports for the issuance of the conformity attestation may also be recognized. The requirement is  that the testing-body is accredited according to DIN ISO/IEC 17025 and mentioned test standards and that sampling has been carried out by an testing-body.

Is this certification product or material specific?

The conformity can be attested for products or components. However, the tests are preformed material specific.

According to which system are ongoing KTW requests carried out?

This depends on the manufacturer/customer's request. Test certificates can still be issued with a validity until 21.03.2021. But already now in the transitional period, a company can apply for the "new" conformity attestation.

When is a third-party monitoring carried out at the company/manufacturer site?

This will only be carried out if the company has received a conformity attestation according to the system 1+.

I have manufacturing plants in different locations, but I use the same materials. What do I have to do?

Every production site shall be visited. The certification body or designated testing body will take samples from all production sites regularly.

A statement on the frequency of sampling in each plant, whether it is taken annually or once within the

period of 5 years must be considered specific to each company independently.

I buy a raw material (e.g.PE100) from different suppliers/manufacturers. Do I need a attestation of conformity for each manufacturer?

Yes, that is necessary.

I use components made of silicone (or elastomers, TPE) in my product. Can I receive a attestation of conformity for my product, nonetheless?

Yes, this is possible, for silicones the “Transitional regulation for silicones” applies. A test certificate must be on hand for this.

Are combinations with other hygienic approvals possible?

Kiwa can perform combinations for hygienic requirements of other approvals or certificates (e.g. HA / ÖVGW / WRAS / NSF). Here differences of the individual regulations are to be considered both for the tests and for the inspections.