New Machinery Regulation EU 2023/1230: Important Changes at a Glance

On June 14, 2023, the new Machinery Regulation EU 2023/1230 was published. It will replace the current Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC as of January 20, 2027. The CE marking of machinery and the assessment of partly completed machinery can then only be carried out in accordance with EU 2023/1230. However, during the 42-month transition period, which ends on January 19, 2027, the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC will remain in force. There won't be a transitional period in which both laws apply. Nevertheless, tests in accordance with the EU 2023/1230 and the associated certificates can already be issued.

The European Commission is currently working on a list of harmonized standards in accordance with the Machinery Regulation so that it is available to machine manufacturers before the regulation comes into full force.

But what does this mean for you as a manufacturer of industrial machinery? You should prepare yourself in good time for the new Machinery Regulation EU 2023/1230 – before it takes effect at the beginning of 2027. TÜV Rheinland is happy to support you. We are already able to check machines for the new requirements. Use the transition period to adapt your machines and processes to the EU 2023/1230 regulation. This way, you can look forward to the deadline on January 20, 2027 without any worries and are well prepared for the new Machinery Regulation.

The new Machinery Regulation EU 2023/1230 largely corresponds to the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. About 90 percent of the regulations are identical. Many of the requirements are only described in more detail. Innovations mainly concern the areas of digitalization and connectivity. In this way, the new regulation adapts to the current state of the art. The essential health and safety requirements in Annex III have been revised and extended. This includes new requirements on AI, cybersecurity, human-robot collaboration, connecting devices to the internet (IoT), the impact of software updates and functional safety (e.g. software). The main aim is to prevent third-party attacks on machine security via the digital infrastructure. This provides more security, but initially requires the establishment of additional processes and thorough testing of the machines.

A plausibility check of the documents submitted for cyber security is also necessary. Of course, our specialist teams are on hand to help you. And if we discover irregularities or your documents are incomplete or inconclusive? Then our experts will examine them more closely and help you to solve the problem.

The new Machinery Regulation applies to the following areas:

• Machines
• Related products (interchangeable equipment, safety components, lifting accessories, chains, ropes and webbing, removable mechanical transmission devices)
• Partly completed machinery

The new regulation does not apply to:

• Aeronautical products, motor vehicles, two- or three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles, agricultural and forestry tractors; however, scooters and pedelecs remain within the scope of the regulation
• Electrical and electronic products such as household appliances for domestic use (except electrically operated furniture) or ordinary office machines (except machines for additive printing)

The conformity assessment is a procedure used to determine whether the machinery and associated products meet the applicable health and safety requirements. Annex I of the new regulation lists the machinery for which a special conformity assessment procedure with the support of a Notified Body is required. The list is divided into Part A (mandatory involvement of a Notified Body) and Part B (procedure as in 2006/42/EC, Annex IV Machinery). One innovation is the module for type conformity with internal production control. The manufacturer is responsible for carrying out this procedure based on the EC type examination. Another new feature is the “unit verification” module, in which a Notified Body tests and certifies individual, particularly complex machines.

• Comprehensive and professional services: Our professional services include, for example, machine testing in accordance with the basic health and safety requirements of Annex III as well as all other relevant tests.
• Experienced experts: Our specialists are very familiar with the changes related to the new Machinery Regulation and know which requirements your machinery must meet.
• Individual testing: We take a close look at your particular case and coordinate the test procedure individually. An efficient process is important to us. That's why we support you with exactly the services you need.
• Stress-free compliance with EU 2023/1230: To achieve conformity with the new EU Machinery Regulation in good time, you should prepare for it early enough. As an experienced testing service provider, we are the right partner for you, as we can already perform the necessary tests now.
• Prevent downtime: By carrying out all required tests on time, you prevent a lack of or delayed compliance – and therefore downtime.
• Save costs: No downtime – no unexpected additional costs. With our help, you can easily manage the changeover to EU 2023/1230.

Since a large part of the new regulation takes over requirements from the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, we will continue to provide the corresponding services. We also test in accordance with the essential health and safety requirements of Annex III, which also includes new requirements in the areas of digitalization and cybersecurity. As an option, we can also test new machine developments or support you in the planning of new machines to ensure that they comply with the requirements of the Machinery Regulation EU 2023/1230 without delay.

Get in touch with us about our services relating to the new Machinery Regulation EU 2023/1230 so that you are prepared in time. We are happy to support you!