Machinery CE & EMC — which rule applies when?

A machine is usually more than a single product under a single directive. Safety and EMC are regulated in parallel — and from 2027 a regulation will replace the old Machinery Directive.

Safeguard industrial EMC

Machinery Directive → Machinery Regulation

The Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC governs the essential health and safety requirements for machinery. It is being replaced by the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, which has been in force since July 2023 and becomes binding from 20 January 2027. Until then, the directive remains authoritative.

What changes

As a regulation, it applies directly in all member states (no national transposition needed). In terms of content, it broadens the scope — including to digital components and software with a safety function — and adds topics such as cybersecurity and AI.

Important: EMC is regulated separately

The machinery legislation covers safety; the electromagnetic compatibility of a machine is governed by the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU. A machine therefore usually needs CE conformity under several legal acts at once (machinery + EMC, often plus low voltage). In addition, safety-related controls must withstand the EM disturbances that can be expected — this is where safety and EMC interlock.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Machinery Directive enough for CE marking?

Rarely on its own. Besides the machinery legislation, the EMC Directive and, where applicable, the Low Voltage Directive are usually relevant. Which legal acts apply is something we clarify on a product-specific basis. (Always check against the valid version.)

Do I already have to switch to the Machinery Regulation now?

Until 19 January 2027, machinery may be placed on the market under the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC; from 20 January 2027 the regulation applies. New developments should already take the transition into account.

Sources: TÜV SÜD — EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230, Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, EUR-Lex. The respective valid version is authoritative.