What the EU rules cover
Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 lays down requirements for plastic materials and articles intended to contact food. In practical terms, do not infer drinking-water suitability from the material name alone.
HDPE is common, but not the whole answer
Many water cans are made from HDPE, but so are some fuel cans. Closures, seals, additives, manufacturing and intended use are part of the product specification.
How to read “BPA-free”
BPA-free can be useful additional information, but it does not replace documented food-contact suitability or good hygiene.
Keep water and fuel systems separate
Use a dedicated container for drinking water and do not share spouts or accessories with fuel containers.
Frequently asked questions
Is HDPE alone enough to identify a drinking-water can?
No. The manufacturer should explicitly state suitability for food contact or the intended water use.
Can an old petrol can be reused for drinking water?
For drinking water, use a container intended for that purpose and kept clean. A former fuel can should not be repurposed for drinking water.
Does BPA-free mean the same as food safe?
No. BPA-free describes one material property. The documented suitability of the complete product for food contact is what matters.
Sources for this guide
The following authorities and documents were used for this guide. Where rules change, the current original source takes precedence.
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodEUR-Lex / Europäische UnionEU requirements for plastic materials and articles intended for food contact
- BfR recommendations on food-contact materials [German]Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (BfR)Context on European food-contact law; plastics are largely governed by Regulation (EU) No 10/2011
- Declaration of compliance for ECO water jerrycans 2–22 Lhünersdorff GmbHManufacturer declaration that ECO water jerrycans comply with EU 10/2011 and EC 1935/2004
- 10 L HDPE water can with tap – item 21 163PRESSOL Schmiergeräte GmbHEAN, capacity, material, dimensions, weight, tap and manufacturer food-contact information