MACHINERY REGULATION 2023/1230: KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER BETWEEN NOW AND 2027
The European Union's new machinery regulation will come into force in January 2027. So it's high time to prepare for change with this five-point reminder
The Groupement des équipementiers du process et du packaging des industries alimentaires et non alimentaires (GEPPIA) is a timely reminder that the new Machinery Regulation 2023/1230, which replaces Directive 2006/42/EC, will come into force on 20 January 2027. This new text thoroughly modernises the regulatory framework for machinery in Europe, taking account of technological advances and new risks that have emerged over the last twenty years.
It can be consulted in full on the website of the Official Journal of the European Union but as you don't necessarily have the time to read 102 pages in one go, here are the main changes introduced by the new regulations, summarised in five points.
A broader scope of application
The scope of Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 now includes not only machinery, but also partly completed machinery (not yet fully assembled), safety components, interchangeable equipment, mechanical transmission devices, safety-critical software and lifting accessories (chains, cables, straps, etc.).
Taking better account of new digital technologies:
The regulation explicitly recognises the new risks associated with the digital technologies used in machinery. In particular, it introduces specific requirements for machines incorporating artificial intelligence, critical software or autonomous functions. It also requires protection against cyber-attacks that could affect security, guarantees on software updates and better control of the risks associated with the decision-making autonomy of machines.
Software is now recognised as a safety component, its updates must be controlled and traceable, and manufacturers must anticipate the risks associated with autonomous decision-making, data interpretation and any unforeseen behaviour on the part of the machine.
Independent testing for high-risk machines:
This marks the end of self-assessment for this category of machinery, which is divided into six sub-categories by the new regulation (autonomous and self-learning control systems, portable motor-driven chainsaws, machinery for lifting persons with a risk of falling from a height of more than 3 m, machinery for lifting loads with vertical guidance and exposed persons, manually-loaded mechanical and hydraulic presses and manually-loaded/unloaded woodworking machinery with a moving blade). These machines must now undergo compulsory assessment by a third-party body, even if they comply with harmonised standards.
Introduction to the concept of "substantial modification":
When a company (user, integrator, etc.) significantly modifies a machine (in particular through software modifications), to the point of changing its operation or safety performance, it is now considered to be a manufacturer, with the obligations associated with this status: obligation to repeat a full conformity assessment, assumption of legal responsibilities in the event of a problem, drafting of a new declaration of conformity and affixing of the CE mark.
Promoting digital documentation:
In order to reduce costs and facilitate access to technical information, the new regulation authorises and even encourages the supply of documents in digital format (instruction leaflets, EU declarations of conformity, maintenance or safety information, etc.). If the user so requests, a paper version can be supplied at no extra cost.
There is no doubt that compliance with these new regulations will be at the heart of discussions in the aisles (and conference rooms) of the next ALLFORPACK EMBALLAGE PARIS show (24-26 November 2026), at which, as at every edition, the processing players will hold a major place alongside representatives from the show's three other universes (packaging, printing and logistics).