Machinery Directive
The Machinery Directive (Directive 2006/42/EC) has long been the legislative backbone for mechanical safety in the European Union. It mandates that all machinery—defined as an assembly of linked parts where at least one moves—must meet strict safety standards before Placing on the Market. For North American manufacturers, this Directive has historically been the primary checklist used to achieve the CE Mark.
Compliance relies on satisfying the Essential Health & Safety Requirements (EHSRs) found in Annex I. This requires a rigorous Risk Assessment to eliminate hazards "by design" rather than relying solely on warnings. You must document this process in a comprehensive Technical File.
Important Note: The Directive is currently being repealed and replaced by the new Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230. While the Directive remains valid during the transition period, all manufacturers must update their documentation to cite the new Regulation by January 2027. This shift moves the EU from national implementation to a single, unified law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Machinery Directive being replaced by a new regulation?
Does the Machinery Directive apply to partly completed machinery?
What is the difference between the Directive and OSHA standards?
