The new EU Machinery Regulation applies from 20 January 2027

Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 on machinery entered into force on 19 July 2023 and applies from 20 January 2027, replacing Directive 2006/42/EC, which has governed machine safety in Europe since 2009. As a regulation it applies directly and identically in every Member State.

Several changes matter to buyers. Instructions and the EU declaration of conformity may be supplied in digital form, with a paper copy on request. Safety components now include software. A new requirement on protection against corruption makes cybersecurity part of machine safety. Anyone who substantially modifies a machine takes on the manufacturer's obligations, and six categories of high-risk machinery always need third-party conformity assessment.

The Digital Omnibus, Regulation (EU) 2026/1744, in force since 27 July 2026, moves the requirements for high-risk AI safety components into the Machinery Regulation itself, so manufacturers will generally not face two separate assessments for the same component. The 20 January 2027 date is unchanged.

If you are buying equipment such as oil skimmers, filtration skids or laboratory machines for delivery after 20 January 2027, ask which rules the declaration of conformity will reference and how instructions will be provided. Our experts can answer that for every Davey Group machine supplied through VDT Europa.

Supplied in Europe

In the European Union, Davey Group equipment is supplied, contracted and supported by VDT Europa OÜ in Tallinn, Estonia. Contact contact@vdteuropa.com.

Sources: Regulation (EU) 2023/1230; Regulation (EU) 2026/1744 (Digital Omnibus).