Components that must be CE marked under RCD
The RCD has a list of components, known as Annex II Components, that must be CE marked (or UKCA marked for UK-only). These are:
- Ignition-protected equipment for use in petrol engine and tank spaces.
- Start-in-gear protection devices for outboard engines.
- Steering wheels, steering mechanisms and cable assemblies.
- Fuel tanks intended for fixed installations and fuel hoses.
- Prefabricated hatches and portlights.
Understanding certification for components
Our expert engineers have in-depth experience applying the regulations and understanding their full scope. This helps you get the right certification as quickly as possible. Correct interpretation is essential.
For example, item three in the list above refers to steering mechanisms. This is understood to mean ‘system’ – so that an electronic joystick for steering would be considered part of the mechanism and will require a CE or UKCA mark. On the contrary, a fuel filter is part of a fuel system but only tanks and hoses are referenced above: not the system. So, a fuel filter may not be UKCA or CE marked under the scope of RCR / RCD.
The Regulations and Directive also include engines that are to be fitted on recreational craft. To earn their UKCA or CE mark, all engines must meet exhaust emissions criteria. If the engine has an integral exhaust (eg an outboard or sterndrive) then it must also meet noise limits. If the engine does not have an integral exhaust and is fitted to a high-speed boat, then the boat manufacturer must demonstrate that the boat and engine together meet the noise limits.
Components that MAY NOT be CE marked
If a component is not listed under Annex II Components then it may not be CE marked under RCD. However, it may have to conform to the Harmonised Standards that are mandated under RCD.
For example, a fuel filter is not listed but the RCD’s Harmonised Standard for fuel systems (BS EN ISO 10088) has requirements for fuel filters.
This means the fuel filter manufacturer should ensure that the product conforms to the standard. It’s advisable for this to be advertised by adding ‘conforms to EN ISO 10088’ on the product label.
The RCD sets requirements and therefore has standards for nearly all systems on-board. The following systems, however, do not fall within the scope of RCD:
- Fresh water systems
- Hydraulic systems (other than steering)
- Any part of the rigging (other than chainplates)
Click here to see a list of the RCD Harmonised Standards.
Click here to see a list of RCR Designated Standards. (UKCA for UK-only certification)
Note: Please bear in mind that it is possible for a component that may not be CE marked under RCD, to require CE marking under the scope of a different Directive.
Voluntary Certificates of Conformity
Formal EU Type Examination certificates may only be issued for Annex II Components. Notified Bodies, such as HPiVS, may also issue a voluntary ‘certificate of conformity’ as third-party verification for a product conforming to any standard. This is only permitted on the condition it does not give any implication that it is a formal CE-certificate.
We will only issue certificates for products that are within the scope of a standard mandated under a Directive for which we are an accredited Approved or Notified Body.
Please contact us if you are interested in obtaining a voluntary certificate.
Risk Assessment
How do you provide peace of mind to your customers and investors when you have a product that is so innovative it falls outside of scope of standards or RCD? International standards are continually reviewed and updated to meet industry needs, but this process rightly takes time. Waiting is not a solution and safety must not be ignored. As a Notified Body, we believe that Risk Assessment is the answer.
The first step to a good risk assessment is HAZID (or Hazard Identification). To help marine component manufacturers and boatbuilders to get to grips with the principles of HAZID, we’ve added ISO 12100:2010 Safety of machinery – General principles for design – Risk assessment and risk reduction to Rulefinder, our online standards resource.