Fit4DW – Raw Material Database

OUR SOLUTION

Strongly reduce the time and costs to certify your drinking water materials and products

The database is of added value for the entire drinking water materials and products supply chain from raw material producers, manufacturers of end products, to certification bodies.

To save substantial costs and time in the complex certification processes of drinking water products.

Reducing the complexity and risks – and to avoid multiple testing on drinking water materials certification.

A Database with Certified information, Material information & Approval information. That can be immediately used in certification processes.

WHO IS BEHIND THIS INITIATIVE?

We are excited to announce the development of the Raw Material Database. The joint initiative of Kiwa and DVGW CERT to significantly reduce time and expenses for certification of products in contact with drinking water in the future.

PREVIEW OF THE DATABASE

WHO IS IT FOR?

Certification bodies and testing laboratories also benefit from increased transparency and efficiency, as the database centralizes test reports and certification documents. This boosts the credibility of involved institutions and accelerates approval processes. Certification bodies and testing laboratories, partner with us to serve more clients efficiently! Want to learn more about how to become an Introducer? Contact us.

The database is of added value for the entire drinking water materials and products supply chain from raw material producers, manufacturers of end products, and applicators to certification bodies. This innovative platform streamline the certification process for drinking water materials and comply with the European Drinking Water Directive (EU 2020/2184).

Fit4DW provides comprehensive, verified information on raw materials and semi-finished products used in drinking water-related applications. By evaluating material formulations only once, the platform significantly reduces the need for repeated tests, cutting certification time by six to nine months. This results in time and cost savings for manufacturers while ensuring compliance with national and European regulations. Raw material producers, register your materials on Fit4DW.com today and start reaping the benefits!

Frequently asked questions

1Will other NoBo/test labs work with this database?

Yes, we have had meetings with all members the “Future notified bodies group” and participants are very supportive regarding the database.

2Will it be of any value if other NoBo/test labs are not participating in it?

They will, we received very good feedback on Fit4DW. If the database itself is filled, and they are not using it, they are basically pricing themselves out the market because it is also “easier” to switch for manufacturers so with the database, Notified Bodies have equal chances to be chosen, even if they did not do the original testing on the materials

3When will I start paying?

You will not start paying right away. Once the database is filled with around 20 suppliers, and is useful for its users, the billing starts. Most likely in 2026.

4Will it be beneficial for manufacturers of substances?

For now it is limited, we are also awaiting the ECHA database which will be focusing on substances. We are working on a future connectivity with their database.

5Is it true that under the EU-DWD the materials, instead of the final product, needs to be tested?

No, the EU-DWD focuses on the final product or component. Fit4DW focuses on pre-, intermediate product and raw materials. We try to minimalize double testing, lead times and costs for all stakeholders to the absolute minimum.

6We are making, for us, a final product. For our customers, our final product is an intermediate product. Do they do need to do any further testing, or only testing on any added substances/materials?

In the guidance documents of the EU-DWD, there is the possibility to have pre- and intermediate products tested and certified. If the procedures are followed for testing and certification (eg. Sampling and inspection by a NoBo) then, apart from risk group 1 and only reduced testing in RG2, testing in the final product is not needed anymore.

7How can we keep substances on the ECHA-positive list?

All substances have an expiry date on the ECHA positive list, of which many already in 2028. You have to do, preferably 18 months before expiration, an application to keep your substance on the positive list. ECHA states that application is possible from 2026. We will be partnering with external parties to support us in the applications. Latest in August, we will disclose more information about this.

8In our experience the cost of application of substances on the ECHA-positive list, exceed the benefit for the supplier because the water market is small for them. Therefore it is hard to “fund” the application . How do you see this?

This is indeed a risk. However, this risk is already there with the 4MS lists and the effort to get materials with certain substances certified. The Fit4DW database makes it visible to the much larger market that these materials are suitable for DW and as such, it is very likely that the substance manufacturers albeit indirectly, find more customers.

9Who is going to accredit the NoBo’s in different countries?

That depends per country, unfortunately for many countries it is not clear yet. For Netherlands it is the ministry of I&W/RVA, in Germany is probably UBA and DAKKS but is not 100% clear yet.

10How many users can I use the database per account?

Per registration there is 1 account which can be used by different persons.

11For how many years is a membership? Can I take a membership for one year, do my certification and cancel it again?

Only the materials of manufacturers who have a valid membership will be listed and only registered memberships will have access to the Fit4DW database.

12I don’t see a lot of benefits for pipe producers, I still have to do all the testing?

It does have benefits. First of all the formulation review does not have to be done. Furthermore it will give manufacturers more freedom in choosing and or switching CB/test laboratories. It will save at least 3-6 months in the total certification process.

13When a material is in the database, can I make the products in my own way and for any RG I want?

You can only fabricate using the same processes and production methods and use the materials the indicated RG (or lower) as to which the material has been tested.

Sign up for a free demo

Fill in the form to request for an online- or live demo. We will contact you to make an appointment so you will get an extended demonstration and we will discuss the background and processes with you.