The Merchant Shipping Regulations 2016, as amended, are being replaced by the Merchant Shipping Regulations 2025 (SI 2025/1280) from 5th January 2026.
We are advised that MSN 1874 Amendment 11 will also come into force on this date and is available here:
MSN 1874 Amendment 11
There will be no transition period, the Merchant Shipping Regulations 2025 will apply immediately. The purpose of the update is to consolidate the original 2016 regulations with the amendments made following the UK’s EU Exit, there are no changes which impact TUV SUD BABT’s type approval or auditing procedures.
Ballast Water Management Systems have been incorporated, and Government Ships will be excluded.
For information:
- Current certificates under The Merchant Shipping Regulations 2016, as amended, remain valid. There will be no need to re-issue certificates referencing the Merchant Shipping Regulations 2025.
- Module B certificates for new products, and updates to current certificates issued after 5th January 2026 will reference the new regulations.
- Module D certificates will be updated following the next successful audit, or when a modification is made.
- If the Merchant Shipping Regulations are referenced within your QMS documentation for Module D this will need to be updated.
- Declarations of Conformity. For products placed on the market after 5th January 2026, DoCs will need to be updated to reflect the Merchant Shipping Regulations 2025 and MSN 1874 Amendment 11.
- Please review MSN 1874 Amendment 11 Annex 1 for any current UK approvals you hold to ensure that you are aware of the latest requirements and any applicable last placing on board dates for your products.
