ICTS · Export Certification & Trade Compliance
Shanghai, Chinainfo@ictsgroup.cn+86 21 6076 3451
Home / CE Compliance / Recreational Craft CE Certification
CE Compliance

Recreational Craft CE Certification

The Recreational Craft Directive 94/25/EC allows recreational craft to circulate freely in the EU market. Craft from 2.5 m to 24 m must meet the directive and the applicable harmonised standards before the CE mark may be applied.

Request a Quote Back to CE Compliance

What the Recreational Craft Directive covers

The Recreational Craft Directive 94/25/EC was drawn up by CEN and CENELEC so that recreational craft can circulate freely in the EU market. It is a regulation whose main purpose is safety. Many harmonised standards are specified under the directive, each corresponding to a class of product. A manufacturer seeking CE marking for a recreational craft product must meet the requirements of Directive 94/25/EC and of the corresponding harmonised standards. The product is assessed by a notified body (NB) authorised by the European Commission; if the requirements are met, an EC Declaration of Conformity is obtained and the CE mark may be affixed to the product, after which it may circulate freely in the EU market.

Applicable regulation

  • Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) 94/25/EC

Products covered

Craft from 2.5 m to 24 m in length intended for sport and recreational purposes, which may be for hire or for recreational training. The scope also includes the following components:

Ignition protection devices for inboard or stern-drive engines
Starting protection devices for engines
Steering wheels, steering mechanisms and cable assemblies
Fuel tanks and fuel hoses
Pre-fitted hatches and side windows (portholes)

Craft categories

Category A — Ocean: designed for long voyages at sea, able to withstand wind force above 8 and wave heights of 4 m and above, and largely self-sufficient.
Category B — Offshore: designed for offshore voyages, able to withstand wind force up to and including 8 and wave heights up to and including 4 m.
Category C — Inshore: designed for inshore waters, large bays, estuaries, lakes and rivers, able to withstand wind force up to and including 6 and wave heights up to and including 2 m.
Category D — Sheltered waters: designed for small lakes, rivers and canals, able to withstand wind force up to and including 4 and wave heights up to and including 0.5 m.

Each model must be designed and manufactured to meet the relevant requirements for stability, buoyancy characteristics and other essential performance requirements, which differ from product to product.