Short answer
KTW-BWGL and DVGW W 270 answer two different questions about a material. Neither is a product licence, and neither covers an intended release of substances into the water.
Basis
KTW-BWGL is the UBA assessment basis for organic materials KTW-BWGL, introductory clause
„Organische Materialien im Anwendungsbereich dieser Bewertungsgrundlage entsprechen dem § 14 TrinkwV, wenn sie die hier aufgeführten Anforderungen erfüllen.“
English: organic materials within scope comply with § 14 if they meet the requirements set out in the document.
It has been legally binding since 12 March 2021 KTW-BWGL, entry into force
„Die Bewertungsgrundlage gilt nach § 15 Absatz 2 TrinkwV zwei Jahre nach ihrer Bekanntmachung im Bundesanzeiger (also seit dem 12. März 2021) verbindlich.“
Migration is tested at defined temperatures; odour has a hard threshold KTW-BWGL, cold water test
„Für die Kaltwasserprüfung gilt der Geruchsschwellenwert: TON ≤ 2 für die 3. Migrationsperiode …“
English: the odour threshold number must not exceed 2 in the third migration period.
Microbial growth is judged by biomass production potential KTW-BWGL, microbial requirements
„… wenn das Biomasseproduktionspotential (BPP) ≤ 1000 pg ATP/cm² ist.“
What to verify
W 270 and EN 16421 method 2 are the same test; certificates are usually valid for five years and lapse when the recipe changes. Both schemes test the material — not the claim printed on the packaging.
Photo: Vedrana Filipović / Unsplash
Informational content, not legal advice. The official text prevails. German provisions are quoted verbatim; English glosses are for orientation only.
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