This is your document by which IMCI confirms compliance with the Recreational Craft Directive based on one of the used modules.

There are four Categories: A, B, C and D. They classify both maximum wind speed and maximum significant wave height for which a product is designed.

Conformity assessment is subdivided into modules, which comprise a limited number of different procedures applicable to the widest range of products. The modules relate to the design phase of products, their production phase or both. The eight basic modules and their eight possible variants can be combined with each other in a variety of ways in order to establish complete conformity assessment procedures. As a general rule, a product is subject to conformity assessment according to a module during the design as well as the production phase. Each New Approach directive describes the range and contents of possible conformity assessment procedures, which are considered to give the necessary level of protection. The directives also set out the criteria governing the conditions under which the manufacturer can make a choice, if more than one option is provided for.

Products being specified by the RCD need CE certification. The RCD is transposed into national law in all EU Member States. So it is law, that you certify the craft.„ …“

Just contact one of our Inspectors or the IMCI Head office. Please be prepared to give detailed information about the craft.

IMCI is asking for updates annually because our accreditation is based on EN 45011 which requires it. IMCI does not have time limited certificates. They are in principle valid forever. The certificates are only related to model years. RCD requires also, that you will keep IMCI posted on all changes.

A change of the certificate will be made when the scope of the certificate has changed. We will issue changed certificates on your request. IMCI may ask for a new assessment.

It is the title of the CE-certificate which is issued in Module F or G.

According to EN ISO 10087:2006 is the model year is a twelve-month period during which the craft is intended to be placed for the first time on the market and shall be identified by the last two numerals of the year in question. If this twelve-month period extends across two calendar years, the manufacturer decides which of these the model year is.

12 months.

This is the abbreviation which is common for the "Recreational Craft Directive".

This is the abbreviation which is common for "Personal Watercraft".

It is the title of the CE-certificate which is issued in Module A1.

It is the title of the CE-certificate which is issued in Module B.

A DOC comes with every single delivered product. A Certificate is issued once only for either the type of the product or for a special, single product. The Certificate is issued by IMCI. The DOC is issued by the manufacturer.

The DOC is always issued by the manufacturer. Please contact him. If he is an IMCI client you will find his coordinates in the IMCI database. IMCI does not issue DOCs.

A partly completed boat is a boat consisting of a hull or a hull and one or more components. …. Boat kits consisting of panels and parts to make the boat and its hull, typically of wood or metal, are also to be considered as partly completed boats. The “partly completed boat” does not fulfil all the essential safety requirements of the Directive related to the design and the construction of the craft and is either destined to be completed, i.e. completely fulfil the essential requirements, by another party who will be regarded as the manufacturer, or placed on the market as such.

The identification number is “0609” [zero-six-zero-nine). This number is visible on all IMCI certificates issued in module A1, B+x, G, F and PCA. The manufacturer of a product is obliged to put the identification number on the CE plate in case that the notified body has been involved in the production control or post-construction assessment (PCA); reference see RCD, Article 15, clause 2 and 3. The manufacturer may put the identification number on the CE plate on products being assessed in other modules if the identification number is separated by a line from the other information; reference see ISO 14945.

By affixing the CE marking to a product, the manufacturer declares on his sole responsibility that the product is in conformity with the essential requirements of the applicable Union harmonisation legislation providing for its affixing and that the relevant conformity assessment procedures have been fulfilled. Products bearing the CE marking are presumed to be in compliance with the applicable Union harmonisation legislation and hence benefit from free circulation in the European Market.

No. The CE marking only signals that all essential requirements have been fulfilled when the product was manufactured. The CE marking is not a mark of origin, as it does not indicate that the product was manufactured in the European Union. Consequently, a product affixed with the CE marking may have been produced anywhere in the world.

No. In fact, the assessment of the conformity of the products with the legislative requirements applying to them is the sole responsibility of the manufacturer. The manufacturer affixes the CE marking and drafts the EU Declaration of Conformity. Only products which are regarded as presenting a high risk to the public interest, e.g. pressure vessels, lifts and certain machine tools, require conformity assessment by a third party, i.e. a notified body.

Yes, the CE marking is always affixed by the manufacturer himself or his authorised representative after the necessary conformity assessment procedure has been performed. This means that, before being affixed with the CE marking and being placed on the market, the product must be subject to the conformity assessment procedure provided for in one or more of the applicable Union harmonisation acts. The latter establish whether the conformity assessment may be performed by the manufacturer him- self or if the intervention of a third party (the notified body) is required.

The marking shall be affixed either to the product or to the product’s data plate. When that is not possible due to the nature of the product, the CE marking shall be affixed to the packaging and/or to any accompanying documents.

The EU Declaration of Conformity (EU DoC) is a document in which the manufacturer, or his authorised representative within the European Economic Area (EEA), indicates that the product meets all the necessary requirements of the Union harmonisation legislation applicable to the specific product. The EU DoC shall also contain the name and address of the manufacturer along with information about the product, such as the brand and serial number. The EU DoC must be signed by an individual working for the manufacturer or his authorised representative, and the employee’s function shall also be indicated. Whether a Notified Body has been involved or not, the manufacturer must draw up and sign the EE Declaration of Conformity.

Yes, CE marking is mandatory. However, only the products that are covered by the scope of one or more of the Union harmonisation acts providing for CE marking shall be affixed with it in order to be placed on the Union market. Examples of products that fall under Union harmonisation acts providing for CE marking are toys, electrical products, machinery, personal protective equipment and lifts. Products that are not covered by CE marking legislation shall not bear the CE marking. Information the products that are CE marked and the Union harmonisation legislation providing for CE Marking you can find here

The CE marking is the only marking that indicates conformity to all the essential requirements of the Union harmonisation legislation that provide for its affixing. A product may bear additional markings provided that they do not have the same meaning as the CE marking, that they are not liable to cause confusion with the CE marking and that they do not impair the legibility and visibility of the CE marking. In this respect, other markings may be used only if they contribute to the improvement of consumer protection and are not covered by harmonisation legislation of the European Union.

In order to guarantee the impartiality of market surveillance operations, the supervision of the CE marking is the responsibility of public authorities in the Member States in cooperation with the European Commission.

The procedures, measures and sanctions that apply to counterfeiting of the CE marking are laid down in Member State’s national administrative and penal law. Depending on the seriousness of the crime, economic operators may be liable to a fine and, in some circumstances, imprisonment. However, if the product is not regarded as an imminent safety risk, the manufacturer may be given a second opportunity to ensure that the product is in conformity with the applicable legislation before being obliged to take the product off the market.

While manufacturers are responsible for ensuring product compliance and affixing the CE marking, importers and distributors also play an important role in making sure that only products complying with legislation and bearing the CE marking are placed on the market. Not only does this help to reinforce the EU’s health, safety and environmental protection requirements, it also supports fair competition with all players being held accountable to the same rules. When products are produced in third countries and the manufacturer is not represented in the EEA, importers must make sure that the products placed by them on the market comply with the applicable requirements and do not present a risk to the European public. The importer must verify that the manufacturer outside the EU has undertaken the necessary steps and that the documentation is available upon request. Thus, importers must have an overall knowledge of the respective Union harmonisation acts and are obliged to support national authorities should problems arise. Importers should have a written assurance from the manufacturer that they will have access to the necessary documentation – such as the EU Declaration of Conformity and the technical documentation – and be able to provide it to national authorities, if requested. Importers should also make sure that contact with the manufacturer can always be established. Further along in the supply chain, distributors play an important role in ensuring that only compliant products are on the market and must act with due care to ensure that their handling of the product does not adversely affect its compliance. The distributor must also have a basic knowledge of the legal requirements – including which products must bear the CE marking and the ac- companying documentation – and should be able to identify products that are clearly not in compliance. Distributors must be able to demonstrate to national authorities that they have acted with due care and have affirmation from the manufacturer or the importer that the necessary measures have been taken. Furthermore, a distributor must be able to assist the national authority in its efforts to receive the required documentation. If the importer or distributor markets the products under his own name, he then takes over the manufacturer’s responsibilities. In this case, he must have sufficient information on the design and production of the product, as he will be assuming the legal responsibility when affixing the CE marking.

Information about • CE marking • products that are CE marked • the Union harmonisation legislation providing for CE Marking and • the steps to follow you can find here Economic operators may contact the Enterprise Europe Network

IMCI is the abbreviation for "International Marine Certification Institute".

Please see the IMCI website/Inspectors.

You can send your applications by email, mail or fax. Please make sure that all signatures needed are given and visible.

If an Inspector is involved, please send it to him. If no Inspector is involved, please send it to the IMCI head office.

Products specified by the RCD need certification. The RCD is transposed into national law in all EU Member States. So it is law, that you certify the component if mentioned in Annex II of RCD.

CE marking for RCD is only permitted for components listed in Annex II. These are: - Ignition-protected equipment for petrol inboard and stern drive engines - Start-in-gear protection devices for outboard engines - Steering wheels, steering mechanisms and cable assemblies - Fuel tanks intended for fixed installations and fuel hoses - Prefabricated hatches and portlights

CE marking for RCD is only permitted for components listed in Annex II. Other components have to follow some recognized standard which is typically an ISO standard being mandated by the EU Commission. IMCI confirms compliance with the standard by issuing an ISO certificate.

The requirements for components are given through ISO standards. In accordance with IMCI alternative methods may be acceptable.

We ask you once a year whether you have made changes to your product and which ones. Depending on your answer the certificate will get updated to the next model year.

PCA is the module under which those craft and PWC, where the Manufacturer does not want to take responsibility for placing it on an EEA market are certified. These are not necessarily used craft or PWC, but also new ones.

It is the title of the CE-certificate which is issued in (Module) Post Construction Assessment.

I bought a boat in US. The installed petrol engine carries a label showing 1 star and the words "Low Emission". Is there a chance to get it certified within Post Construction Assessment?

The label is acc. to CFR tit 13 s 2443.2, showing the grade of exhaust emissions according to CARB, 13 CFR 2440 for petrol engines. Engines carrying this label fullfil limits similar or below 2003/44/EC requirements.

The label is acc. to CFR tit 13 s 2443.2, showing the grade of exhaust emissions according to CARB, 13 CFR 2440 for petrol engines. Engines carrying this label fullfil limits similar or below 2003/44/EC requirements.

The label is acc. to CFR tit 13 s 2443.2, showing the grade of exhaust emissions according to CARB, 13 CFR 2440 for petrol engines. Engines carrying this label fullfil limits similar or below 2003/44/EC requirements.

Please ask the Inspector of your choice for an estimate.

This is depending on the time spent for the assessment. It also depends on the place. Please ask the Inspector of your choice for an estimate.

You can use credit cards or pay by bank transfer.

We may ask you for a deposit. This is just to make sure, that we can pay our Inspector as early as possible for his task.

Please ask the Inspector of your choice for an estimate.

Please ask the Inspector of your choice for an estimate.

The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC), based in Annapolis, MD (USA), is a non-profit membership organization that develops safety standards for the design, construction, maintenance and repair of recreational boats and yachts for the U.S. market and beyond. ABYC has also been committed for some time to technical education, training, certification and professional development. Their seminars, workshops and certification courses for technicians help to increase the level of knowledge and professionalism in the entire boat industry.

The ABYC Certified Component logo confirms (after passing the test and certification) that the product was built and certified for marine applications according to the corresponding ABYC standards.

Obtaining the ABYC component certification creates added value for the component supplier by using an objective method to prove that the properties of the components comply with the applicable ABYC standards. For manufacturers and boat yards, knowing that the components already meet the applicable standards can reduce costly redesign, recalls or questions that may arise during the development, production or repair processes.

Component Certification Program. IMCI has been entrusted with the global implementation of the ABYC Component Certification Programme, including cost accounting.

Yes, the programme requires membership with ABYC at the "manufacturer" level. If your company is not yet an ABYC member, you will find membership information here.

Select a test laboratory approved by IMCI.

Possibly, yes. This should be clarified in advance with the IMCI office.

Yes, you can use your own in-house manufacturing laboratory. However, in this case, IMCI must first establish conformity with the laboratory procedures approved by IMCI. Once IMCI's in-house laboratory has been approved, the component manufacturer can perform its own tests and submit its test reports for component certification. Ask IMCI for an individual offer for the recognition of the in-house laboratory.

Full test reports and an application can be submitted directly to IMCI. IMCI then provides the manufacturer with the certificate(s). A database listing all certified components is maintained on the IMCI website. IMCI also takes care of the billing.

Please have a look at our web presence for this point.

You can order the required standards of the ABYC here or they are free of charge with your membership.

Yes, the ABYC component certification does not replace the legal requirements for CE marking of the components listed in Annex II of Directive 2013/53/EU. But many of the test requirements contained in the ISO standards are the same or similar to the ABYC standards. Laboratories can perform the tests according to several requirements and produce both ISO and ABYC test reports.

IMCI can confirm both compliance with EN ISO standards and compliance with the ABYC requirements with separate certificates following similar or perhaps even identical tests.

Yes, certified ABYC components receive an ABYC registered logo and are listed and published in the IMCI database.

The first certificate for a component is valid for the current year and the following calendar year.

Yes, maintaining certification for each subsequent year requires annual confirmation of product specifications and compliance with applicable standards and a small update fee. The repetition of the test(s) may be required if the standards or component are changed. Annual updates ensure that the products always remain in compliance with the applicable standards. Certificates issued by IMCI and bearing the ABYC registered logo are proof that compliance with current standards has been independently verified.

Certification fees can be viewed here.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading national trade association representing manufacturers of boats, marine engines and accessories. Together, NMMA members manufacture an estimated 85 percent of the marine products used in North America. The NMMA is a unifying force and strong voice for the recreational marine industry, working to strengthen and grow the boatbuilding industry and protect the interests of its member companies.

The NMMA boat and yacht certification program is overseen and by its boat building members. It goes far beyond the US Coast Guard (USCG) minimum requirements required by law in the USA by checking compliance with the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) standards. The ABYC standards set higher requirements and ensure compliance with. Although participation in the NMMA Boat and Yacht Certification Program is voluntary, it is the best protection against litigation in the United States. Participation is more than advisable.

Manufacturers of NMMA certified watercraft benefit from • Certainty of compliance with the legal requirements of the USA by meeting the ABYC industry standards; • detailed inspection and verification; • increased consumer confidence; • increased brand visibility; • discounts on product liability insurance. For more details, please see the Participation Guide and the NMMA Website

Many, but not all, marine products must meet a number of minimum requirements under U.S. Coast Guard manufacturing regulations. https://www.uscgboating.org/ Just as the European Union has its regulations under the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD), the United States has its safety regulations that must be met under the US Coast Guard.

The NMMA-IMCI Joint Transatlantic Inspection Program covers both the CE and NMMA boat and yacht certification programs and combines both in one inspection process.

Yes, participating manufacturers must be or become NMMA members.

The NMMA membership application can be found here.

Proof must be provided of the correction of all deviations found during the (post-) inspection. The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that all production units are manufactured in accordance with the certified design. Please see our web site on this point.

The NMMA does not use ISO standards but uses selected ABYC standards in its certification program. To obtain these English language standards, please contact the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC). Please also see our web site for this point.

The required standards of the NMMA can be viewed here: Standards valid for the model year 2021

IMCI and the NMMA have inspectors who are trained in both EU and US requirements and are well versed in the transatlantic requirements. They can conduct inspections for both the EU and the US. You can find them here:IMCI Inspectors and NMMA Inspectors.

Yes, certified NMMA products and manufacturers receive an NMMA/ABYC registered logo and are listed and published on the NMMA and IMCI web site.

One model year. Each model must be inspected annually by the NMMA inspector.

Please send your price inquiry to the IMCI office. We will gladly provide you with a quote.

Please check the NMMA web site for the price.

World Sailing is the world governing body for the sport of sailing, officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The rulebook sets out a wide range of requirements for boats that intend to participate in offshore racing. For example, there are the rules regarding strength, which is confirmed by checking the drawings. There are also requirements for black water tanks, stability, etc. for which there is no IMCI verification.

The aim of the World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations Structural Plan Review Scheme is to implement compliance with the requirements of World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations 3.03 - Hull Construction Standards (Scantlings). The objective of the scheme is for World Sailing together with IMCI to provide certification to designers, builders and/or owners to show compliance with specific parts of the International Standard ISO 12215: Hull Construction –Scantlings.

Since 2009, IMCI has been recognized by World Sailing (formerly ISAF) to perform plan reviews under their Offshore Sailing Regulations, which set requirements for offshore sailing racing yachts. World Sailing recognizes IMCI because we have proven experience, operate an ISO-recognized quality management system and undergo regular audits by BELAC.

The structural plan review will be undertaken by IMCI.

The scope of the plan review consists of application and calculation to the following parts of ISO12215 - Small Craft - Hull construction and scantlings: • ISO 12215 Part 5: Design pressures for monohulls, design stresses, scantlings determination [All parts and annexes where applicable to design category A ("ocean") - Sailing Craft] • ISO 12215 Part 8: Rudders [All parts and annexes where applicable to design category A ("ocean") - Sailing Craft] • ISO 12215 Part 9: Sailing Craft - Appendages [All parts and annexes where applicable to design category A ("ocean")]

The requirements are: • The boat shall show complete compliance with the above ISO standard parts. • In all applicable cases the ISO standards should be applied as the minimum. • Any interpretation of the ISO standard shall be as confirmed by World Sailing. • The latest version of the ISO standard shall be used at all times. • There is no building inspection or site visits. The review is plan based only.

There are two ways of certification: 1. Series production; where several boats of the same type are produced in accordance with the plans and therefore each yacht will not require individual review and certification; 2. Custom or unique boat; where the boat is a one of a kind yacht or a series production yacht that has been built or modified such that it is not in accordance with the plans of that series. Please find here the list of those Racing Sailing Yachts whose plans have been reviewed by IMCI.

Here you can download your Application Forms for World Sailing OSR Structural Plan Review.

Please check with the IMCI Office about our price for the OSR Structural Plan Review. info@imci.org

There will be no duties or quotas on goods (including recreational boats) that comply with the relevant rules of origin. Since December 31, exporting or importing companies have been required to file customs declarations. In addition, companies may have to provide data on safety and security. There will be no changes to the movement of goods between Northern Ireland and EU member states. © Bundesverband Wassersportwirtschaft e.V. (BVWW) - www.bvww.org

Companies producing recreational craft (or other goods) for both the EU and UK markets must comply with both types of standards, regulations and conformity assessment procedures (no equivalence of conformity assessment), with the 180 standards being the common basis. © Bundesverband Wassersportwirtschaft e.V. (BVWW) - www.bvww.org

A supplier's declaration of conformity will be accepted as evidence of compliance with the relevant technical regulations based on a list of regulations to be published by the EU and the UK in the near future.

The EU and the UK will cooperate on market surveillance (e.g., enforcement, product recalls, and other areas, including the RAPEX alert system).

There will be a number of regulatory cooperations, including on standards, regulations and technical aspects, to facilitate the movement of goods where possible.

Mutual recognition of trusted trader programs ("Authorized Economic Operators") is intended to provide for facilitation of customs formalities, but customs controls will take place. © Bundesverband Wassersportwirtschaft e.V. (BVWW) - www.bvww.org

Special support measures for SME will be established (e.g. information exchange, special websites and contact points). © Bundesverband Wassersportwirtschaft e.V. (BVWW) - www.bvww.org

The United Kingdom remains part of Horizon Europe, the EU's research and innovation funding program. © Bundesverband Wassersportwirtschaft e.V. (BVWW) - www.bvww.org

The Brexit transition period ended on December 31.

The Brexit transition period ended on December 31. After that date, EU legislation will no longer apply in the UK. Although the new relationship between the EU and the UK will depend on the agreement reached, boating stakeholders will be affected in any case and should therefore be informed. Northern Ireland will continue to be in a special situation and remain in the EU single market. A note for the boating industry on the legal changes resulting from Brexit is available from the European Commission in this document.

The EU Recreational Craft Directive 2013/53, which sets out the requirements for recreational craft, has been transposed into UK law by the Recreational Craft Regulations 2017, which essentially mirrors the EU Directive. The full text of the UK's Recreational Craft Regulations 2017 can be found here while a guide to assist businesses intending to sell boats in the UK market (excluding Northern Ireland) can be found here.

The harmonized EU standards for recreational craft (and other products) that companies must follow to comply with EU law remain unchanged in the UK after December 31, although they are now referred to as "designated standards." Designated standards for recreational craft are published by the UK government here. A list of approval bodies for products to be offered on the UK market can be found here. In addition, the general rule is that CE certificates will remain valid in the UK until the end of 2021. From January 1, 2022, CE marked goods will need to obtain a UKCA (UK Conformity Assessment) mark in order to be placed on the UK market (apart from Northern Ireland, where either the CE mark or the new UKNI mark will be valid). Please see here for detailed information and specific application.

Since December 31, boat builders must register their Manufacturers Identity Code (MIG) in the UK Register in order to offer vessels on the UK market when using the UKCA mark. It is advisable to do this in all cases. The UK MIG register is managed by British Marine on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Industrial Strategy. To register a new MIG with British Marine, or to find out the manufacturer associated with a particular MIC, follow this link. At the same time, vessels with a UK-based MIC can no longer be placed on the EU market, so affected manufacturers must obtain a new code from an EU member state authority.

You can find an overview of the European Commission here.

On 24 December 2020, the EU and UK agreed the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which governs the new relationship between the EU and the UK. The agreement, together with a Commission presentation summarising it as well as additional resources can be found here. The new Trade and Cooperation Agreement governs the new EU-UK relationship in a wide range of policy areas. It establishes closer cooperation than traditional free trade agreements. It is currently being applied provisionally, since the EU has yet to ratify it formally. Ratification by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU will take place after the institutions have scrutinised the agreement in detail. The agreement is made up of three pillars. The first and most important one is a free trade agreement covering trade in goods and services, as well as a wide range of other areas. It provides for zero tariffs and zero quotas on goods that comply with the rules of origin. It also includes the commitment of both parties to retaining high standards in environmental protection and labour rights, as well as fair state aid rules. This will ensure a level playing field between the UK and the EU. Other aspects covered include fish stocks, transport, energy, and coordination in social security. The UK will also participate in several EU programmes such as Horizon Europe. The second pillar is that of security. The agreement sets out a new framework for law enforcement and judicial cooperation. The third pillar is the new governance framework, which is the structure put in place to ensure the application of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. A Joint Partnership Council made up of EU and UK representatives will be established, which will make sure the agreement is applied and will discuss potential issues. Enforcement mechanisms, as well as dispute settlement mechanisms, will be put in place to ensure that both parties compete on a level playing field. If one party violates a part of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the other party can take retaliatory measures. © European Boating Industry (EBI) - www.europeanboatingindustry.eu

Under the new Trade and Cooperation Agreement, there will be no tariffs or quotas in EU-UK trade (including recreational boats). To benefit from zero tariffs, goods must comply with rules of origin (i.e. they must largely originate either in the EU or in the UK). This must be stated on the relevant export documents to benefit from zero tariffs. You can find whether your product complies with these rules by completing a Rules of Origin Self-Assessment on the Access2Markets portal. A checklist of for businesses exporting to the UK can be found here. The Commission has also put together a questions and answers on matters relating to the TCA rules of origin. EU exporters wishing to benefit from duty-free treatment must be registered in the EU’s, REX system in order to be able to complete a statement on the origin of the goods being exported to the UK (information on contacting national authorities for REX registration can be found here ). An introduction to rules of origin for traders can also be found here. © European Boating Industry (EBI) - www.europeanboatingindustry.eu

All boats located in the EU or its territorial waters on 1 January 2021, whether they have been manufactured in the EU or imported from the UK, have retained their status as EU goods. In contrast, all boats located in UK territory and waters (excluding Northern Ireland) on 1 January 2021, including those that had been manufactured in the EU and then imported to the UK, have lost their status as EU goods. Therefore, if these boats enter EU territorial waters, they will be considered third-country boats, and will thus be treated as non-EU goods. They will therefore be subject to custom controls and VAT requirements, in the same way as any other third-country boat. VAT payment is due on all imports of used boats when they cross the border into the UK or into the EU, unless they are entitled to Returned Goods Relief; Temporary Admission or the change of residence procedure (more below). These concepts are replicated in both EU and UK law, although they should be checked in each instance as there may be different interpretations. It is recommended that documentary evidence is provided of the location of the boat on 1 January 2021, in order to prove VAT status to custom authorities. For further guidance, see the European Commission’s FAQs on tax and customs. © European Boating Industry (EBI) - www.europeanboatingindustry.eu

If your recreational boat was imported into the EU or manufactured in the EU, it will be considered as having Union status. As of 1 January 2021, Union goods in the customs territory of the UK have lost their Union status and have become UK goods. If, on 1 January 2021, the boat was located in an EU port or sails in EU territorial waters, it keeps its Union status. It is recommended that documentary evidence is provided of the location of the boat at the end of the transition period to prove VAT status to custom authorities. However, if at that time the boat was located in the UK, it is considered a third-country boat when arriving in the territorial waters of the Union. This means that it will be treated as non-Union goods and will be subject to the same customs controls and VAT requirements as boats coming from any third country. Essentially, VAT payment is due on all imports of used boats when they cross the border into the UK or into EU unless they are entitled to Returned Goods Relief, Temporary Admission or the change of residence procedure (more below). The concepts are replicated for EU and UK law but should be check in each instance as there may be different interpretations. Please note: Further clarifications are currently being sought from the European Commission and UK Government on specific scenarios. This section will be updated accordingly in case of clarification from the European Commission. © European Boating Industry (EBI) - www.europeanboatingindustry.eu

A boat for private use can be temporarily brought into the EU from a third country without paying VAT or other charges, through the temporary admission procedure. The boat must be registered outside the EU and owned by a person established outside the EU, to benefit from this procedure with total relief from import duty and VAT. The boat can remain in the EU for no more than 18 months. © European Boating Industry (EBI) - www.europeanboatingindustry.eu

If a recreational boat leaves the EU or its territorial waters and is then brought back to the EU and fulfils the conditions to be considered as a returned good, then it can be declared to customs as such, and Returned Goods Relief applied. To qualify, the recreational boat must have been originally exported from the EU, be re-imported in the same condition and only if the person that re-imports the boat is the same person who originally exported it. The boat must be re-imported within three years of it leaving the EU. © European Boating Industry (EBI) - www.europeanboatingindustry.eu

If you are transferring your normal residence from the EU to the UK or vice versa, it may be possible to claim relief from customs duty and VAT. This relief applies to certain goods, including pleasure craft. © European Boating Industry (EBI) - www.europeanboatingindustry.eu

For practical purposes, Northern Ireland remains in the EU Single Market, and therefore internal EU rules for customs and VAT continue to apply to goods entering and leaving Northern Ireland from and to the EU. This means that trading goods between the EU and Northern Ireland will be treated as an intra-EU transaction, with no customs formalities. © European Boating Industry (EBI) - www.europeanboatingindustry.

The legal framework of the EU and UK is now separate. Nonetheless, the EU’s Recreational Craft Directive 2013/53/EU (Link) was transferred into UK law without notable changes as the Recreational Craft Regulations 2017 (Link) which mirror the EU Directive. A guiding document to help businesses that intend to place craft in the UK market can be found here EU harmonised standards for recreational craft remain unchanged in the UK, although they are now called “designated standards” under the new British terminology. Designated standards for recreational craft can be found here Notified bodies are called approved bodies.

CE markings will remain valid in the UK until 31 December 2021 under a special transition period. From 1 January 2022, CE-marked goods will have to obtain the new UKCA (UK Conformity Assessment) marking from a UK approved body before being placed in the UK market (except Northern Ireland). Under the UK’s new conformity assessment framework, approved bodies are those notified bodies that were registered in the UK before 1 January 2021 (they do not need to seek re-accreditation). They will be able to assess products for the UK market (notwithstanding Northern Ireland). Approved bodies must be based in the UK. The list of UK approved bodies can be found here Currently, there is only one approved body in the UK as it was already previously accredited in the UK. To our understanding, two EU-based notified bodies have applied for accreditation but are waiting on the accreditation process. EBI is closely monitoring the development together with these notified bodies. Products that are assessed by a UK approved body will carry the new UKCA (UK Conformity Assessment) marking. Until 31 December 2021, the UKCA marking may be affixed either to a label which is itself affixed to the product, or alternatively to a document accompanying the product. For products being placed in the Northern Irish market, the CE marking alone must be used, although this must be accompanied by the new UKNI marking if a UK approved body has been used to carry out the conformity assessment. Check here for detailed information and the specific application.

Recreational boats ordered (bought) before end-December 2020 but shipped since 1 January 2021 from the UK to the EU can still be made available without having to be re-certified by an EU notified body. This follows the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement.

The import of a second-hand boat from the UK into the EU (and vice versa) since 1st January 2021 would be treated as an import and a Post-Construction Assessment would have to be completed. EU technical harmonisation legislation, including the RCD is applicable at the moment of placing the product on the market and/or putting it into service and until the product reaches the end user. The rules are the same for the EU (Recreational Craft Directive) and the UK (Recreational Craft Regulations). Second-hand boats being imported from the EU to be placed on the UK market will, after 1 January 2022, be required to obtain a new UKCA certificate and second-hand CE marked vessels which were in the UK at the end of 2021 and since exported to the EU will be required to undergo a recertification of the CE mark when being placed on the EU market. Potential exemptions from requirement for re-certification According to guidance provided by the European Commission to EBI, each case has to be assessed individually by market surveillance authorities according to available information about history of the watercraft. This information will help to market surveillance authorities to identify the moment of placing on the EU market and/or putting into service and consequently whether such craft is subject to the conformity assessment requirement described above. Potential indicators could be location of the boat on 31 December 2020, residence of the owner, flag state, boat registration.

Northern Ireland remains in the EU Internal Market. EU rules, including the Recreational Craft Directive, continue to apply in the same way as for EU Member States. Hence, recreational boats placed on the market in Northern Ireland have to comply with the applicable EU legislation. Certificates issued by notified bodies based in Northern Ireland are only valid for Northern Ireland (no such notified body currently exists for the RCD).

The Recreational Craft Directive 2013/53/EU requires each watercraft to be marked with an identification number, which includes a Manufacturer Identification Code (MIC) assigned by national authorities or authorised national bodies. Craft with a UK-granted unique code can no longer be placed on the EU market, and UK manufacturers wishing to sell craft in the EU must apply for a MIC to the relevant national authority of the Member State in which they intend to place the craft on the market (application in only one Member State). Likewise, EU manufacturers selling boats in the UK market require an UK MIC code. The register of MIC codes in the UK is managed by British Marine

The European Commission provides general information about the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement here and here In the Commission’s FAQs on tax and customs, you will find clear and useful information on tax and customs issues: Commission’s FAQs on tax and customs The Stakeholder notice on VAT for goods also provides relevant information: (link) The Access2Markets portal provides a tool to learn about tariffs, taxes, rules of origin, product requirements, customs procedures, trade barriers and statistics between any two countries (both EU and non-EU) for any given product. Access2Markets portal The Commission webpage provides documents with guidance on the implications of Brexit for a number of sectors, including recreational boating. This should be read together with the sectoral guidance for industrial products. Commission webpage. Recreational boating. Industrial products The UK Government Brexit webpage provides useful information on trading between the EU and the UK: UK Government Brexit webpage Specifically, information on placing manufactured goods in the British market (except Northern Ireland) can be found here Documents relating to rules of origin requirements can be found here © European Boating Industry (EBI) - www.europeanboatingindustry.eu

Certification, by definition, is the confirmation of certain characteristics of an object, person or company. This confirmation is often, but not always, issued by means of verification, evaluation or auditing by a party, independent of the party being certified, which applies recognized standards for evaluation. Compliance with a standard ultimately provides information about the quality of the object, person, or company. Most consumers are familiar with such certifications from hotels and campgrounds, for example. Quality certifications are also known for wines and other foodstuffs. By means of cyclically repeated inspections, the level of quality can be controlled and hopefully kept stable over time or, even better, increased.

Certainly, because customers have certain expectations of the quality of the marina and want to see them fulfilled. If they are disappointed, they are likely to look for another marina that is more likely to meet their quality expectations. For small and medium-sized enterprises, standards can also help build customer confidence and reduce costs in all areas of the business.

Yes, there are. The International Standards Organization (ISO), based in Geneva, Switzerland, has developed several standards for marinas. A technical committee (TC 228) of ISO, in the internationally staffed Working Group 8 (WG 8), has developed three standards for marinas that can accommodate vessels up to about 30 m in length. - ISO 13687-1 "Tourism and related services - Marinas - Part 1: Minimum requirements for basic service level marinas" - ISO 13687-2 "Tourism and related services - Marinas - Part 2: Minimum requirements for medium service level marinas" - ISO 13687-3 "Tourism and related services - Marinas - Part 3: Minimum requirements for ports with a high level of service". In addition, a standard for marinas that can accommodate yachts of larger dimensions is nearing completion. - ISO/FDIS 21406 "Tourism and related services - Marinas - Basic requirements for luxury marinas". Furthermore, two additional standards are planned for - boats stacked on land - Harbors essentially intended for charter companies. All the above standards are aimed at the service quality of marinas, as their title indicates.

The following aspects are evaluated in detail, graded at different levels: - General requirements - environment - operational safety - signage - services - Maintenance and care - Personal safety Each of the above items is further divided into different areas in detail.

Yes, there are. These are offered mainly in the Anglo-Saxon world by different organizations whose guidelines are more national in character and have been developed by themselves over the years. These organizations certify their own members.

In principle, any company independent of the marina that has made a name for itself in the market and follows a controlled quality system (e.g. EN 45011) can certify. At this point, for example, the International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI), based in Brussels, should be mentioned, which is rather known as an institute notified to the EU as a market leader of CE certification of boats, yachts and their components for over 25 years. In the subsidiary branch, IMCI has developed a transparent certification system for marinas, based on the ISO 13687 standard series. The system will soon be further developed with respect to ISO 21406, once the standard has been published. IMCI is available with an inspection network of about 50 inspectors in more than 20 countries.

An assessor from the certifier inspects the marina with a checklist in hand and assesses the quality of the business with regard to each individual aspect. Depending on the existing quality, the result is a corresponding level at the end, which is certified with a certificate.

They are low. They are about the price of an annual berth for a medium-sized yacht, typical for the marina.

Certainly not. It must be repeated every 3 years. This is the only way to maintain or even improve the service quality level of a marina.

Not at all. It is completely voluntary and an excellent opportunity for the marina industry to further increase its service quality in small and efficient steps.