The RCD Expert Group met on 21 May to discuss the evaluation of the Recreational Craft Directive and a number of regulatory updates crucial for the industry. The meeting brought together Member State authorities, the EU Commission and stakeholders, including EBI.

The evaluation carried out by CSES and Emisia confirms that the RCD remains a central EU framework for the recreational boating sector and continues to deliver clear added value for the Single Market. It found that the Directive has supported the free movement of recreational craft across the EU, while also contributing to environmental benefits through tighter emissions requirements. The market analysis presented at the meeting also showed positive developments for the sector, with stable company numbers, employment growth over the evaluation period, increased production value and quantity, and the EU remaining a net exporter of recreational craft.

At the same time, the evaluation identified several areas where the framework is coming under pressure from technological, market and policy developments. These include definitions and provisions linked to major craft conversion, new propulsion technologies, foiling and other innovations, as well as the need to address newer issues such as alternative propulsion systems, decarbonisation, circularity, end-of-life recycling and life-cycle assessment.

Market surveillance was also highlighted as an area of concern, in particular due to limited resources, uneven checks and challenges linked to imported products and online sales. The future European Product Act, expected in the third quarter of 2026, could bring significant changes to the EU product framework, including on CE marking, notified bodies, digital product passports, conformity assessment, circular business models and market surveillance. It will implement changes to the New Legislative Framework, Market Surveillance Regulation and Standardisation Regulation.

The meeting also addressed the AI Act, which includes the RCD in its scope for high-risk applications where safety-related software is concerned. Application is likely to be delayed until August 2028, but the Commission is already consulting on draft guidelines for the classification of high-risk AI systems. EBI will assess whether sector-specific guidance for the recreational boating industry may be useful.

Several practical points linked to the RCD Application Guide were also discussed. These included noise requirements for electric engines, conversion of watercraft to electric propulsion, the treatment of kayaks and canoes, watercraft and engines built for own use, the definition of personal watercraft, and the principles for major craft conversion.

EBI will continue to follow the RCD evaluation and related files closely through its RCD Taskforce and direct engagement with the EU Commission. The next steps will be particularly important as the RCD revision, the European Product Act and wider updates to the EU product framework develop in parallel. Members are encouraged to provide input to the EBI Secretariat and a more detailed summary and related documents can be provided.