Machinerichtlijn

The Machinerichtlijn, officially known as the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, is a European Union regulation that establishes harmonized rules for the placing on the market of machinery and certain associated products. Adopted in 2006 and amended in 2014, the directive aims to ensure the safety, health, and environmental protection of users while promoting free movement of machinery within the EU. It applies to all new machinery and certain modified or used machinery placed on the market, regardless of whether they are sold directly to end-users or through distributors.

The directive requires manufacturers to design and produce machinery that complies with essential health and safety requirements, including risk assessments, protective measures, and clear instructions for use. It also mandates that machinery is accompanied by a technical file containing documentation such as design specifications, risk assessments, and instructions for installation, use, maintenance, and removal. Conformity assessment procedures vary depending on the risk category of the machinery, ranging from self-certification for low-risk products to mandatory type-examination by notified bodies for high-risk equipment.

Compliance with the Machinerichtlijn is enforced through EU member states, which can conduct inspections and impose penalties for non-compliance, including fines or withdrawal from the market. Manufacturers must ensure that their machinery meets the directive’s requirements before placing it on the market, and they are responsible for maintaining the safety of their products throughout their lifecycle. The directive also supports the Single Market by allowing machinery from any EU member state to be sold throughout the EU without additional national approvals, provided it meets the directive’s harmonized standards.