Machinery Regulation 2027
What matters now
In just under a year, it will finally come into force: the new EU Machinery Regulation (2023/1230). From 20 January 2027, harmonised and binding rules will apply across Europe – without national transition periods. The previous Directive will become a Regulation: national differences will cease to exist, and companies will gain greater legal certainty. For many operators and manufacturers, this means one thing now: review, adapt and document.
Anyone assuming they can rely on the “grandfathering” of machinery implemented years ago is mistaken.
“Contrary to a widespread belief, there is no such thing as grandfathering in mechanical engineering,” explains Simon Köppe, Project Manager Industry and expert in machinery safety. “Machines must always be safe – in line with the current state of the art.” This means that anyone modernising or substantially modifying a system must carefully assess whether a new CE Declaration of Conformity will be required in the future.
Another important change: operating instructions may now be provided digitally, and in certain cases programming logic or even source code may have to be disclosed. This saves significant amounts of paper and reduces administrative effort. At the same time, cybersecurity moves further into focus to ensure protection against manipulation and unauthorised access.
These changes are particularly relevant for operators of older installations. Anyone adjusting safety classifications as part of a retrofit or updating software can quickly find themselves within the scope of the new regulation. Simon Köppe therefore advises using the transition period proactively: “Those who start now, update their systems and ensure proper documentation will avoid unpleasant surprises in 2027. We support our customers with sound, expert advice.” The SCHULZ service portfolio ranges from risk analysis and CE documentation to technological solutions, safety assessments, software validation and cybersecurity measures. This keeps the focus where it belongs: safe machines, compliant processes and smooth production operations – even beyond 2027.
Top 5 Changes in the Machinery Regulation 2027
- Digital documentation
Introduction of digital operating instructions and EU Declarations of Conformity, with mandatory online availability for at least 10 years – printed versions only upon request. - Stronger focus on cybersecurity
Machines must be protected against manipulation and unauthorised access – IT security becomes an integral part of machinery safety. - Transparent software structures
Disclosure of programming logic or source code may be required in certain cases. - New obligation for risk assessment
Even minor modifications or software updates may require a new CE conformity assessment. - Safety becomes an ongoing process
Machinery safety no longer ends with commissioning – regular updates ensure systems remain compliant with the state of the art.
Those who start now, update their systems and document properly will avoid unpleasant surprises in 2027. We support our customers with sound, expert advice.
Simon Köppe, Project Manager Automation, SCHULZ Systemtechnik, Wallenhorst
