Machinery Directive (MD)

This Directive aims at the free market circulation on machinery and at the protection of workers and consumers using such machinery.

The Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) is intended to harmonise the rules governing the sale of machinery within the EU, while guaranteeing the highest possible level of safety for consumers and workers. It entered into force on 29 December 2009.

The Directive covers machinery, interchangeable equipment, safety components, lifting accessories, chains, ropes, and webbing for lifting purposes and removable mechanical transmission devices. It also includes requirements for partly completed machinery. Annex I of the Directive sets out in details the Essential Health & Safety Requirements (EHSR) for the products covered.

Before placing your machinery on the market you, the manufacturer, must ensure that it has been designed and manufactured in accordance with the safety objectives of the Directive.

Manufacturers of Machinery are required to:

• Compile the Technical Documentation (TD)
• Test product to applicable “harmonised standards” (EN)
• Issue the Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
• Affix the CE mark onto the product
  
  
  

Before proceeding with the assessment procedure, it is relevant to clear whether you, the manufacturer, can assess your product by yourself or you must involve a Notified Body.

Directive 2006/42/EC on Machinery foresees the involvement of a Notified Body if the product to be assessed falls in one of 23 categories listed under Annex IV and it does not conform to a European Harmonised Standard which covers all of the relevant health and safety requirement. In this case, the manufacturer has to seek assistance by a Notified Body. If it is not the case, the manufacturer themself is allowed to use the “self-certification” route.

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