Trial Header

Machinery in the EU & UK

CERT provides specialist regulatory and technical support across all product sectors, including machinery and related assemblies. We help businesses navigate complex EU and UK requirements with clarity and confidence. Interested in tailored support? register your project interest so we can arrange a complimentary call with the relevant regulatory professional in our team.
The EU is transitioning from the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC to the new Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, introducing updated rules for high‑risk machinery, digital systems, and software safety. In Great Britain, machinery continues to fall under the UK Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations, alongside wider product and workplace safety law.

What counts as machinery

Machinery refers to an assembly of connected parts, with at least one moving element powered by an energy source other than direct human or animal effort, designed for a specific function. It includes everything from small power tools to large automated systems. Certain products may instead fall under other regimes—such as low‑voltage, radio, or pressure equipment—or be classed as partly completed machinery or safety components.

Core obligations for manufacturers include:

  • Defining whether the product is machinery, partly completed machinery, or another regulated type.

  • Designing to meet essential health and safety requirements, using harmonised (EU) or designated (UK) standards where possible.

  • Maintaining a technical file with risk assessments, drawings, test reports, and relevant documentation.

  • Providing clear, language‑appropriate instructions for safe installation, use, and maintenance.

  • Applying the correct conformity assessment, involving a notified or approved body where required.

  • Issuing and retaining a Declaration of Conformity or Incorporation referencing the applicable legislation and standards.

Markings and information

Machinery must display durable, legible markings showing the manufacturer (and importer, where relevant), product designation, year of manufacture, and a unique identifier such as a serial or batch number. Products placed on the EU market require the CE marking, while in Great Britain a recognised conformity mark—CE or UKCA—must be applied in line with current rules. Safety information, warnings, and instructions must also be provided in the appropriate language for end‑users.

How we can help

CERT supports manufacturers at every stage of the compliance journey. We identify whether your products fall under the machinery framework, partly completed machinery, or other categories, and ensure full alignment with EU and UK requirements. Our experts review designs, risk assessments and technical documentation, advise on CE/UKCA marking, and benchmark against essential health and safety standards. We also assess third‑party testing, prepare Declarations of Conformity, and provide training and regulatory updates.
With tailored, end‑to‑end solutions, CERT helps you launch machinery that is safe, compliant, and ready for market—backed by clear documentation and expert support.

Slide