Machinery Directive
The Machinery Directive is a series of EU legislation targeting mechanical products within the CE marking framework, meaning all mechanical products exported to Europe must comply with the Machinery Directive. The new EU Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 will replace the Machinery Directive (Directive 2006/42/EC) and has already entered into force in all EU Member States.
From January 20, 2027, this regulation will become mandatory, until then the original Directive 2006/42/EC remains the mandatory directive.
Scope of the Machinery Directive?
Special note: Semi-finished machinery assemblies, except for manually operated lifting equipment, are not within the scope of the Machinery Directive.
1. Industrial machinery: machine tools, injection molding machines, packaging machinery, etc.
2. Construction machinery: cranes, excavators, concrete equipment, etc.
3. Power tools: drills, cutters, grinders, etc.
4. Safety components: protective devices, emergency brake systems, etc.
5. Dangerous machinery: wood processing machines, metal pressing equipment (requiring mandatory third-party assessment), etc.
6. Others: interchangeable equipment, safety components, lifting equipment accessories (chains, ropes, nets/belts), detachable mechanical transmission devices, semi-finished machinery assemblies, etc.
Documents required for Machinery CE certification?
(1) Company information: Name, address, trademark, business license;
(2) Product information: Name, model, technical specification table; (for multiple models, comparative series data is required)
(3) Mechanical assembly drawings, circuit diagrams, hydraulic circuit diagrams, pneumatic circuit diagrams, control system diagrams;
(4) Mechanical user manual (English version);
(5) Mechanical component list (name, model, supplier, CE certificates);
(6) Related test materials, calculation materials;
(7) Machine installation/operating space/operator position diagrams;
(8) EU representative information
(9) Quality control system documentation (if the company has passed ISO9000 certification, please provide a copy of the certificate)
Machinery CE certification process and timeline
Product design and evaluation: Based on the product type and risk level, select the appropriate certification path and prepare relevant technical documents and risk assessment reports.
Standard testing and review: Perform necessary tests according to product type to ensure compliance with relevant EN standards.
Technical file preparation: Including preparation of design drawings, test reports, user manuals, declaration of conformity, etc.
Notified body review: For Class II and III products, submit relevant materials to the notified body for review, testing and certification.
Obtain CE certificate: After passing the review, the product can obtain the CE certificate and affix the CE mark.
The certification cycle is typically 4-6 weeks, depending on the complexity of the product and the required testing.
Validity period of Machinery CE certification
Ordinary machinery: As long as the directive is not updated, standards remain unchanged, and the product is not modified, the certificate remains valid;
Dangerous machinery: Generally valid for 5 years.
