The new Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 marks a fundamental turning point for safety and compliance within the European Union, introducing stringent rules for all supply chain actors. Among these figures, the importer plays a key role: as the entity placing a product from a third country onto the Union market, they become primarily responsible for ensuring compliance with EU requirements.

IDENTIFICATION AND TRACEABILITY OBLIGATIONS

One of the main duties concerns full traceability for the importer. The Regulation stipulates that the importer must clearly indicate on the machinery or related product:

• Name or registered trade name
• Registered trademark;
• Physical postal address;
• Digital contact details

Where the size or nature of the product does not allow for these details to be affixed directly onto the machinery, the information must be provided on the packaging or in an accompanying document.

TRANSPARENCY AND LANGUAGE ACCESSIBILITY

Contact information serves not only to identify the economic operator, but must also ensure an immediate communication channel. For this reason, data and supporting documentation must be drafted in a language easily understood by both end-users and the market surveillance authorities of the Member State in which the product is distributed.

PREVENTIVE VERIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE

Before placing the product on the market, the importer has a duty to verify that the non-EU manufacturer has correctly carried out:

• The affixing of the CE marking;

• The appropriate conformity assessment procedures;

  
  

  
  

  
  

• The drafting of complete technical documentation.

  
  

  
  

  
  

OUR SUPPORT: ECM AT THE SIDE OF IMPORTERS

Navigating the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 requires a thorough technical analysis. ECM supports importers through the preliminary verification of technical documentation, ensuring compliance with all traceability and safety criteria necessary to operate on the European market in full conformity.