MP Elettronica

The regulatory landscape for industrial machinery in Europe is about to take an important step forward. From 20 January 2027, the new Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 will fully replace the long-standing Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, becoming the reference framework for anyone who designs, builds or integrates machines on the European market – including the vibratory feeding systems that rely on our controllers.

A regulation, not a directive

The most immediate change is legal in nature. Being a regulation rather than a directive, the new rules apply directly and uniformly across all EU Member States, without national transposition. The result is less variation between countries, but also stricter and more consistent enforcement. The list of high-risk machinery that previously sat in Annex IV now moves to Annex I, with mandatory third-party assessment for the categories listed there.

Digital safety and cybersecurity enter the picture

For the first time, mechanical safety is addressed together with the digital dimension of modern machines. The regulation introduces explicit requirements covering:

  • software integrity, updates and connected functions;
  • protection against corruption and unauthorised access (cybersecurity);
  • the safe behaviour of systems with self-learning or autonomous features;
  • the option of providing digital instructions instead of paper-only manuals.

As feeding lines become smarter and more connected, these provisions move from “nice to have” to mandatory parts of the conformity assessment.

Beyond safety: the new Ecodesign rules (ESPR)

The machinery rules do not stand alone. In 2024 the EU adopted the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation – Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 (ESPR), which gradually extends design requirements to durability, repairability, recyclability and carbon footprint. For electronic equipment this points to a clear direction of travel: products that last longer, are easier to service and consume less energy over their life cycle.

The familiar framework still applies

Alongside the new rules, the established directives remain fully in force for electronic controllers: the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU on electromagnetic compatibility, the RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU on the restriction of hazardous substances, and the WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU on electrical and electronic waste. CE marking continues to rely on compliance with the relevant harmonised standards.

What it means for feeder and automation builders

If you assemble or integrate vibratory feeding systems, the practical takeaways are straightforward: start mapping your products against the new Annex I categories, collect complete technical documentation and supplier evidence well ahead of 2027, and factor in the digital, cybersecurity and ecodesign requirements from the earliest design stage.

At MP Elettronica we follow these developments closely. Our controllers for electromagnetic vibratory feeders are CE-marked and designed in line with the applicable EMC and RoHS requirements, and our roadmap takes the new Machinery Regulation and the ESPR framework into account so that our customers can build compliant, future-proof feeding systems with confidence. If you have questions about how these changes affect your application, talk to our engineers.