What is this article about?
The EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 regulates the safety and conformity of machines placed on the market in the EU. It updates and replaces the previous Machinery Directive to take into account technical advances, new technologies and safety requirements. The article briefly outlines the essential aspects.
What is the EU Machinery Regulation 2003/1230?
The EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 is a new European Union (EU) regulation adopted in 2023 that replaces the existing Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. It will enter into force in 2027 and provides a comprehensive legal framework for the manufacture, operation and marketing of machinery within the EU.
The change from directive to regulation brings with it numerous innovations, particularly aimed at technological advances and the growing use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) in mechanical engineering. This article explains in detail the main contents, objectives and impacts of the new Machinery Regulation 2023/1230.
Background and significance of the Machinery Regulation 2023/1230
The EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 is intended to further improve the safety of machinery and equipment in the European internal market and adapt it to new technological developments. While the previous Machinery Directive played a central role in harmonizing the regulations in the member states, the switch to a regulation enables direct and uniform application in all member states without national implementation acts.
In contrast to a directive, a regulation has the advantage that it is immediately applicable and leaves no room for different interpretations in national legislation. This ensures
greater legal clarity and uniformity throughout the EU.
In addition, the Machinery Ordinance is being expanded to better respond to new challenges in the machinery and plant industry that arise from the use of modern technologies such as AI, the Internet of Things (IoT) and networked systems.
Essential contents of the EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230
This is a condensed presentation of important aspects.
Extended scope of application
Like its predecessor, the EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 covers a wide range of machines and systems. What is new, however, is that it specifically addresses new technologies, in particular machines that include autonomous systems, AI and networked machines. This reflects the technological progress of recent years and ensures that even modern machines meet the high safety requirements.
Security requirements for software and digital technologies
A key focus of the new regulation is the integration of software into machines. As many machines are increasingly controlled or supported by software, the EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 ensures that software components and their updates are also included in the security requirements. Manufacturers must ensure that machines that depend on software can be operated safely and are regularly updated to eliminate vulnerabilities.
AI and autonomous systems
A particular focus is on artificial intelligence (AI), which is increasingly being integrated into machine applications. The Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 sets out requirements on how autonomous machines based on AI must be designed and operated safely. This primarily concerns avoiding wrong decisions and ensuring that machines do not become uncontrollable.

conformity assessment procedure
The Machinery Regulation 2023, like the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, provides for conformity assessment procedures to ensure that all machines placed on the EU market comply with safety requirements. For machines with higher risks, especially connected and AI-based systems, external testing by so-called notified bodies is required. This is intended to ensure that such machines are thoroughly tested before they are placed on the market.
Improved traceability and market surveillance
The EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 places particular emphasis on the traceability of machines and their components. This is particularly important with regard to market surveillance, as unsafe machines can be more easily identified and withdrawn from circulation. The regulation strengthens the position of the market surveillance authorities so that they can take more consistent action against violations.
Digital documentation and instructions
Another advancement is the ability to provide digital instructions and documentation. This makes it easier for manufacturers to provide technical information and enables modern, digital document management. This also helps to give users easier access to safety-related information.
Significant differences to the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC
The EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 differs from the Machinery Directive in several respects:
- Legal form: Unlike the Directive, the Machinery Regulation is directly applicable EU law and does not require national implementation. This means that it is immediately and uniformly valid in all EU member states.
- Technological focus: The regulation explicitly addresses modern technologies, in particular connected machines and AI. The Machinery Directive only covered these technologies to a limited extent, as they were not yet in the foreground at the time.
Extended safety requirements: In addition to the mechanical and electrical safety requirements of the Machinery Directive, the regulation now also places particular emphasis on the security of software, updates and cybersecurity.
Concrete impacts on manufacturers
The EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 represents an increased responsibility for manufacturers , especially with regard to the safe design and operation of machines that use modern technologies. Manufacturers must prepare more extensive technical documentation and demonstrate that their machines are also safe with regard to digital and software-based risks.
Conclusion
The Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 marks a significant step forward in the regulation of machinery in the EU. It not only standardizes the legal framework, but also adapts to the challenges of digital transformation. With a focus on AI, autonomous systems and software security, it takes current developments in mechanical engineering into account. Manufacturers and operators must prepare for stricter requirements and extended testing procedures to ensure that machines can also be operated safely in the networked and digital world. The regulation will therefore have a lasting impact not only on safety in the workplace, but also on the innovative capacity of European industry.