Green Circle Talks about Cross-border】EU Machinery Directive (CE-MD) 2006/42/EC Interpretation

European Union Machinery Directive (CE-MD) 2006/42/EC

The European Union Machinery Directive (CE-MD) 2006/42/EC came into force on December 29, 2009 as a set of regulations to ensure that machinery products comply with certain health and safety requirements before they are put on the market in the European Union. The Directive harmonizes the regulation of machinery products in the member states to protect the safety of workers and the public.

Scope of application of the Machinery Directive

The Machinery Directive applies to the following machinery products:

1. Machinery: A component driven by a drive system having at least one movable part.
2. Interchangeable equipment: A device that changes or adds mechanical functions.
3. Security components: Components that realize safety functions, such as safety limit switches, safety light curtains, etc.
4. Lifting accessories: Independent equipment installed between the hoisting equipment and the hoisted equipment.
5. Chains, Ropes, Wire Mesh: Components mainly used for lifting.
6. Removable mechanical transmission: A transmission device installed between a power source and the driven equipment.

Core requirements

1. safety: Machines must be designed so that they can be operated, commissioned and maintained without causing harm to people.
2. Risk Assessment: Manufacturers are required to conduct risk assessment and take necessary measures to eliminate the risk of accidents.
3. Technical Papers: Provide detailed technical documentation, including drawings, operating instructions, and maintenance methods.
4. Declaration of Conformity: The manufacturer or its authorized representative must declare that the machine complies with the requirements of the Directive and affix the CE marking to the product.

Compliance Process

1. Self-assessment: It is up to the manufacturer to confirm that the product complies with the requirements of the Directive.
2. Preparation of Technical Documents: Prepare a technical document containing all technical details.
3. Conformity assessment: Depending on the risk level of the machine, evaluation and certification by a third party organization may be required.
4. CE Mark: After confirming that all requirements are met, the manufacturer can affix the CE marking to the product.

Specific requirements and exemptions

Certain products are excluded from the direct application of the Machinery Directive, but may still be subject to other specific EU directives, for example:

• Agricultural Tractor: Directive 2003/37/EC
• vehicle: Directive 2002/24/EC

Post-Brexit applicability

Despite the UK's departure from the European Union, the EU Withdrawal Act 2018 retains the Machinery Directive in force in the UK. The reference standard in the UK becomes the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008.

Conclusion

The EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC provides a comprehensive framework of safety and health requirements for machinery products, ensuring the safety and free movement of machinery products in the EU internal market. Manufacturers must ensure full compliance with these requirements before exporting their products to the EU market.