EU Marine Equipment Directive

What is the Marine Equipment Directive?

The Marine Equipment Directive (MED) is a requirement developed by the European Commission to ensure the quality of marine equipment placed onboard European flagged ships. The directive aim is to increase marine safety and reduce the risk of marine pollution. Directive 2014/90/EU stipulates that marine equipment to be installed on new or existing ships shall be approved to, and bear the MED mark of conformity, the “Wheel Mark”. 

Benefits of ABS EU MED

• Extensive Expertise with MED: ABS has significant experience with the Marine Equipment Directive (MED) through its involvement in the working groups that developed its framework. Backed by a team of experienced engineers, ABS provides comprehensive guidance throughout the certification process.
  
• Global Recognition Beyond the EU: As a recognized organization for numerous flag States outside the European Union, ABS broadens the acceptance scope of MED certifications beyond what standalone Notified Bodies can offer.
  
• Improved Accessibility and Marketing Opportunities: ABS Wheel Mark-certified equipment is globally accessible through the ABS Type Approval database and MarED websites, increasing visibility and marketing opportunities for manufacturers. 
  
• Product Branding with ABS Seal: Manufacturers certified through ABS are authorized to display the ABS seal on their products, strengthening credibility in the marketplace.
  
• Seamless Transition to MED Standards: Clients with existing Type Approvals or Design Assessments benefit from a smooth transition to EU MED compliance.
  
• Dual Acceptance by USCG: Eligible products can achieve simultaneous approval by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) along with EU MED certification, unlocking broader market access.
  

New Applicant Approval Process

Applicants with an Existing Notified Body (NB) Approval Process

Existing products under Module B or D undergo a detailed assessment, with the opportunity to credit existing test reports if they meet the following criteria:

• They are issued by an accredited test laboratory.
• They are issued within the time limits defined by the referenced standards.
• They comply with the latest EU MED regulations.

About ABS

AABS, through its Italian subsidiary, ABS Italy Srl, has been involved from the outset in the development of the MED as one of the industry members in the working group meetings at the European Commission in Brussels. ABS is also an active member of the MarED group of Notified Bodies that develop and implement the MED. Further information about MarED can be obtained from their website at www.mared.org.

Designation of ABS as a Notified Body (NB) is under Italian D.P.R. 239/2017 and Italian Coast Guard Decree 1338/2019 as implementing Directive 2014/90/EU of the European Parliament and the council of July 23, 2014, on the Marine Equipment and repealing council Directive 96/98/EC as amended.

ABS is designated for the purposes of the approval and conformity assessment of marine equipment as detailed in Annex II of Directive 2014/90/EU for the following types of marine equipment:ABS is designated for the purposes of the approval and conformity assessment of marine equipment as detailed in Annex II of Directive 2014/90/EU for the following types of marine equipment:MED/1: Life-Saving Appliances – all products

• MED/1: Life-Saving Appliances – all products
• MED/2: Marine Pollution Prevention Equipment – all products
• MED/3: Fire Protection Equipment – all products
• MED/6.1: Navigation Lights
• MED/7.1: Self-contained Compressed-air-operated Breathing Apparatus
• MED/8.1: Water Level Detectors

Please contact our dedicated team of engineers to discuss your MED requirements at ABS-MED@eagle.org.