When a company imports or manufactures products in Spain, they must be certified to ensure that the product meets all requirements and directives. This can be done with the help of CE Mark Consultant Services in Spain.
In accordance with this Royal Decree, the Maritime Administration and, where appropriate, collaborating entities, verify that the equipment carried on board Spanish vessels for which they have issued safety certificates, complies with the provisions of this Directive.
Certification
Certification is a process whereby a product is tested and verified against its European Union (EU) requirements. The notified body that has carried out the testing must then affix or send its symbol to the approved product and issue an EU type-examination certificate, or a single declaration of conformity drawn up by the manufacturer.
Article 5 of this Royal Decree requires equipment to be certified before placing it on the market in Spain, and before shipping it to Spanish vessels. This equipment must either bear the conformity marking or, where appropriate, be approved by the Maritime Administration in accordance with international instruments and test rules that apply to that equipment.
For that purpose, the Maritime Administration or collaborating entities may verify that marine equipment is compliant with the requirements of the relevant international conventions and the IMO resolutions and circulars that implement them, as well as the requirements of this Royal Decree. The Maritime Administration, or collaborating entities, shall then issue or renew the certificates required under this Royal Decree.
Inspections
The Spanish Maritime Administration (EMSA) regularly inspects foreign ships in Spanish ports to verify that they meet international standards and are manned and operated in accordance with those standards. This is called Port State Control or PSC.
The inspections are designed as a backup to flag States’ implementation of standards and serve as a “second line of defence” against substandard shipping. They also help prevent duplication of inspections, and harmonise the conduct of such inspections.
During a PSC inspection, the ship is inspected to ensure that it meets international regulations for maritime safety and prevention of pollution and living conditions, as well as that it complies with the rules imposed by the flag State. This includes examining a variety of documents and equipment, such as the vessel’s navigational charts and crew documents, among others. Additionally, inspectors can check the general conditions of the ship, such as its engine room and accommodation, to verify hygienic conditions.
Documentation
A declaration of conformity is a legal document that must be signed by the manufacturer of a product. It declares that the product complies with the European product safety legislation relevant to its category.
The declaration must be in a format that allows the inspector to read it easily and clearly. It also must include a list of the important details such as the date it was issued and where the technical file for the product is located.
Generally speaking, a declaration of conformity is only required for products that need to comply with one or more EU directives. Some, such as the Machinery Directive or the ATEX Directive, require that a declaration of conformity be provided with the product.
A self-declaration of conformity is not a guarantee of compliance with the European directive, but it does provide the necessary information to demonstrate that the product meets the most significant requirements of the relevant directive. It is also a good way of providing a quick and easy reference to the relevant requirements for each individual directive, thus helping to avoid unnecessary delays.
Registration
In accordance with the provisions of this Royal Decree, any equipment on board a DECLARACION DE CONFORMIDAD EMBARCACION in Spain must comply with the rules regulating conformity assessment. This means that the manufacturer or his authorised representative established in the European Union must issue a declaration of conformity for it, which must be presented to the Maritime Administration for registration.
In addition, the equipment incorporated in this Royal Decree must also be registered in the Register of Ships. This is to prevent it from being used without authorization and to ensure that the Maritime Administration has the required documentation.
In the case of equipment not included in Annex A (such as those requiring approval) or equipment on board ships not subject to international conventions, transitional arrangements are set up for the approval of such equipment. However, it must be noted that these arrangements may be suspended at any time. This will be in line with the principles of sovereignty and control governing Spanish territory and airspace.
