This bulletin is applicable to UKAS accredited Notified Bodies
This bulletin provides further information regarding the new alignment package of updated Directives and follows a previous technical bulletin on this subject (issued in July 2014).
You will now be aware that the EU has updated and reissued a package of 9 technical harmonisation Directives (‘the NLF alignment package’) to align with Decision 768/2008/EC and Regulation 765/2008/EC.
The Directives concerned being: Non Automatic Weighing Instruments (NAWI); Measuring Instruments (MID); Explosives for civil uses; Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX); Simple Pressure Vessels (SPV); Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC); Low Voltage Directive (LVD); Lifts; and Pyrotechnic Articles.
Around the same time a further 3 directives are being revised, these being Recreational Craft (RCD); Radio and telecommunications terminal equipment (RTTE); and Pressure Equipment (PED).
A 24 month implementation/transition period has been set by the European Commission, resulting in a deadline of 20th April 2016. UKAS has been in discussions with the Department of Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) and the National Measurement Office (NMO) with regard to the transition programme, which will include a full 12 month period for assessment activities followed by a 5 month period prior to the deadline for any follow up issues to be addressed.
The intention is for UKAS to assess each NB’s readiness to offer services to the new Directives at its next scheduled assessment visit. At this visit the UKAS team will assess the NB’s understanding of and approach to the changes, including any changes to the competence management system. The UKAS team will also review how the NB has communicated the changes to its clients.
In preparation for the visit each NB will be requested to provide details of the planned/implemented arrangements including, as appropriate, a gap analysis and transition plan.
The overall plan is for each NB to be accredited and subsequently appointed under the recast Directives in time for the implementation date so that all are ready to offer their services from that date. Please note that notifications to the recast Directives will not be valid until the implementation date.
In the meantime NBs are advised to ensure they have fully reviewed and understood the changes to the Directives concerned and made any necessary changes to systems, processes and competences.
If you have any queries with regard to this technical bulletin please contact Kevin Belson – Technical Manager at [email protected]