EU Recreational Craft Directive

Regulations

European Union Recreational Craft Directive (RCD)

Since 16 June 1998 all recreational craft with few exceptions, between 2.5 metres and 24 metres in length, imported into the European Economic Area (EEA) for the first time, and home-built boats if placed on the market within five years of completion, must comply with the essential requirements of the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) and must be CE marked. The EEA includes all EU countries plus Iceland and Norway.

Boats that will need to comply with the Directive and be CE marked include:-

Boats built outside the EEA which were not put into service in the EEA prior to 16 June 1998. Put into service means the first use by the end user but does not include boats put temporarily into service for reasons of tourism or transit.

Boats built for own use if subsequently placed on the EEA market during a period of five years of completion. Placed on the EEA market means the first making available against payment or free of charge

Boats that do not need to comply with the Directive include:-

Boats completed or put into service in the EEA (and territories*) prior to 16 June 1998.

Boats built in the EEA prior to 16 June 1998 even if exported and subsequently re-imported after 16 June 1998.

Boats built for own use provided they are not subsequently placed on the EEA market during a period of five years.

Boats intended for racing and labelled as such by the manufacturer, his agent or the importer.

Canoes kayaks, gondolas, pedalos, sailing surfboards, powered surfboards and personal watercraft.

Boats designed before 1950, built predominantly of the original materials and labelled as such by the manufacturer, his agent or the importer.

A useful website to consult on this is here