A Move Toward Standardisation

European Union updates machinery standards with the new Machinery Regulation.

submitted by Liftinstituut

In a significant move to standardise machinery regulations across Europe, the European Union (EU) announced the publication of a new Machinery Regulation (MR) in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) on 29 June. This announcement has far-reaching implications for the manufacturing sector and represents a push for higher standards in software, cybersecurity and cyber safety risks for machinery.

Timeline for Implementation

Member states are expected to kick off the notification procedure starting 20 January 2024. By 20 January 2027, the new MR will come into full force. This transition phase allows states to update their local regulations and laws in alignment with the new MR.

Existing Certifications

Certificates issued based on the previous Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC will remain valid either until their stated validity date or until the removal of presumption of conformity of the revoked harmonised standard, whichever occurs first.

Transition in Assessment Procedures

Formal conformity assessment procedures will continue to follow the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC until 20 January 2027. It is essential to note that until this date, the new MR’s conformity assessment procedures will not be in effect.

Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSRs)

Manufacturers can already produce machinery that meets the EHSRs laid out in the new MR. These requirements are also encompassed in the Machinery Directive.

A Level Playing Field

The new MR will replace the existing Machinery Directive, providing a unified set of requirements across all member states. This harmonisation negates the need for individual countries to enact their own set of rules, thereby streamlining processes and ensuring parity across borders.

Changes in Annexes

Annex IV of the Machinery Directive, which pertains to high-risk machinery, has been restructured as Annex I in the MR. This new annex is bifurcated into two categories:

• Category A: Machinery that necessitates approval from a Notified Body
• Category B: Machinery ready to be placed on the market, paralleling the requirements as laid down in Annex IV of the Machinery Directive

Key Dates to Remember

• Publication in OJEU of MR: 20 June 2023
• MR’s Entry into Force: 19 July 2023
• Application of MR: 20 January 2027
• Withdrawal of MD: 20 January 2027

Manufacturers, stakeholders and member states are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the nuances of the new MR and take the necessary steps to ensure seamless transition and adherence by the stipulated dates.