Essential Safety Requirements in the Recreational Craft Directive
CE marking of a recreational craft means that it meets the Essential Safety Requirements of the EU Recreational Craft Directive (2013/53/EU). It is the manufacturer's responsibility to demonstrate that the craft meets these requirements – something that requires time, knowledge and access to the right standards and calculations.
The regulatory framework encompasses a large number of ISO standards and technical guidelines, and the process can quickly become extensive. This is where CEnordic comes in. We specialize in the CE regulations and the entire certification process.
Through our network of experts, good contacts with Notified Bodies, industry organizations and authorities, and continuous updating of new regulatory changes.
CEyacht can assist during the CE work, depending on your needs. We collect the technical documentation, CE plate and instruction manual in Swedish and English.
We handle all communication with other parties involved, such as Notified Bodies, third parties, contacts with any specialists, etc.
With the help of the right software, we can carry out our assignments in a cost- and time-efficient manner. We have the knowledge of what must be included for each specific boat model.
Complete CE documentation
CEnordic can assist during the CE work, depending on your needs. We collect the technical documentation, CE plate and instruction manual in Swedish and English.
We handle all communication with other parties involved, such as Notified Bodies, third parties, contacts with any specialists, etc.
With the help of the right software, we can carry out our assignments in a cost- and time-efficient manner. We have the knowledge of what must be included for each specific boat model.
Some common physical tests for CE marking
Stability test (according to ISO 12217-1, 2 & 3)
Flowability test (according to ISO 12217-1, 2 & 3)
Maneuvering test (according to ISO 11592)
Noise test (according to ISO 14509)
Import and post-certification of boats
All recreational boats imported into the EU – whether new or used – must comply with the requirements of the Recreational Craft Directive 2013/53/EU and be CE marked before they can be sold or used. This also applies to privately imported boats.
Boats imported from countries outside the EEA must be tested, documented and CE marked according to the directive. Already CE marked boats imported within the EEA do not normally need to be recertified, but the marking should always be checked.
We guide importers and private individuals through the entire process – from inspection to completed certificate – so that the boat meets all requirements and is ready for use or sale.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have any other questions about CE certification, regulations or documentation? Please contact us!
The fact that a product is CE marked means that it meets the basic safety requirements of one or more EU directives and that it can therefore be sold without restrictions throughout the EU. The EU directives are thus a kind of trade directive, but also lay the foundation for the product to be safe for both the user and the environment. The directives and associated regulations are designed by experts in the respective fields and are very comprehensive.
The person responsible for ensuring that the CE marking is correctly applied is always the producer/manufacturer if the boat was manufactured within the EU, or the importer if it was brought into the EU after manufacture.
-
Boats between 2.5 - 24 m manufactured after June 15, 1998
-
All imported boats manufactured after 1950
-
Jet skis manufactured after 2006.
It also applies that boat engines must meet existing requirements regarding exhaust gases and noise.
There are exceptions to the directive, which are as follows:
-
Boats intended solely for speed competition, including racing rowing boats and practice rowing boats so designated by the manufacturer.
-
Canoes, kayaks, gondolas and pedal boats
-
Windsurfing boards
-
Surfboards, including motorized surfboards
-
Original veteran boats and individually built replicas of historic boats constructed before 1950 that are built primarily from original materials and designated as veteran boats by the manufacturer.
-
Experimental boats, unless they are subsequently placed on the market
-
Boats built for own use, provided that they are not subsequently placed on the market for five years.
-
Boats specifically designed to carry a crew and transport passengers.
-
Submarines
-
Hovercraft
-
Hydrofoil boats
-
Steamboats fired by coal, coke, wood, oil or gas
-
Yes, it is illegal to sell boats that are covered by the Directive but are not CE marked. The Swedish Transport Agency is responsible for checking that the Directive is followed and conducting random checks of boats that are sold and imported.
There is a written declaration of conformity if the specific boat meets the essential safety requirements of the Recreational Craft Directive 2013/53/EU. This acts as proof that the boat is CE marked.
There should also be a hull identification code (WIN- watercraft identification number) on the starboard side of the transom. The code consists of 14 characters that provide information about the boat's country of origin/import, year of manufacture, model and model year.
There should be an instruction boat in the language of the country within the EU where the boat was put into service.
There must be a CE sign on the boat. The sign must state a number of things:
-
The number of people the boat is approved for.
-
Total weight of crew and luggage + any outboard motor that the boat is approved for.
-
Maximum permitted engine power of the outboard engine, if the boat is equipped with one.
-
Maximum permitted pressure in air tubes if it is an inflatable boat (RIB or similar).
-
Design category* (A, B, C or D).
-