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How to get approval


Guidance to Applicants

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1. Introduction

The document "How do I apply for approval of my product(s)?" outlines the essential elements of the approval application process. You are strongly recommended to read this before proceeding further with your application.

2. Advice Sheets

Advice Sheet 1 gives an overview of the regulatory requirements and explains how to make an application for approval. Advice sheet 2 gives guidance on what will be required in your Instructions for Use document - it is very important that any IFU submitted to us conforms fully with these requirements, otherwise your applications may be delayed.

The remaining sheets provide information on the application requirements for certain product types. In addition, a range of Application forms are available, please see section 3 below.

Currently the following Advice Sheets are available :-
  1. Overview of the application process
  2. Instructions for use (IFU) document
  3. Treatment chemicals, filter media & ion exchange resins
  4. Changes to approved products
  5. Approval of products made from recognised materials
  6. Approval of membrane filtration systems & associated equipment
  7. Construction products for water retaining structures in water collection, treatment and distribution systems
  8. Approval and use of products with a small surface area in contact with water (including materials for use in well & borehole construction and installation).
  9. Emergencies - use of equipment and disinfectants

3. Application Forms* (MS Word Format)

To download the appropriate application form for your product, please click on the link below:

4. Testing

4.1 Test Laboratories

The following link provides a list of Regulation 31 designated test laboratories .

4.2 Test Protocols

Test Protocols have been prepared primarily for use by the designated test laboratories and provide test requirement details for the various types of products (e.g. pipes, tanks, coatings, linings, filter media and membrane systems etc).

Currently the following Test Protocols are available :

    0.   Designated Test Laboratory Requirements
    1.   Reporting Requirements
    2.   Non-metallic products: General Method
    3.   Admixtures for Cementitious Products
    4.   Metallic products: General Method
    5.   Water Treatment Membranes
    6.   Filter Media and ion exchange resins

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have produced a number of documents to answer frequently asked questions about Regulation 31. Please see below:

FAQ1 How do I apply for approval of my products?
FAQ2 What claims can I make about my approved products?
FAQ3 Can the DWI enter into a confidentiality agreement concerning product ingredients?
FAQ4 What products can be approved under Regulation 31? (plus What is the relationship between the approval schemes run by WRAS and the DWI?)
FAQ5 What is the Impact of Regulation 31 on the Approval of Products?
FAQ6 Can I apply for approval of my process?
FAQ7 Do products used in contact with treatment chemicals need to be approved under Regulation 31?
FAQ8 Can approval be given for products used with private water supplies?
FAQ9 Can bitumen containing products be approved under Regulation 31(4)(a)?
FAQ10 Can reworked or recycled materials be approved under Regulation 31?
FAQ11 What are the requirements concerning the use of metallic products with brackish water intended for treatment for human consumption?
FAQ12 Use of silver containing disinfectants
FAQ13 Testing requirements for new equipment for use during emergencies and routine maintenance
FAQ14 Product formulation details and material safety data sheets (MSDS)
FAQ15 What is the progress with European testing and approval of drinking water construction products?


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Drinking Water Inspectorate

55 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2EY
Telephone : 020 7270 3370


Department for Environment,
Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

The National Assembly for Wales /
Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru


Website last updated
01 September 2008

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