Plain language guide
to the UK bottled water regulations
Published by Zenith International Ltd
Author: Duncan Finlayson
The Problem
The Natural Mineral Water, Spring Water and Bottled Drinking Water Regulations were published on the 30th June 1999, followed by 3 subsequent amendments. These amendments insert text into the original regulations, making comprehension difficult. The regulations also make reference to text in European Directives. The Regulations are based on 4 European Directives: 80/777/EEC, 96/70/EC, 98/83/EC and 2003/40/EC.
The Regulations are drafted to be legally precise, but as a result are complicated. Cross-references have to be assembled in order to establish the meaning. Problems of interpretation are common because terms are not fully defined in the European instruments.
The Regulations have had to change because of changes at European level: these included the new Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC), Commission Directives on ozone, permitted treatments, limits to demonstrate absence of pollution (2003/40/EC). It is likely that further changes will be made in the future.
Taken all together, the result is:
- Difficult to follow
- Needs careful organisation
- Depends on interpretation
- Regularly changing
- The Solution
The solution
A loose leaf binder which will be a continually updated "one-stop shop" reference to the content, interpretation and evolution of the UK Bottled Water Regulations. The Plain Language Guide is written and updated by Duncan Finlayson, Director of Zenith International who has been advising bottled water producers and trade associations on these topics since 1993.