(EU) 2023/1230
Adopted, not yet applicableMachinery Regulation
Replaces the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC from 20 January 2027 with directly applicable EU-wide rules for machinery safety, adding provisions for digital technologies (AI, connectivity) and allowing digital instructions. Manufacturer obligations do not apply until that date; until then the Machinery Directive governs.
Applies to
Machinery and related products: interchangeable equipment, safety components, lifting accessories, chains/ropes/webbing, removable mechanical transmission devices, plus partly completed machinery. Transport means by air, water and rail are excluded (except machinery mounted on them).
Key obligations
- 01Design and construct machinery in accordance with the essential health and safety requirements (EHSRs) set out in Annex III (Article 10).source
- 02Draw up the technical documentation, carry out the relevant conformity assessment procedure, issue the EU Declaration of Conformity and affix the CE marking (Article 10).source
- 03Provide instructions for use — digital instructions are permitted if the machinery is marked with how to access them, they can be printed and downloaded, and they remain available online for the expected lifetime and at least 10 years; safety information for non-professional users must still be provided in paper form (Article 10(7)).source
- 04Machinery categories listed in Annex I Part A must undergo mandatory third-party conformity assessment; other listed categories (Part B) may self-assess when built to harmonised standards covering all relevant EHSRs.source
- 05For partly completed machinery: provide assembly instructions and a declaration of incorporation instead of CE marking.sourceUnverified — check source
Conformity routes
- Self-assessment — internal production control (Module A)Most machinery, including Annex I Part B categories when manufactured in accordance with harmonised standards covering all the relevant essential health and safety requirements.source
- Third-party assessment via notified bodyMandatory for the high-risk machinery categories in Annex I Part A, regardless of standards use (procedures include EU type-examination plus conformity to type, full quality assurance, or unit verification).source
Documentation
- EU Declaration of ConformityFor machinery and related products; declaration of incorporation for partly completed machinery.source
- Technical documentationDemonstrating conformity with the Annex III EHSRs, including the risk assessment.source
- Instructions for useDigital format allowed with access marking, printability and 10-year availability; paper safety information mandatory for non-professional users.source
Marking requirements
- Affix the CE marking after conformity assessment; where digital instructions are used, mark on the machinery how to access them.source
Testing standards
Harmonised and designated standards lists change over time: confirm the currently cited version before testing.
Key dates
- 2024-01-20Provisions on notified bodies (Articles 26–42) apply, so conformity assessment bodies can prepare.source
- 2027-01-20Machinery Regulation applies in full and Directive 2006/42/EC is repealed. Machinery placed on the market before this date must comply with the Machinery Directive; from this date, with the Regulation (no mixed transition).source
Penalties
Member States lay down their own rules on penalties, which must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.sourceUnverified — check source
Further guidance
Applies to these product types
Frequently asked
Can I still CE-mark machinery under the old Machinery Directive?+
Yes, until 20 January 2027 — the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC remains the applicable law for machinery placed on the market before that date. From 20 January 2027 every machine placed on the market must comply with Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 instead; there is no overlap period.
Which machinery will need a notified body under the new regulation?+
Only the high-risk categories listed in Annex I Part A, which must always use third-party conformity assessment. Categories in Part B may self-assess if built to harmonised standards covering all the relevant essential health and safety requirements; everything else self-assesses as before.
Are digital-only user manuals allowed?+
Partially. The regulation allows digital instructions if the machine is marked with how to access them, users can print and download them, and they stay available online for at least 10 years — but safety information for non-professional (consumer) users must still be supplied on paper.
Why was the directive turned into a regulation?+
A regulation applies identically in every Member State without national transposition, giving a more uniform interpretation of concepts like substantial modification, and lets the EU address newer risks such as AI-driven safety functions, connectivity and software updates that affect safety.
Check how this applies to your product
Run the full checker to see which regulations apply to your exact product, market and features.