On January 20, 2027, the current Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC will be replaced by the new Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230. This is a significant change for manufacturers of vertical transportation systems — such as platform lifts, service lifts, escalators, and other lifting equipment.
What does the new Machinery Regulation mean for you and your products? What happens to existing certificates? And how can you ensure compliance with the new regulation? Liftinstituut’s Machinery Regulation specialists are here to support you every step of the way.
What’s changing under the new machinery regulation?
The new regulation brings several key changes:
- Stricter yet more flexible conformity assessment procedures
While the overall bar is raised, there’s also greater flexibility. The regulation introduces unit verification for one-of-a-kind machines — a new option that wasn’t available under the Directive. - Cybersecurity becomes mandatory
For the first time, the regulation explicitly requires protection against digital threats. This is crucial for any machine connected to a network. - Focus on emerging technologies and software
The Machinery Regulation includes guidelines for systems with self-evolving behavior, using machine learning, and the impact of software updates on safety — areas that were not covered under the Machinery Directive.
No transition period: prepare now
The Machinery Regulation applies directly from January 20, 2027 — with no transition period. Early preparation is crucial, especially for manufacturers planning to launch new products around that time.
For existing certificates issued under the Machinery Directive, the EU allows continued use only if the certificate fully covers the requirements of the new regulation. That makes an early impact assessment not just smart, but essential.
How Liftinstituut helps you prepare for compliance
As a Notified Body for the Machinery Regulation, Liftinstituut offers full support in your transition to the new requirements — whether you're introducing new products or hold existing certificates issued by us. Our certification experts closely follow legal developments and provide in-depth knowledge of the new Machinery Regulation. Discover our certification services below, designed to help you secure your compliance with confidence.
Our machinery regulation services
1. Product certification
For new products
Bringing a new product to market? Our certification specialists ensure your design and documentation meet the requirements of the Machinery Regulation from the start.
2. Impact assessment
For existing Liftinstituut-certified products
Do your current products and certificates still comply with the Machinery Regulation? We assess the impact of the regulation and issue a declaration when they do —providing clear proof of continued compliance for your clients
3. Additional eu-type examination
When existing certificates need an update
If your current certificate does not fully meet the new Machinery Regulation requirements, our specialists conduct an additional EU-type examination to ensure continued compliance and market access.
4. Unit verification
For one-off machines requiring assessment
Not producing in series? When only a single machine requires assessment, unit verification is a faster and more efficient alternative to EU-type certification under the new Machinery Regulation. Our experts verify compliance for your unique machine—ensuring safe, legal market entry without unnecessary delays.
The stakes for cybersecurity have never been higher in the dynamic landscape of Industry 4.0. With new regulations such as the Machinery Regulation and the IEC-8100 lift standard recognizing cybersecurity as a critical risk for products and companies, it is imperative to stay ahead of the curve. The global trend towards system and data protection underscores the urgency to address these risks.
As an experienced Notified Body (NoBo) and Accredited Elevator/Escalator Certification Organization (AECO), Liftinstituut helps manufacturers of elevators, escalators, and moving walkways with their product certification. Since our specialists are familiar with more and more widely accepted European regulations and specific North American guidelines, together with you they enable you to launch a product throughout the world.
Will your product meet the codes and standards? Are expensive last-minute product adjustments needed right before launch? For manufacturers of lifts, escalator systems, sub-systems, and safety components, the certification phase can cause uncertainty and significant additional costs. With Liftinstituut’s Pre-Compliance Assessment, the certification process transforms from a bumpy road into a smooth journey.
The stakes for cybersecurity have never been higher in the dynamic landscape of Industry 4.0. With new regulations such as the Machinery Regulation and the IEC-8100 lift standard recognizing cybersecurity as a critical risk for products and companies, it is imperative to stay ahead of the curve. The global trend towards system and data protection underscores the urgency to address these risks.
The current structure of the Elevator Directive and the status of the associated elevator standards provide engineers with the tools and scope for new and innovative PES systems. These systems have already found their way into aviation and the automotive industry, and are now the new game changer for elevators as well. Liftinstituut has plenty of experience in certifying PES systems and is keen to guide you towards PESS certification.
More and more organizations are making demands on the energy consumption of elevators. They want a guarantee from the elevator manufacturer that the energy reduction promised will actually be realized. Using advanced measuring methods, Liftinstituut can help you make your lift's energy performance visible to your customers. Afterwards, Liftinstituut will provide you with a detailed report, an Energy Performance Certificate, and an energy label.
In places where vertical transport is part of the core transport services, such as in subway and train stations and at airports, the downtime of elevators and escalators must be kept to a minimum. For airport and public transport companies the modernization and/or new construction of elevators and escalators is therefore always a precarious process. That is why they want to be sure that all installations run smoothly from the start as well as in the longer term. Liftinstituut helps with the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT).
In the world of elevators and escalators everything revolves around confidence. Passengers rely on safety, continuity, comfort, and minimal waiting times. Building managers and owners trust that new elevators and escalators are installed properly, that maintenance is carried out thoroughly and that modernization plans distinguish between what is necessary and what is desirable. In order to preserve or to verify that confidence, Liftinstituut provides its service Expert Opinion in various areas.
Liftinstituut has now combined all its international training programs under one name: LiftAcademy. It offers a range of courses on vertical transport, related technology, and safety issues. The knowledge provided can be used by all kinds of engineers and managers. Whether they work in the lift industry or elsewhere, these trainings teach participants all around the world about the technology and safety aspects of lifts, escalators, and suspended access equipment.