NSF International
NSF
Since 1944, NSF has stood at the forefront of global efforts to improve human and planet health.
ID: 408752252442-52
Lobbying Activity
Meeting with Cristina Modoran (Head of Unit Health and Food Safety)
12 Mar 2025 ยท NSF Introduction and exchange of views on food safety priorities of the Commission
Response to European Water Resilience Strategy
26 Feb 2025
NSF calls for Water Safety by Default in the new EU Water Resilience Strategy NSF welcomes the European Commission's recognition of the strategic importance of water and its efforts to enhance water resilience. We commend the appointment of a dedicated EU Commissioner focused on addressing issues related to water efficiency, scarcity, pollution, and associated risks, all inline with NSF's mission to improve human and planet health. NSF aims to support these efforts towards a water-wise world by building smart societies that recognize the true value of safe water. This involves managing available water sources to prevent scarcity and pollution and ensuring that water systems are resilient against droughts and floods. 1. Sustainable water governance requires engaging all relevant stakeholders and promoting the closure of water and resource loops within a circular economy. NSF recognizes the importance of the European quality infrastructure high standards, quality testing, audit, and certification in supporting a circular economy approach and enhancing the competitiveness of the EU water industry. Our organization and the sector we represent are natural partners for regulators and industry, ensuring that ambitious competitiveness goals align with public health and environmental protection requirements. Our work is grounded in science, independence, transparency, and market orientation. NSF and its TIC industry peers possess the ability to adapt and embrace change while maintaining high levels of prevention and safety. - The EU should vigorously promote collaboration among stakeholders, including those dedicated to ensuring water safety and quality. We request that the EU Commission and relevant agencies, such as ECHA, consider and consult with us by default in their structures and expert groups responsible for shaping and implementing the new Water Resilience Strategy. 2. NSF welcomes and supports the alignment of the upcoming Water Resilience Strategy with UN's Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable water and sanitation for all. We consider the efficient and complete implementation of the EU Drinking Water Directive (EU) 2020/2184 to be a cornerstone in this effort, as it aims to ensure that water intended for human consumption is free from microorganisms, parasites, and harmful substances. Compliance with the EU-defined minimum requirements is essential for safeguarding human health. The EU and Member States must ensure the effective implementation of this essential legislation, and testing, inspection, and certification play a crucial role. Accredited conformity assessment bodies will mandatorily ensure the suitability of products for drinking water. - The EU should build on this experience in setting minimum hygiene standards for drinking water when drafting supplementary acts in wastewater treatment. Circularity in the water sector must go hand in hand with safety, and again, testing, inspection, and certification are key to ensuring this goal. 3. NSF acknowledges and supports the EU's efforts towards Zero pollution, including tackling chemicals of concern and promoting a clean, water-wise circular economy. Our chemists, toxicologists, and public health experts possess extensive practical knowledge and experience in ensuring that drinking water remains healthy, qualitative, and safely treated from its source, free from dangerous contaminants such as lead, BPA, PFAs, and microplastics. - NSF believes that alongside Water Efficiency First, "Safe Water by Default" should be a foundational principle in the Water Resilience Strategy, This implies an integrated approach to chemicals in contact with drinking water, particularly water treatment chemicals, which complements the EU harmonized hygiene standards for materials and products in contact with drinking water.
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