Machinery Directive

In 2006 the European Union decided to revise its MSD (Machinery Directive) in order to provide a clearer description of scope, differentiation against other Directives, procedures for assessing conformity, procedures for partly completed machinery, additional simplification of laws, and adjustments to ensure essential requirements are state of the art. MSD 2006/42/EC will be implemented on December 29, 2009 and there will be no transition period.

MSD scope now also includes:

• Escalators and mechanical walkways
• Construction-site hoists
• Elevators with max. = 0,15 m/s2
• Partly completed machinery
• Lifting accessories (chains, ropes and webbing)
• Stage elevators (not for persons)
• Road vehicles with max. 25 km/h
• Removable mechanical-transmission devices
• Two/three-wheel motor vehicles with max. 6 km/h

From past experience with EMC and Low Voltage Directives updates, it is presumed that the updates to the MSD will not significantly disrupt compliance efforts. But manufacturers should determine the Directive's impact on their equipment and prepare accordingly before the Directive becomes mandatory. We especially recommend a timely update of EC type-examination certificates issued before December 29, 2009 in order to adhere to the new Directive and to maintain their validity.

To get your product in compliance with the Machinery Directive, TÜV Rheinland Group China offers several packages that are suited to the kind of product and to client's needs. For further information, please contact us at:

Taipei (02) 2516 6040

Taichung (04) 2301 9898