Our world is increasingly being shaped by machines. They are becoming smarter, more powerful and more versatile. With the new EU Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, the European Commission is setting new standards for the protection of people and technology. TÜV Rheinland, one of the world's leading providers of testing, inspection and certification services, is now playing a key role in this: the EU Commission has officially recognized the company as a Notified Body for testing and certification according to the new Machinery Regulation. In this way, TÜV Rheinland is able to provide comprehensive support to companies on their way into the future of the industry in compliance with the standards.

New EU regulation 2023/1230

“The main changes to the Machinery Directive relate to the digitalization and connectivity of machines. The focus is on artificial intelligence (AI), cyber security, human-robot collaboration and the networking of machines via the internet,” explains Thomas Koester, Global Head of the Technical Competence Centre for Industrial Machinery at TÜV Rheinland. “In this context, the EU Commission has defined stricter health and safety requirements, such as protection through software updates and protection against cyber-attacks.”

The regulation explicitly applies to machinery and related products such as interchangeable equipment, safety components, load-handling equipment, chains, ropes, belts, cardan shafts and partly completed machinery. Aircraft, motor vehicles, agricultural tractors and most household and office appliances are among the exceptions.

Transition period has begun - prepare now

From 20 January 2027, manufacturers will have to comply with the new requirements of the Machinery Directive. Koester recommends: “Manufacturers of industrial machinery should prepare for the new requirements at an early stage and use the transition period to adapt their machines and processes accordingly.”

Meet the standards of the future with TÜV Rheinland

As a Notified Body, TÜV Rheinland offers manufacturers support in the form of testing and certification services in accordance with the new health and safety requirements. For example, the company's experts check the plausibility of cyber security documents and carry out individual conformity assessments. By preparing early, manufacturers can avoid downtime and additional costs and get their machines onto the European market faster. Experts of TÜV Rheinland provide support with tailored testing procedures and ensure that companies can effectively implement the new requirements. More information is available at: http://tuv.li/1lb6

Safety and quality in almost all areas of business and life: That’s what TÜV Rheinland stands for. The company has been active for more than 150 years and is one of the world’s leading testing service providers. TÜV Rheinland has more than 22,000 employees in over 50 countries and generates annual sales of more than 2.4 billion euros. TÜV Rheinland’s highly qualified experts test technical systems and products around the globe, accompany innovations in technology and business, train people in numerous professions and certify management systems according to international standards. In this way, the independent experts ensure trust along global flows of goods and value chains. Since 2006, TÜV Rheinland has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact for more sustainability and against corruption. Website: www.tuv.com