Measures to lighten the load for businesses in the marine industry have been welcomed by the European Boating Industry (EBI).
The EU Commission’s Single Market Strategy, which will also move towards digital-first and strengthen common rules for all EU countries is crucial to support businesses and reduce costs, says the EBI.
The organisation is now calling for rapid implementation which it says is crucial.
The EBI says the Single Market and ease of trading across the EU is essential for businesses in the boating industry and must be further strengthened and the regulatory burden reduced.
“Trade in the EU’s Single Market is a key strategic asset for the boating industry that can support further growth and support innovation and sustainability efforts,” said EBI secretary-general Philip Easthill.
Red-tape reduction
“We welcome the EU Commission’s ambition to reduce barriers to trade within the EU and lighten the regulatory load on businesses. Follow-through on the ambition and further measures are now needed.”
Reducing red tape is important for the thousands of SMEs that make up the boating industry, allowing them to reduce costs and become more competitive, points out the EBI.
Highlights of the latest measures announced by the EU Commission are efforts to increase the speed and effectiveness of the standardisation system, strengthening market surveillance and moving to digital-first solutions rather than paper format.
Manufacturers of boats, engines and components currently have to provide products with significant number of documents in paper form.
Changes proposed by the EU Commission for the industry’s key legislation, the EU Recreational Craft Directive, would transform this to a digital-first approach.
