Guidance

UK-USA Mutual Recognition Agreement on marine equipment

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

Summary of the agreement

The UK-USA marine equipment 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.

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

This UK-USA MRA covers the marine equipment sector: The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016.

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.

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

Search the UK Market Conformity Assessment Bodies (UKMCAB) database to source UK government appointed CABs.

Treaty text

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

Updates to this page

Published 12 March 2019
Last updated 8 August 2024 + show all updates
  1. Updated treaty text section as agreement is in force.

  2. Addition of link to UK regulations covered by MRA.

  3. First published.

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