Machines are increasingly shaping our world - they are becoming more intelligent, more powerful and more versatile. With the new EU Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, the European Commission is setting clear and modern standards for the protection of people and technology. TÜV Rheinland is playing a central role in this: the Commission has officially recognized the company as a Notified Body for testing and certification in accordance with the new regulation. This means that TÜV can provide comprehensive support to companies on their way to a safe and sustainable industry.
“The main innovations of the Machinery Ordinance concern the digitalization and connectivity of machinery. The focus is particularly on Artificial intelligence (AI), cyber security, human-robot collaboration and the networking of machines via the Internet,” explains Thomas Koester, Global Head of Technical Competence Center Industrial Machinery at TÜV Rheinland. “Against this backdrop, the EU Commission has defined stricter health and safety requirements, such as protection through software updates and protection against cyber attacks.”
The regulation applies to machinery and related products, such as interchangeable equipment, safety components, lifting accessories, chains, ropes, belts, cardan shafts and partly completed machinery. However, aircraft, motor vehicles, agricultural tractors and most household and office equipment are exempt.
Avoid downtime and additional costs
The new requirements must be implemented from January 20, 2027. Koester advises manufacturers to prepare for the changeover at an early stage and make targeted use of the transition period: “Manufacturers of industrial machinery should prepare for the new requirements at an early stage and use the transition period to adapt their machines and processes accordingly.”
As a Notified Body, TÜV Rheinland offers support for manufacturers in the form of testing and certification services in accordance with the new health and safety requirements. For example, the company's experts check the plausibility of cyber security documents and carry out individual conformity assessments.
With early preparation, manufacturers can avoid downtime and additional costs and bring their machines to the European market more quickly. TÜV Rheinland's experts provide support with customized testing procedures and ensure that companies can effectively implement the new requirements.
