Scope machinery instructions under Directive 2006/42/EC and plan for Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, principally applicable from 20 January 2027.
View references (3) ↓Documentation in the destination language
As of this review, Directive 2006/42/EC remains relevant to machinery placed on the EU market. Its Annex I section 1.7.4 addresses destination-language instructions and identification of translated instructions. Specialist maintenance instructions have a specific exception; confirm whether it applies rather than extending it to operator instructions.
Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 principally applies from 20 January 2027 and repeals the Directive from that date, while some provisions apply earlier and transitional rules affect existing products. Record the placement-on-market date and applicable regime with the conformity owner.
Keep the instruction package identifiable
Under the Directive, translated instructions need the appropriate translation designation and must be accompanied by the original instructions. Check the source revision, manufacturer-verified original and delivered language versions together.
Digital instructions under the new Regulation involve conditions; do not assume a download alone replaces paper obligations for every product or user.
| Decision | Record |
|---|---|
| Applicable regime | Product scope, placement date and transition decision. |
| Language package | Destination languages, original instructions and translation designation. |
| Release controls | Warning placement, references, version IDs and required delivery medium. |
A Chinese review copy for the China team
If a China-based engineering team also needs a Chinese review copy, list it as a separate deliverable and agree its source version, intended readers and review scope. This working copy is distinct from the EU destination-language instruction package. For operator instructions, use the existing operating-manual preparation guide.
Safety terms map to standards
Check safety terms against the source wording, the cited standard and any terminology decisions approved for the project. Record a disputed term with its source location so the designated technical reviewer can confirm the intended meaning.
Keep approved target-language choices linked to the source version and the relevant manual or interface reference. Use the termbase to record decisions, while checking each complete instruction in its actual context.
Collaborative robots raise the stakes
For equipment intended to operate near people, identify the passages describing limits, guarding and permitted interaction. Name the technical reviewer who can resolve source questions for these instructions.
For safety-related content, agree the review scope and any QA records or report needed for the project. Assess operator training and general manuals for safety consequences too; a document title alone does not determine the review scope.
Questions
Which languages do we need?
Can you keep our InDesign or FrameMaker layout?
How do we keep manuals and interface text consistent?
Can we request a Chinese engineering review copy alongside the EU instructions?
Sources
- Directive 2006/42/EC — Machinery DirectiveAnnex I section 1.7.4 covers instructions, translation identification and the original instructions, with a specialist-maintenance exception.
- Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 — Machinery RegulationArticles 51–54: main application and repeal date 20 January 2027, with earlier provisions and transitional rules.
- European Commission — MachineryOfficial overview of the transition from Directive 2006/42/EC to Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, including the principal application date and conditions for digital instructions.