In connection with the first registration, a declaration of conformity in accordance with the Directive on recreational craft is required for watercraft and engines. The declaration demonstrates that the watercraft and its engine meet the requirements of the Directive.
A declaration of conformity provided by the manufacturer must contain the following information:
- Name, address and signature of the manufacturer or the manufacturer’s authorised representative
- Description of the product model and type
- References to the standards and norms used for certification.
The declaration of conformity must be issued in Finnish or in Swedish.
Declaration of conformity for watercraft
A declaration of conformity is required for all watercraft which have not been previously used in Finland or elsewhere in the EU or the EEA. A declaration of conformity is not required for watercraft if it is:
- a watercraft previously used in Finland or elsewhere in the EU or the EEA
- self-built
- a historical boat
- a professional boat
- an air cushion vehicle, hydrocopter
- a watercraft intended solely for racing.
Declaration of conformity for the engine
A declaration of conformity is always required for a new petrol engine, fuel oil engine or diesel combustion engine if the engine was manufactured after 1 January 2007. A declaration of conformity is also required when an engine is replaced with a new one.
A declaration of conformity is not required for an engine if
- the engine has been previously used in Finland or elsewhere in the EU or the EEA
- the engine is intended for professional use
- the engine is not a petrol engine, fuel oil engine or diesel combustion engine but rather an electric motor or a gas motor (LPG, LNG)
- the engine is intended to be attached to an air cushion vehicle or a hydrocopter
- the engine is self-built
- the engine is intended solely for racing.
A new or used watercraft or engine
The notification form inquires whether the watercraft or engine is new or used. In addition, it is requested that the country in which the watercraft was used is also indicated in case the watercraft is used. If the country is in the EU or the EEA (Finland included), the watercraft or engine may be registered without a declaration of conformity.
WIN code or watercraft identification number
The boat manufacturer must equip the boat hull with an identification number or the so-called WIN code.
Explanation for the example FI-TOM A0123 D 5 16 from left to right
- country code (FI)
- manufacturer identification (TOM)
- serial number (letters and/or numbers, e.g. A0123)
- month of manufacture (A = January, B = February etc.) Here, the month of manufacture is April, or D
- the last number indicates the year of manufacture: 5, or 2015
- the two last numbers indicate the model year: 16, or 2016
This means that the year of manufacture and the model year for the boat can be retrieved directly from the WIN code.