The Natural Mineral Water, Spring Water and Bottled Drinking Water Regulations 1999

4.  The Minister shall not recognise such a water unless the responsible authority of the country in which the water is extracted has certified that–

(a) it is satisfied–

(i) that the requirements in paragraph 1.2 and 1.3 of Section II of Annex I are established by analysis in accordance with that Section; and

(ii) with the evidence given pursuant to sub-paragraph (c) of paragraph 2 above; and

(b) periodic checks are made to ascertain that–

(i) the water is natural mineral water which complies with paragraph 3 of Section I of Annex I;

(ii) the characteristics of the water are assessed in accordance with–

(aa) the points set out in paragraph (a) of the first unlettered sub-paragraph of paragraph 2 of Section I of Annex I;

(bb) the requirements and criteria listed in Section II of Annex I; and

(cc) recognised scientific methods; and

(iii) the provisions of paragraphs 2 and 3 of Annex II are being applied by the person exploiting the spring.