European Boating Industry has welcomed proposed EU reforms that could reduce compliance costs for Irish boatbuilders, marine equipment suppliers and other small businesses across the recreational boating sector.
European Commission proposals to make harmonised EU standards freely available online and accelerate their development have been welcomed by European Boating Industry (EBI), which says the changes could significantly reduce costs for recreational boat manufacturers and equipment suppliers.
The proposed revision of the EU Standardisation Regulation, published on 6 October, follows recommendations from EBI and is intended to simplify the system through which businesses demonstrate compliance with European legislation.
The changes are potentially significant for Ireland's marine industry, particularly smaller boatbuilding, manufacturing and equipment businesses that must meet European regulatory requirements when placing products on the EU market.
Free Access to Standards
Under the Commission's proposal, harmonised standards referenced in EU legislation would become freely accessible online, removing an existing cost for businesses seeking to demonstrate compliance.
The standards are particularly important under the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD), which establishes requirements for recreational boats and certain marine equipment sold within the European market.
The proposed reforms cover four principal areas:
- Free access: Harmonised standards referenced in EU legislation would be available online without charge.
- Faster procedures: Clearer deadlines and shorter assessment processes would accelerate the development and availability of standards.
- Small business participation: New provisions would encourage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate in standardisation, including through free or reduced-cost arrangements.
- International alignment: The existing preference for internationally aligned standards, including ISO standards, would be maintained while giving greater consideration to EU strategic interests.
Benefits for Marine Businesses
EBI says the reforms are especially important for a recreational boating industry dominated by smaller companies, many of which depend on internationally recognised technical standards to sell their products across different markets.
The Brussels-based organisation represents a European recreational boating and nautical tourism sector comprising approximately 32,000 companies, more than 18,000 marinas and 280,000 direct jobs.
It says the proposed changes reflect its engagement with the European Commission during the consultation process and discussions over recent months.
The latest initiative follows earlier efforts to simplify European rules affecting recreational craft. As Afloat reported in May 2026, the European Commission issued new customs and VAT guidance for recreational boats following lobbying by EBI and the European Boating Association. That guidance was intended to clarify customs status, VAT treatment and proof-of-Union requirements for pleasure craft operating across EU waters.
Philip Easthill, Secretary-General of European Boating Industry, said:
"This proposal is an important success for our industry. Making standards freely accessible, accelerating their development and enabling low-cost SME participation in standardisation is critical. This reduces costs and burden on businesses in our sector and brings tangible benefits to European boat manufacturers and equipment suppliers."
Legislative Process Continues
The measures remain proposals rather than changes already in force and must progress through the EU legislative process before taking effect.
EBI says it will continue engaging with European institutions, particularly on SME participation, simpler assessment procedures and greater legal certainty for manufacturers and suppliers.
For Irish marine businesses supplying recreational craft and equipment to European customers, the proposed reforms could eventually mean lower compliance-related costs and easier access to the technical standards needed to trade across the EU.
The full proposals are available in the European Commission's published revision of the EU Standardisation Regulation.
