With less than 12 months remaining until the European Union’s Minimum Hygiene Requirements (EU-MHR) take effect on January 1, 2027, bathroom manufacturers face one of their most critical compliance deadlines in decades. While certification bodies cannot issue final EU-MHR certifications until after the implementation date, NSF’s Pre-Assessment Services provide manufacturers with an immediate pathway to begin their compliance journey.

The regulatory landscape presents an unprecedented challenge. Despite having accreditation capabilities, no certification body can issue final EU-MHR certificates until the directive officially replaces national schemes across all 27 member states of the European Union. This creates a narrow window for preparation that demands immediate action from manufacturers seeking uninterrupted access to European markets.

“While EU-MHR changes the game for the entire European water supply chain, manufacturers face a perfect storm of tight deadlines, limited testing capacity and complex new requirements. Our EU-MHR Pre-Assessment Services remove the uncertainty by enabling you to prepare for EU-MHR now. It identifies compliance gaps and gives companies a headstart to secure Europe-wide market access.” – David Platt, Director of Water, Europe & Africa, at NSF.

NSF’s Pre-Assessment Services address this critical gap by enabling manufacturers to complete substantial portions of the certification process before the January 2027 deadline. The service encompasses three essential components: technical assessment of materials and formulations, evaluation of production facilities and quality systems, and testing in European laboratories under EU-MHR conditions. This approach allows manufacturers to identify compliance gaps early and resolve potential issues before formal certification begins.

The pre-assessment process follows a structured timeline: application submission and technical review occur throughout 2026, followed by laboratory testing under EU-MHR protocols. The final certification decision component happens after January 1, 2027, when the formal certification authority becomes active. This approach ensures manufacturers can complete the majority of compliance work in advance, significantly reducing post-implementation delays.

NSF’s recently developed Protocol 534 further strengthens this offering by addressing pre-products and raw materials that determine final product compliance. This protocol covers plastic granulates, formulation ingredients, complex mixtures including glass fibre and masterbatches, and site-applied products such as coatings and epoxy resins. This enables verification of material safety and compliance at the earliest production stages, reducing downstream risk for final product manufacturers.

“Early preparation is key; companies that start their compliance journey now will maintain a competitive advantage while others face potential delays and market exclusion,” – Samantha Duffy, Senior Manager of Global Water Programs, EU & UK, at NSF.

For bathroom manufacturers, the message is clear: becoming EU compliant requires immediate action. NSF’s pre-assessment services position companies for seamless compliance in 2027. The countdown has begun, and preparation must start now.

Guest blog provided by NSF