2006/42/EC Machinery Directive and CE Certification

The machinery industry plays a vital role in productivity and innovation. However, safety has always been a priority in this field for both workers and users. With the 2006/42/EC Machinery Directive, the European Union has set out the rules and minimum requirements to be followed for machinery safety.

What is the 2006/42/EC Machinery Directive?

The Machinery Directive establishes the essential regulations for machines and equipment manufactured or placed on the market in the European Union. Its purpose is to prevent workplace accidents and injuries. Machines falling under this directive must carry the CE marking, which indicates compliance with the relevant health and safety requirements.

Electrical Devices and Machinery

Electrical devices and machinery are widely used in daily life and in industry. This category includes:

  • Household appliances: refrigerators, washing machines, microwave ovens, televisions, computers.
  • Industrial machinery: production line equipment, construction machinery, factory systems.

With technological advancements, these devices continue to evolve, making business processes, home life, and industrial activities more efficient.

CE Certification Tests and Applications for Machinery and Electrical Devices

  • Technical file compliance checks
  • CE marking according to the 2006/42/EC Machinery Safety Directive
  • Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing and certification (2014/30/EC)
  • Low Voltage Directive testing and certification (2014/35/EC)
  • Risk analysis and conformity assessment of existing or modified machinery according to ISO 12100
  • Electrical laboratory testing (EN 60335-1, EN 60335-2-xx, EN 60601-1, EN 60204-1, EN 60065, EN 60950, EN 62368-1, etc.)
  • Compliance checks and reporting for products outside the scope of the directive
  • FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) – verification of newly commissioned or revised facilities against specifications
  • Usability testing – evaluation of products according to user manuals before market release
  • On-line, pre-shipment, and post-shipment inspections – production line checks as well as pre- and post-shipment audits
  • RoHS testing and reporting

Why is CE Certification Necessary?

CE certification for electrical devices and machinery is important for both manufacturers and users for several reasons:

  1. Legal Requirement: All machinery and electrical devices sold in EU countries must bear the CE marking.
  2. Product Safety: The CE marking shows that the product meets essential health and safety standards.
  3. Quality and Performance: Certification demonstrates that the product meets defined performance criteria.
  4. Market Access: CE-marked products can freely circulate in the EU market.
  5. Customer Confidence: The CE label builds trust in the safety and compliance of the product.
  6. Legal Protection: CE marking provides manufacturers with protection against potential legal risks.
  7. International Trade: CE certification offers advantages for product acceptance in certain non-EU markets as well.