British Marine prepares for Brexit with launch of new Manufacturer's Identity Code application
by Suzie Holland 25 Nov 2020 03:44 PST
British Marine has released a new online Manufacturer's Identity Code (MIC) application and search system in preparation for the end of the Brexit transition period.
A requirement of the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD), a MIC code forms part of a unique serial number that every CE-marked boat must have and enables manufacturers and regulators to identify each particular vessel. It also helps others to identify the country of origin, the builder and year of build of the boat. On behalf of the leisure marine industry in the UK, British Marine is appointed by the Government Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to administer the MIC code national register.
After 1 January 2021 all global boat builders, including EU based manufacturers, will have to register their MIC on the UK register to place a vessel on the GB market. To enable this British Marine has set up a new online system to allow all global boatbuilders to continue to register their codes in a simple and timely manner once the UK has left the EU and the Brexit transition period closes. This new facility is publicly accessible, assisting boat brokers, surveyors and second-hand boat buyers in confirming a vessels details.
Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, states; "On behalf of the industry I am pleased this facility has been launched in good time ahead of 1 January 2021. The new system is part of British Marine's Brexit preparations to help the UK leisure marine industry and global boatbuilders seamlessly transition to the UK no longer being in the EU.
"I would advise British Marine members to visit our dedicated Brexit microsite for further information on the changes coming into effect at the end of the transition period and for details of sector-specific guidance. Members can also email Brexit related enquiries to brexit@britishmarine.co.uk."
Access the British Marine MIC code registration system here.