EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230: Cybersecurity Obligations for Manufacturers

The European Union is reshaping machinery safety rules with the introduction of the EU Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, which will apply from January 2027. One of the most significant updates is the requirement for manufacturers to integrate cybersecurity into machinery safety.

As more machines become networked, automated, and computer-controlled, the risks of tampering, software corruption, and cyber-attacks increase. The new regulation ensures that machinery safety now also includes protection against digital threats, making cybersecurity in machinery design as important as mechanical and electrical safety.

What Does the EU Machinery Regulation Enforce?

The EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 introduces specific cybersecurity obligations for manufacturers. Key requirements include:

• Protection against corruption: Safety-related control systems and software must be immune to both accidental failures and deliberate cyber-attacks.
• Safe connections: IoT, networked functions, and remote access features must not create hazardous situations.
• Logging and traceability: Systems must log interventions to detect and trace tampering.
• Lifecycle security: Cybersecurity measures, updates, and protective mechanisms must be maintained throughout the machine’s lifecycle.

These provisions elevate cybersecurity in machinery safety to the same level of importance as mechanical and electrical safeguards, reinforcing compliance with EU legislation.

Standards Supporting Cybersecurity in Machinery

Compliance will be guided by harmonised and international standards, including:

• EN 50742: European standard under development addressing corruption protection in machinery and safety components.
• ISO/CD 24882: Cybersecurity engineering for agricultural machinery, covering risks throughout the product lifecycle.
• IEC 62443: Widely recognised for industrial automation and control system cybersecurity, providing a solid foundation for implementing security controls.

The EU Machinery Regulation also aligns with broader EU initiatives such as the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and NIS2 Directive, ensuring manufacturers address both product and supply chain cybersecurity.

Why This Matters to Manufacturers

For machinery manufacturers, the EU Machinery Regulation means:

• Cybersecurity must be integrated into the risk assessment process during design and development.
• CE marking
  will require proof of cybersecurity robustness in addition to mechanical and electrical compliance.
• Ongoing compliance is mandatory, requiring manufacturers to maintain protective measures throughout the lifecycle.

Failure to comply could delay EU market access or create liability issues in the event of accidents. Preparing early is critical for manufacturers aiming to stay competitive.

How Nemko Can Help

Adapting to new EU regulatory requirements can be complex, but Nemko is ready to support you. With decades of expertise in cybersecurity testing, product testing, and global market access, Nemko helps manufacturers prepare for the EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230.

While Nemko currently acts as a Notified Body under the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC), we have not yet been designated as a Notified Body under the new Machinery Regulation. What we do offer is the testing, risk assessment, and advisory services manufacturers need to prepare for these requirements and achieve market access.

Our services include:

• Cybersecurity risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and align with EU requirements.
• Testing against relevant standards, including IEC 62443 cybersecurity testing.
• Support in CE marking preparation, ensuring machinery meets new cybersecurity and safety obligations.
• Advisory and training services to help your teams integrate cybersecurity into machinery design and lifecycle management.

As your trusted regulatory partner, Nemko helps you reduce risks, accelerate compliance, and enter the European market with confidence.

Cybersecurity is no longer optional in machinery design—it is a fundamental part of safety. With the EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 setting a firm deadline in 2027, the time to prepare is now.

Contact Nemko today  to learn how we can guide your compliance journey, strengthen your product security, and help you bring safer, cyber-resilient machinery to the European market.