UK guidance regarding the use of Authorised Representatives: UK23/G002
UK approved recommendation UK23/G002 on the use of Authorised Representatives, and what evidence needs to be supplied to Approved Bodies.
Question
Is the use of Authorised Representatives mandatory for manufacturers based outside of the UK?
What evidence needs to be supplied to a UK Approved Body regarding the relationship between the Authorised Representative and the manufacturer, when an Authorised Representative seeks UK approval for marine equipment?
Recommendation
As things currently stand in the Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended (“the Regulations”), manufacturers based outside of the UK do not need to have an Authorised Representative based in the United Kingdom. Instead, as per regulation 16 of the Regulations, manufacturers who are not based in the UK may appoint an Authorised Representative by written mandate.
Authorised Representatives must carry out the manufacturer’s obligations which are set out in regulations 20(1)(c) and 22(2) of the Regulations. This requirement is detailed in regulation 16(2).
For manufacturers who do choose to use an Authorised Representative:
• Authorised Representatives need to be appointed by written mandate from the manufacturer, as outlined in regulation 16 (1) of the Regulations .
• Information regarding the relationship between the Authorised Representative and the manufacturer should be included in the application for product approval to the Approved Body. This should include a copy of the written mandate from the manufacturer, specifying the Authorised Representative.
• Applications for marine equipment approval lodged by the Authorised Representative must include the name and address of the Authorised Representative, in addition to those of the manufacturer.
• The certificate should also include information clearly identifying the manufacturer and the Authorised Representative.
References:
• 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: https://www.gov.uk/mca