Period of validity for a UK certificate of conformity: UK21/G006
Adopted EU recommendation GEN-006. UK approved recommendation on period of validity of a UK certificate of conformity.
Question
What is the period of validity of a UK certificate of conformity?
Recommendation
The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended do not specify a stated period of validity for certificates.
However, periods of validity are specified in some of the international instruments, i.e. MSC Circ. 1221 para 2.4, 2010 FTP Code (IMO Fire Test Procedures) Paragraph 5.2.3. The type examination certificates shall be valid for a maximum of 5 years from the date of issue.
Module B certificates
Paragraph 6 of Annex II of the Regulations requires the conditions of validity to be stated. To keep in line with international practice Type Examination certificates should be issued for a period of maximum 5 years.
When reissuing Module B certificates, UK Approved Bodies should also verify that the specimen(s) being manufactured are still in conformity with the technical documentation (this may be assessed based on Module D, E or F conformity assessments which have been reported to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency by any notified body).
Note: Where a transitional period applies the certificate period of validity would be in accordance with the transitional period time frame.
Module D and E certificates
Module D and E certificates should be issued for a period of 3 years (ISO 17021 Sept 2015: 9.1.3.2); this period may be extended, under the Approved Body’s judgment, to a maximum of 5 years. The interval of the audits carried out by Approved Bodies should not exceed 1 year.
Module F and G certificates
No limiting period of validity.
Reference is also made to EA Document EA-2/17 M: 2016 on ”Accreditation for Notification Purposes” Para 3.1. Harmonized Standards suitable for the accreditation Approved Bodies.
References
- MSC Circ. 1221
- MSN 1874 as amended
- The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended
Items affected
- All
More information
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Bay 2/21
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG
Telephone: +44 (0) 203 817 2000
Email: MEQA@mcga.gov.uk
Website: www.gov.uk/mca