The new Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 replaces the previous Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) and creates a uniform, binding legal framework for all machinery placed on the market or put into service in the EU. While the old directive focused more on new machinery, the Machinery Regulation goes further: it requires that not only new, but also significantly modified machinery complies with the new requirements.
In concrete terms, this means
If a machine is significantly modified by retrofitting, it can legally be considered "new machinery".
Not only must the basic safety requirements be met, but the documentation, verification, risk analyses and testability of the control logic must also comply with the requirements of the Machinery Ordinance.
Operators must show that they understand what their machine really does.
What will change for companies?
In future, companies must be able to operate machines in such a way that their behavior is traceable. This includes clear documentation of how machine processes work and an assessment of risks.
In addition, responsibilities must be clearly defined - not only for design and commissioning, but also for subsequent adjustments, software updates and maintenance measures. Machine control and software must not only function technically, but must also be explainable and auditable.
Retrofitting therefore becomes a strategic issue for the entire company. Safety, compliance, product quality and liability are now closely linked to the question of how reliably a machine works and how well its behavior is documented.
A step towards real transparency
However, this change not only creates challenges - it also brings opportunities: more safety, fewer unplanned downtimes, better planning of maintenance and development, and a clearer basis for decision-making.
In practice, there are already solutions that anticipate these requirements. The Styrian company Selmo Technology has been developing standards for years to present machine processes in a structured, comprehensible and documented way.
"The Machinery Regulation makes it clear that responsibility for machines does not lie solely with the technology. Companies are required to strategically develop existing systems with a view to transparency, safety and traceability. And we already offer the solution for this," says Selmo CEO Markus Gruber.