The European Union’s latest update to the Marine Equipment Directive (MED) ushers in significant changes for the maritime industry. With amendments set to take effect from 10 October 2023, this newsletter explores key revisions, their impact, and the compliance responsibilities of stakeholders. The dnv source.
- The EU’s 7th Implementing Regulation amends the Marine Equipment Directive, introducing changes that impact marine equipment manufacturers, shipyards, and EU-flagged vessels, with a transition period for existing equipment.
- New or updated testing standards for specific maritime equipment categories will apply from 10 October 2023, including life-saving equipment and communication devices.
- Manufacturers must ensure compliance with the 7th Implementing Regulation, including valid MED certification and conformity with updated design and testing standards, while DNV’s notified bodies will issue MED certificates based on the new regulation starting from the same date.
New Regulations on the Horizon
The European Union has released the 7th Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1667, which introduces important amendments to the Marine Equipment Directive (MED) 2014/90/EU. This update, effective from 10 October 2023, brings significant changes to the regulations governing marine equipment, impacting manufacturers, shipyards, and EU-flagged vessel owners.
Transition Period for Existing Marine Equipment
One noteworthy change allows marine equipment listed as “new items inserted by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1157,” which complies with type approval requirements in force before 15 August 2022, to remain on the market and aboard EU ships until 15 August 2025. This transitional period provides a grace period for transitioning to the updated standards.
Overview of New and Updated Testing Standards
The 7th Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1667 introduces no new MED items but brings forth new or updated testing standards for specific maritime equipment categories. Notably, these standards apply to the “first placing on the market” from 10 October 2023. The affected categories include lifebuoys, lifejackets, immersion suits, life rafts, rescue boats, exhaust gas cleaning systems, and various radio and communication equipment.
Certification and Compliance Responsibilities
Manufacturers are reminded of their obligation to hold valid MED certification (B+D, B+E, B+F, or G certificates) to place their products on the European market. Conformity must be confirmed by affixing the wheel mark on the product and issuing a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) at the end of the production phase. Products manufactured after 10 October 2023 must adhere to the regulations outlined in the 7th Implementing Regulation, necessitating a review of conformity with updated design, construction, performance requirements, and testing standards. DNV’s notified bodies will issue MED certificates based on the 7th Implementing Regulation after a positive outcome of the EC assessment procedure starting from the same date.
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