EU releases new Machinery Regulation
The European Union (EU) recently adopted a new Machinery Regulation that will replace the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, which has been in place for more than 15 years.
The new regulation aims to ensure the safety of advanced machinery, such as autonomous machines and collaborative robots, and to provide a high level of protection for European industry.
This Regulation (EU) 2023/123 will bring significant changes and impact to the machinery and equipment industry. The new Machinery Regulation will ensure that advanced machinery is placed on the market and used safely in the EU. It will also establish a legal framework for the safety of machinery and robots, which is essential to protect workers and consumers.
It will oblige manufacturers to carry out a risk assessment and provide clear instructions for the use and maintenance of machinery. In addition, manufacturers must provide information on the residual risks associated with the use of machinery and how to mitigate them.
Another new element is the explicit mention of manufacturers’ aftermarket obligations. Article 10(9) of the Regulation requires manufacturers to “immediately take the necessary corrective measures” either to bring the product into conformity with the regulation, to inform the national authorities or, if necessary, to withdraw the product from the market or recall it.
The regulation was signed by the EP and Council on 14.06.2023, the date of effect is envisioned to be 19.07.2023. The text of the regulation can be retrieved HERE.
