LabTest Certification Inc. has achieved formal recognition as a Recognized Testing Laboratory for Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) 2013/53/EU by the International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI). This accreditation enables LabTest to provide comprehensive testing services for recreational crafts, personal watercraft, and RCD-regulated components, ensuring compliance with EU safety, environmental, and technical standards.

Recreational Craft Directive for the European Union

Recreational Craft Directive for the European Union

With this recognition LabTest will be able to provide local and international clients with testing services for equipment to be approved for the Recreational Craft Directive.

IMCI is a European Union-based, independent, non-profit organization committed to adding value to the worldwide recreational craft industry by assessing compliance of companies, products, services and experts with the highest recognized standards of quality and safety.

LabTest EU Recreational Craft Directive (RCD)

The Role of IMCI in RCD Certification

IMCI (Notified Body 0609) is a Brussels-based, non-profit organization specializing in RCD compliance. It offers:

  • Cost-Effective Certification: Replaces country-specific homologation processes with unified EU-wide approval.

  • Global Reach: Has issued over 12,000 CE certificates across 51 countries.

  • Expert Oversight: Works with manufacturers, EU authorities, and testing labs like LabTest to ensure consistent standard interpretation.

Benefits for Manufacturers

  1. Localized Testing: LabTest’s IMCI recognition enables North American and Asian manufacturers to avoid shipping products to Europe for testing, resulting in cost and timeline reductions of 30–50%.

  2. End-to-End Support: Services include:

    • Design reviews to pre-empt RCD non-compliance.

    • Component testing (e.g., fuel tanks, steering systems).

    • Full-boat validation for post-construction assessments.

  3. Market Access: Compliance facilitates entry into 27 EU countries and aligns with broader international standards (e.g., ABYC, USCG).

Compliance Process Overview

  1. Product Classification: Determine applicable RCD category and standards.

  2. Testing: LabTest performs structural, environmental, and safety assessments.

  3. Documentation: Preparation of technical files, owner’s manuals, and Declaration of Conformity.

  4. Certification: IMCI issues CE certificates upon verification

For information on the Recreational Craft Directive, click here

To book you next project for CE Marking for the Recreational Craft Directive, contact LabTest at info@labtestcert.com