Directive 2008/105/EC
Environmental Quality Standards Directive
In short
The Environmental Quality Standards Directive sets limits for priority substances in surface water and binds Member States, not companies. A company does not comply with a quality standard; a water body does. The Directive becomes a concern for a small business only when a national authority turns it into an emission limit in a discharge permit.
Amendments made by Directive (EU) 2026/805 must be transposed into national law by 21 December 2027.
Where it sits
Water quality and discharge, Surface water quality standards. Fields: Water.
Read the official text Guidance from the official text, not legal advice.