Recreational Craft Directive
The
Recreational Craft Directive ( RCD ) is a trade-enabling
European New Approach
Directive which sets minimum requirements of a boat which
guarantee its suitability for sale and use within the European
Union.
These requirements, known as Essential Requirements (ER) cover
all aspects of the boat from identification marks to strength of
construction, stability and handling, from gas, electric and fuel
system installations to owner’s documentation.
Further Resources
We have supplied samples of revisions
to the Recreational Craft Directive.
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The revision of the RCD has been under
discussion since 2008 with interested parties representing Member
States authorities, industry stakeholders, consumer associations,
standards organisations and representatives of conformity
assessment bodies. A public internet consultation took place in
May/June 2009. The main areas of interest are in exhaust emissions,
alignment with the New legislative framework and clarification of
economic operators including private importers as well as the
obligations on Notified Bodies and of national enforcement
authorities. Additional clarifications were sought for some
definitions and essential requirements.
The Commission has issued changes to the
original RCD revision document circulated in April 2010 as
reproduced below. The proposal now has to be adopted by the
Commission for presentation to the Standing committee in the New
Year. Negotiations in Council and the European Parliament will take
about two years taking us to 2013 before coming into force with a
two or three year transitional period after that date.
The revision of the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) has been
under discussion for some two years and involves all stake holders
including member states and industry representatives. The latest
document entitled ‘Draft proposals from the Commission services
for amending the RCD’ was issued in April of this year.
The main changes proposed revolve around
aligning the Directive with the New Legal Framework (NFL) Decision
768/2008/EC. The responsibilities of the Notified Bodies and Member
States’ market surveillance bodies are enhanced and the position of
legal entities specified to align with the NFL.