NEW: EU Machinery Regulation – is your business ready?
EU machinery regulations are about to undergo some major changes, and it’s important to stay ahead of the curve.
January 9, 2025
The new EU Machinery Regulation (2023/1230) will replace the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) and is set to become mandatory on 20 January 2027. With just TWO years left to get your business ready for these changes, we examine what these changes mean for manufacturers, and what to be aware of.
Let’s break it down…
Who is affected by the new EU Machinery Regulations?
The following groups should pay close attention to the upcoming changes:
- Machinery manufacturers
- Importers and distributors within the EU
- Conformity assessment bodies
- End-users of machinery
How is EU Machinery Regulation changing?
The EU Commission’s new Machinery Regulation builds on the existing Machinery Directive, with the goal of improving safety levels. It takes into account the latest developments in technology – like automation, AI, and digitisation – while also addressing growing security concerns.
The transition period for these new regulations officially started on the 29th of June 2023, when the regulation was published in the EU Official Journal. While the new rules won’t be fully enforced until 2027, this transition phase is an ideal time for manufacturers to start adapting to the changes and get ready for compliance.
Come January 2027, any new machinery placed on the EEA market must meet the requirements of the EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230.
What does this mean for CE and UKCA marks?
A key part of the new regulations is the continued recognition of the CE mark, which indicates that machinery complies with EU standards. In fact, on 1 August 2023 and again in January 2024, the UK Government confirmed that CE marking will be recognised indefinitely in Great Britain beyond 2024.
This means that manufacturers in the UK can still use the CE mark on their products, or they can opt for the UKCA mark – or even use both. However, if you’re planning to place products on the EEA market, the CE mark will still be required, even in Northern Ireland.
Key dates to remember:
It’s important to mark these key dates in your calendar to ensure you stay on track with the transition:
How can you prepare for the new EU Machinery Regulation changes?
While there’s still some time before the new regulations are enforced, the transition period is the perfect time to start preparing. Manufacturers should use this window to familiarise themselves with the new requirements and implement any necessary changes in their processes.
The years go fast, and by taking proactive steps now, you’ll ensure that your machinery is compliant with the new regulations from day one.
Whether you need to update your documentation, change safety procedures, or review your conformity assessment processes, early action will set you up for a smooth transition.
Need a hand preparing? We’re here to help.
The new EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 brings important changes to how machinery is regulated across the European Economic Area. With a transition period in place, businesses have time to adjust to the new requirements – but it’s important to start now to avoid last-minute issues.
If you’re unsure where to start or need help navigating these changes, reach out to us at pm Connections. Our team is here to help you stay compliant and ahead of the curve. Call us on 01925 649 818 or message us here.
