EBI welcomes proposed changes to EU standardisation rules
EU flags at the European Commission Berlaymont building
European Boating Industry (EBI) has welcomed a European Commission proposal to revise the EU Standardisation Regulation, which would give businesses free online access to harmonised standards and shorten the procedures for developing them.
Harmonised standards are technical specifications developed by recognised European standards organisations at the European Commission’s request, which give manufacturers a practical way to show that their products meet particular requirements in EU law.
Published on 6 October, the proposal includes measures that EBI says reflect its recommendations. Recreational boat manufacturers and equipment suppliers use harmonised standards to demonstrate compliance with EU legislation, particularly the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD).
The proposed changes would make all harmonised standards referenced in EU legislation available online free of charge, reducing costs for businesses. Clearer deadlines and shorter assessment procedures would aim to make standards available sooner.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) would also receive support to take part in standardisation, including free or reduced-cost participation. The proposal sees the international-first principle retained, which EBI says supports consistency with ISO standards while placing greater emphasis on EU strategic interests.
Most businesses in the recreational boating sector are SMEs, and the industry relies on standards that are consistent across international markets.
EBI took part in the consultation process and held discussions with the European Commission in the months before the announcement.
Philip Easthill, secretary-general of European Boating Industry, says: “This proposal is an important success for our industry. Making standards freely accessible, accelerating their development and enabling low-cost SME participation in standardisation is critical. This reduces costs and burden on businesses in our sector and brings tangible benefits to European boat manufacturers and equipment suppliers.”
EBI represents Europe’s recreational boating and nautical tourism sector through 24 national associations and 14 sustaining members. It provides regulatory guidance and advocates for the sector, alongside its work on sustainability initiatives, industry events, studies and collaboration.
According to the association, the sector comprises approximately 32,000 companies and more than 18,000 marinas. It supports 280,000 direct jobs and enables 48m people to take part in boating and watersports each year.
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