Leuze is advising manufacturers, machine builders and operators to prepare early for the implementation of the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, which will apply from 20 January 2027.
While manufacturers remain responsible for compliance when machinery is first placed on the market, the new regulation expands responsibilities for operators throughout the machine’s operational lifecycle. It introduces requirements covering cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and substantial modifications, with operators making significant changes potentially assuming the role of manufacturer. This can require risk assessments, technical documentation and conformity assessments before modified machinery is returned to service.
With official implementation guidance still developing, many organisations face uncertainty over how the regulation will apply to existing machinery. Leuze therefore recommends that manufacturers and operators begin reviewing their machinery, documentation and modification procedures now.
“As companies prepare for the transition, understanding how the new regulation applies to existing machinery is becoming increasingly important,” says Markus Erdorf, senior safety consultant at Leuze. “Organisations should begin reviewing their machinery, documentation, cybersecurity strategies and modification procedures rather than waiting for the implementation deadline.”
A notable development is the integration of cybersecurity into machinery safety requirements. Organisations will need to protect machinery against unauthorised access, data manipulation and other cyber risks, supported by appropriate risk assessments and documentation. This requires closer collaboration between safety engineers, automation specialists and IT security teams.
Leuze recommends early review of regulatory requirements, close co-operation with machinery manufacturers and system integrators, thorough documentation of safety-related modifications and inspections, and assessment of whether planned changes constitute substantial modifications.
“The responsibility for machine safety no longer ends when equipment is commissioned,” adds Erdorf. “Preparing today will help reduce compliance risks and ensure safe machine operation throughout its lifecycle.”
More information www.leuze.com
