Guidance

UK-USA Mutual Recognition Agreement on marine equipment

Documents relating to the UK-USA Mutual Recognition Agreement on marine equipment.

Summary of the agreement

The UK-USA marine equipment mutual recognition agreement (MRA) contains the conditions under which each country will accept conformity assessment results from the other. It maintains the effects of the EU-USA marine equipment MRA in a bilateral context.

This UK-USA MRA covers the marine equipment sector.

Designated UK marine equipment can be tested in the UK against US regulations. The goods can then be used on US ships without additional testing in the US.

Designated marine equipment from the US can be tested in the US against UK regulations. The goods can then be used on UK ships without additional testing in the UK.

It also:

  • promotes cooperation between the UK and US on international marine equipment regulations
  • encourages the improvement and future evolution of UK and US regulatory requirements to help enhance safety at sea and prevent marine pollution

There is another UK-USA MRA that covers other product types.

Treaty text and explanatory memorandum

The treaty establishes mutual recognition of conformity assessment between the UK and the USA.

The explanatory memorandum has information on the mutual recognition agreement, including:

  • ministerial responsibility
  • policy considerations
  • implementation
Published 12 March 2019