EU-MHR Readiness Research Report

The transition to the EU Minimum Hygiene Requirements (EU-MHR) represents one of the most significant regulatory changes to the European drinking water sector in decades. The framework is designed to provide a harmonised route to market across the European Union. However, NSF’s latest industry research reveals a significant gap between awareness and readiness.

Based on independent research conducted with 110 senior decision makers across five key European markets, the report identifies a 24-point gap between industry understanding and execution. While 99% of manufacturers believe they understand compliance requirements, only 7% have completed a gap assessment. Nearly nine in ten have note yet engaged a laboratory, certification body or consultancy partner.

The report explores:

• Why awareness does not necessarily translate into readiness under EU-MHR.
• The methodology and findings behind NSF’s EU-MHR Readiness Index.
• Key challenges facing manufacturers, including supply chain evidence, testing capacity, documentation and conformity assessment.
• How readiness varies across the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain.
• Why delaying preparation until 2027 could increase the risk of certification bottlenecks and project delays.
• A practical readiness checklist to help organisations prepare for certification activities.