GAD vs GAR

What You Should Know About the EU's Gas Appliance Regulation

29 May 2018

As of April 21, the EU's Gas Appliances Regulation (GAR) replaced the Gas Appliances Directive (GAD). As a regulation, the requirements for appliances that burn gaseous fuels have been elevated and specific means of achievement are more clearly laid out. All members of the EU are governed by the legislation, so, in order to enter the market of any member state, manufacturers will need to comply with the GAR.

Notable changes under this legislation include:

• Fittings must go through the same conformity assessment procedures as appliances; they must also obtain CE marking.
• The inclusion of appliances with a normal water temperature exceeding 105° C, which were previously excluded under GAD.
• Manufacturers are required to conduct and document a thorough risk analysis for appliances or fittings. The assessment must include provisions for "reasonable foreseeable use."
• The definition of a manufacturer has been changed to include any natural or legal person who manufactures an appliance/fitting, or has an appliance/fitting designed or manufactured to market under his name or trademark.
• New certificates with a maximum validity period of 10 years from the date of issue.

Here are a few things to keep in mind to better prepare for GAR:

• Get to know the GAR requirements and put systems in place now to meet the requirements, ensuring a smooth transition, and lowering impact on your business.
• Understand the deadline. As of April 21, 2018, these requirements are mandatory and any product entering the EU market after this point in time must comply. Products in the supply chain prior to April 21 may still be distributed under GAD certifications, provided the certifications are valid.
• Make sure that appliances and fittings are manufactured using latest product specifications and versions of the standards.
• Ensure that fittings to be used in qualifying appliances are CE marked.

Compliance to the GAR is now mandatory but it is still important to keep up-to-date with the regulation and any changes. Be prepared for the impact those changes will have on your product, brand and company.

For a more detailed look at GAR vs GAD, including the changes and the impact they will have, download our complimentary resources on the gas safety testing for appliances page.

Phil Pooley is the head of Notified Body for gas appliances at Intertek. In this role he oversees testing, auditing and certification of gas appliances, and is also responsible for the drafting of documentation and procedures related to the Gas Appliance Regulation (GAR) and its predecessor, the Gas Appliance Directive (GAD). He has been an active member of the European Commission GAD Advisory and Notified Body committees as well as the GAR working group.

Tags: 2018 | Electronics and Appliances | Phil Poolley