The machinery directive only applies to products that are to be placed on the EU market for the first time. The machinery directive 2006/42/EC was published on 9 June 2006 and became applicable on 29 December 2009.

What does Machinery Directive apply to?

Scope. The directive applies to machinery as well as interchangeable equipment, safety components, lifting accessories, chains/ropes/webbing, removable mechanical transmission devices and partly completed machinery. Machinery that is covered by more specific directives is excluded from the scope of this directive.

Does the Machinery Directive require a notified body?

The directive divides machines into two types and describes the certification procedures according to each equipment's hazard levels. For machines classified as "dangerous" (Annex IV), the conformity evaluation process entails the involvement of a notified body.