On 20 January 2027, the new EU Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 will become applicable, replacing the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.
So, for manufacturers supplying machinery to European markets, the change brings updated requirements for accompanying information, including instructions for use and safety information.
With the application date soon approaching, manufacturers should familiarise themselves with the new requirements and plan any necessary translation projects ahead of time.
This blog will:
- Explain what the EU Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 is and when it applies.
- Outline the key documentation and language requirements for manufacturers.
- Explore the changes to digital instructions and EU declarations of conformity.
- Highlight the differences between the new Regulation and the previous Machinery Directive.
- Share practical steps manufacturers can take to prepare for the 2027 application date.
What is the EU Machinery Regulation?
Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 sets out health and safety requirements for the design and construction of machinery, related products and partly completed machinery, allowing them to be placed on the EU market or put into service.
Adopted on 14 June 2023, it replaces the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, which previously governed machinery safety across the EU.
The Regulation applies from 20 January 2027, although certain provisions have already applied on earlier dates.
What does the new regulation mean for manufacturers?
The new regulation covers several areas of machinery safety and product conformity.
For manufacturers, one particularly relevant area is the requirement to provide instructions and accompanying safety information in languages that users can easily understand, making accurate translation an important step for many.
Article 10(7) requires manufacturers to provide the information set out in Annex III alongside the instructions for use. The accompanying information must also be clear and legible.
Depending on the machinery and its intended use, instructions for use may include information such as:
- Operating instructions and guidance on safe use
- Installation and assembly instructions
- Safety warnings and precautions
- Maintenance and servicing instructions
These requirements are also relevant to UK manufacturers exporting machinery to EU markets. Businesses supplying machinery to countries such as Germany, France, Spain and Italy will need to ensure that their instructions for use and accompanying safety information are available in the languages required by each destination country.
You can view Wolfestone’s manufacturing translation services here.
Digital instructions and declaration requirements
Manufacturers can now provide instructions for use digitally under the new Regulation. This gives businesses more flexibility in how they supply product information, but the instructions must still be easy for users to access.
They must be downloadable, printable and savable on an electronic device, including for use during a machinery breakdown. They must also remain available online throughout the machinery's expected lifetime and for at least 10 years after it is placed on the market.
Users must be told how to access digital instructions and can request a free printed copy at the time of purchase, which must be provided within one month. For machinery intended for, or likely to be used by non-professional users, essential safety information must also be supplied on paper.
EU declarations of conformity must also be translated into the required language or languages. These can be accessed through an internet address or machine-readable code, such as a QR code, provided the conditions in Article 10(8) are met.
From an accessibility perspective, these requirements also support accessibility by making essential information easier for machinery users to access, including those who may need a printed copy.
What has changed under the new regulation?
While the previous Machinery Directive required translated instructions to be labelled ‘Translation of the original instructions’ and supplied alongside the original version, the new regulation removes this specific labelling requirement. However, the underlying translation requirements remain.
The new rules also don't mean every existing manual needs updating by January 2027. Under Article 52, machinery placed on the market in conformity with the previous Directive before that date can continue to be made available on the market.
How can manufacturers prepare for the new requirements?
1. Audit existing documentation
Start by identifying the manuals and safety information supplied with each machinery model, to give you a clearer picture of what needs reviewing.
2. Check destination market requirements
Confirm which languages are required in the countries where your machinery is sold or put into service (these requirements are determined by individual Member States, so it's important to check the rules for each market).
Some countries may require multiple languages, and regional language variations should also be considered, such as Austrian German and the differences between standard German and Swiss German dialects. Wolfestone can advise on destination-market language requirements and help identify the appropriate languages and variants for your target markets.
3. Review existing translations
Older translations may no longer reflect the latest product specifications or terminology, so check that the information is still accurate and matches the current version of the machinery.
4. Schedule any necessary updates
If several manuals or product variations need attention, work out which documents should be prioritised and allow enough time for translation and review before new or updated machinery is placed on the market.
How Wolfestone can support manufacturers
Manufacturing translations involve specialist terminology that requires a strong understanding of the industry. Wolfestone works with businesses to translate machinery manuals, operating instructions, safety information, technical specifications and training materials for international markets.
Our native-speaking linguists have experience across specialist industries, supported by dedicated project managers who coordinate everything from individual document updates to larger multilingual projects. In addition to translation, we also provide desktop publishing (DTP), production support and subtitling services to help manufacturers prepare technical content for different markets.
Contact Wolfestone to discuss your technical translation needs.
