Import rules with fixed dates
EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 from 20 January 2027: what an importer of machinery must check
Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 applies from 20 January 2027 (date as corrected in OJ L 169 of 4 July 2023) and repeals the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC from the same day. An importer may then place only compliant machinery on the EU market and must check the manufacturer's conformity assessment, technical documentation, CE marking and instructions first.
Last reviewed: November 15, 2026.
What the official texts say
| Point | What the text says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Applies from | 20 January 2027 (Article 54, as corrected; the original OJ text said 14 January 2027). | Corrigendum, OJ L 169, 4.7.2023 |
| Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC | Repealed with effect from 20 January 2027 (Article 51(2), as corrected). | Corrigendum, OJ L 169, 4.7.2023 |
| Basic duty | Importers place only compliant machinery or related products on the market (Article 13(1)). | Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 |
| Before placing on the market | Ensure the manufacturer carried out the conformity assessment procedures of Article 25, and check the technical documentation, the CE marking and the required documents (Article 13(2)). | Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 |
| Importer details on the product | Name, registered trade name or registered trade mark, postal address and website, email address or other digital contact, on the product or, where that is not possible, on the packaging or an accompanying document (Article 13(3)). | Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 |
| Instructions | Instructions for use in a language easily understood by users, as determined by the Member State; a digital format is allowed, and paper must be provided free of charge within one month when the user asks at the time of purchase (Article 10(7), Article 13(4)). | Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 |
| Declaration of conformity | Keep a copy at the disposal of market surveillance authorities for at least 10 years (Article 13(8)). | Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 |
| Own brand or modification | An importer that places machinery on the market under its own name or trademark, or modifies it, is considered a manufacturer (Article 17). | Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 |
What to ask the Chinese supplier for now
- The EU declaration of conformity naming Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 for machinery placed on the market from 20 January 2027.
- The conformity assessment route used and, where one is required, the notified body certificate.
- Instructions for use in the language of each Member State of sale, and the importer details to print on the product or packaging.
Limits of this page
This page summarises official texts for planning; it is not legal or customs advice. ChinaPayCheck is not a law firm, customs broker, bank or escrow service. Check the current text at each source before you rely on it.
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