UK - marine equipment certification (MER)

Background:

• Before the UK withdrew from the EU, its regulatory regime relied on the implementation of the EU’s marine equipment directive (2014/90/EU).
• The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020 with an agreement which included a transition period. During this transition period, the Marine Equipment Directive (MED) and other EU legislation will continue to apply to the UK. However, the MED will no longer apply after the transition period has ended.
• To allow businesses time to adjust, MED-approved equipment can continue to be placed on UK ships until 1 January 2023.
• The MCA has implemented its own regulations to establish UK conformity assessment procedures for certification of marine equipment.

DNV is in the process of becoming accredited by the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS). Successful accreditation from the UKAS and approval from the MCA form the preconditions for acting as a UK Conformity Assessment Body.

Discussions with the MCA and UKAS about accreditation requirements and processes are ongoing. The formal accreditation request has been started. DNV is optimistic that the company will have an accreditation in place in due time. Therefore, DNV expects to be ready for UK marine equipment certification service when it will be required from the year 2023.

References to UK regulations:

• Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 SI 2016/1025
  This regulation implements Directive 2014/90/EU on marine equipment, which provides for the uniform application of international standards for equipment placed on ships registered in the European Union and the enforcement of those standards. This is achieved in the UK by requiring equipment placed on board UK ships to comply with international design, construction and performance standards.
• As amended by the Merchant Shipping Regulations 2019 SI 2019/470
  The purpose of these regulations is to ensure the UK can continue to comply with its international obligations by applying international standards to marine equipment placed on UK ships and enforcing those standards.
• Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) (Amendment) (UK and US Mutual Recognition Agreement) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 SI 2019/1304
  The agreement between the UK, encompassing Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the USA on the Mutual Recognition of Certificates of Conformity for Marine Equipment.
• MIN 590 Amendment 4 (M+F) – UK conformity assessment procedures for marine equipment
  This information note explains the UK’s procedures for conformity assessment and acceptance of marine equipment for UK ships following the end of the transition period.
• Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1874 (M+F) Amendment 5
  This notice gives technical information and guidance on the procedures for obtaining type approval in conformity with the regulations. It also gives information regarding the UK’s policy for enforcing these requirements, and other standards to be applied to equipment on board UK ships.
  
  Annex I set out in full the design, construction and performance requirements and testing standards for marine equipment to which approval by an approved body is required in accordance with regulation 5.

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