REFERENCE / Conformity
Machinery conformity assessment: choosing the route
Under the Regulation, Article 25 connects the product category and standards coverage to the available assessment procedures.
The Directive remains the current framework before 20 January 2027. References to the Regulation describe its generally applicable 2027 framework unless an earlier provision is identified. This is independent educational information.
Keep the two frameworks separate
The current Directive uses Article 12 and Annex IV for its machinery categories and assessment routes. The Regulation uses Article 25 and Annex I. A category list copied from the Directive cannot be used as the complete decision basis for the Regulation.
The selector below explains the ordinary Regulation routes for machinery and related products from 20 January 2027. It does not decide whether an item is in scope, classify a machine or cover the partly completed machinery procedure.
Annex I, Part A
For a category listed in Part A, Article 25(2) provides three options: EU type-examination, module B, followed by conformity to type, module C; full quality assurance, module H; or unit verification, module G. These routes involve a notified body.
Part A includes specific categories, such as vehicle servicing lifts and certain safety components with self-evolving machine-learning behaviour. Do not infer category membership from a broad marketing term like “high risk”. Check the exact wording and supplied product configuration.
Annex I, Part B
Part B allows module A where the machinery is designed and constructed to category-specific harmonised standards or common specifications covering all relevant essential requirements. B followed by C, H and G are also available.
Where that coverage condition is not met, Article 25(3) requires one of the routes involving a notified body. Listing a standard in a file does not establish that it applies, that its reference has the necessary legal status or that it covers all relevant requirements.
Machinery outside Annex I
Article 25(4) specifies module A, internal production control, for machinery and related products whose category is not listed in Annex I. The manufacturer remains responsible for demonstrating conformity and completing the required documentation and declaration.
The consolidated Regulation also contains conditional internal-market emergency provisions. Those are not ordinary alternatives a manufacturer can select at will. Confirm notified-body scope in NANDO when a route requires that body.
Sources & related reading
- Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, consolidated 27 July 2026: Article 25 and Annexes I, VI–X.
- Directive 2006/42/EC, consolidated text: current framework.
- European Commission machinery legislation and guidance.
Continue with eu machinery law: the working framework, machinery regulation: the 2027 transition, machinery scope and product definitions.
Machine-specific interpretation and verification need competent assessment. This publication does not give legal advice or guarantee compliance.