What is the Marine Equipment Directive?
The Marine Equipment Directive (MED) is a European Commission requirement that helps ensure the quality of marine equipment installed on board European-flagged ships. The directive aims to improve marine safety and reduce the risk of pollution. Under Directive 2014/90/EU, marine equipment installed on new or existing ships must be approved and bear the MED mark of conformity, known as the Wheel Mark.
Why choose ABS for EU MED certification?
- Deep MED Experience: ABS has supported the MED since its early development and participated in European Commission working group meetings in Brussels.
- Active Industry Involvement: ABS remains an active member of MarED, the association of Notified Bodies that helps develop and implement the MED.
- Guidance Throughout the Process: ABS combines regulatory knowledge with practical certification experience to help manufacturers navigate the EU MED approval process efficiently.
- Broad Certification Capabilities: As a Notified Body, ABS can issue EC Type-Examination (Module B), Quality Assurance/Product Verification (Modules D, E and F) and Unit Verification (Module G) certificates for designated equipment.
- Clear Path to Compliance: After approval is complete, ABS can authorize manufacturers to affix the MED Wheel Mark in accordance with Directive 2014/90/EU.
ABS EU MED Designation and Scope
ABS Italy Srl is designated as a Notified Body under Italian D.P.R. 239/2017 and Italian Coast Guard Decree 1338/2019, which implement Directive 2014/90/EU of the European Parliament and Council.
ABS is designated to approve and assess conformity for the following marine equipment listed in Annex II of Directive 2014/90/EU:
- 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
Applicants with an Existing Notified Body Approval
For products already approved by another Notified Body, ABS performs a detailed assessment of the existing approval documentation. This includes products approved under Module B (EU type-examination) or Module D (quality assurance of the production process). ABS may accept existing test reports when they meet the following criteria:
- Issued by an accredited test laboratory
- Issued within the time limits defined by the referenced standards
- Compliant with the latest EU MED regulations
For assistance, contact our team at ABS-MED@eagle.org.
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