32 n MACHINE BUILDING October 2026 www.drivesncontrols.com Are you ready for the Machinery Regulation? The new EU Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 will be mandatory in all EU member states from 20 January 2027. Because there is no transition phase, those who prepare in good time will benefit – they’ll ensure planning certainty and can use the new requirements to their competitive advantage. The Machinery Regulation (MR) has a clear objective: machinery should not only be mechanically and functionally safe, but should also meet the requirements of an increasingly digital world. Cybersecurity, digital documentation and clear processes for software updates are no longer optional extras, but a legal obligation. This is the EU’s response to the increasing interconnectivity of machinery and the associated risks. The MR opens up new opportunities for manufacturers to create modern documentation. In future, operating manuals and declarations of conformity will be made available digitally – for at least ten years. Anyone who has so far relied solely on paper will need to think again. The regulation also requires that security be taken into account as early as the development process. Machinery must be protected from manipulation such as online corruption or by the defeat of safeguards. Manufacturers must establish clear processes for secure software updates and remote access. High-risk machinery is particularly critical. In addition to the conformity assessment procedure carried out by the manufacturer, such machinery must also undergo testing by a notified body. Manufacturers will need to check whether their products fall into this category – and take the necessary steps in good time. This can be achieved by comparing the machinery with the highrisk categories defined in the MR and, in case of uncertainty, involving notified bodies at an early stage. Users of machinery also have an obligation. The MR redefines the term “substantial modification”. Anyone who converts or retrofits machinery must check whether the conformity must be assessed as a result. A conformity assessment procedure for machinery safety is required if a machine undergoes substantial modification or if changes are made that affect the machine’s compliance with the statutory provisions for CE marking. If a substantial modification has taken place, the operator becomes the manufacturer – with all the obligations that entails. Cybersecurity is also a key issue for operators. Manipulation, corruption and cyberattacks are real risks. The regulation therefore requires measures to be documented and employees to be trained in these areas. Anyone who is negligent in this regard not only risks security gaps, but legal consequences. In addition to the declaration of conformity, technical documentation must be available at all times for all plant and machinery. For operators, this means that processes must be designed in such a way that these documents are readily available – even years after commissioning. Technical specifications are one thing, the people behind them are another. Employees in development, quality assurance and service must be trained – particularly on cyber topics. This is the only way to avoid security gaps and implement the new specifications efficiently. Operators should also ensure that their teams are made aware of safe operating and maintenance processes. The Machinery Regulation is not a paper tiger. It will permanently change the everyday lives of manufacturers and endusers. If you act now, you can plan the transition strategically and secure competitive advantages. If you wait, you risk stress and costs. The clock is ticking. n The implementation of the EU’s new Machinery Regulation is just months away. Pilz’s marketing communications manager, Sandra Denich, warns that if you are selling machines into Europe and are not ready by January, you could face problems.
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