UKCA Machinery Regulations

The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 (UK Machinery Regulations) are the UK’s equivalent of the European Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.

The UK Machinery Regulations was the way that the European Machinery Directive was enacted into British Law.  Whilst Brexit has broken the direct connection between the UK Machinery Regulations and the EU Machinery Directive, the requirements of both remain almost identical.

The UK Machinery Regulations continue to ensure that all mechanical and electro-mechanical products placed on the market in the UK are safe and pose minimal risk to human health. and, where appropriate, of domestic animals and goods, notably in relation to the risks arising out of the use of machinery.

The Regulations address risks from noise, radiation and electrical hazards posed by mechanical and electro-mechanical devices, including all machinery, interchangeable equipment, and safety components.

To indicate conformity with the UK Machinery Regulations, products must carry a UKCA Mark. That Mark must be supported by both a valid UK Declaration of Conformity and a UK Technical File.

Whether it be for domestic, commercial, or industrial use, all machinery placed on the market or brought into service in the UK must comply with the Machinery Regulations.*

The Regulations define ‘Machinery’ as any item of equipment that contains a linkage of parts that moves under power for a purpose. The Regulations also apply to assemblies that aren’t whole machines, and groups of assemblies or machines that function together for a common purpose, such as production lines.

In addition to this, the Regulations also brings into scope interchangeable equipment, safety components, lifting accessories such as chains, ropes and webbing, removable mechanical transmission devices and partly completed machinery.

If the Regulations apply to your product, you are legally required to meet their Essential Health and Safety Requirements (ESHRs). You have the option of either addressing the EHSRs directly or demonstrating conformity by meeting the appropriate British Designated Standards.

For products or equipment that falls under Annex IV of the Regulations, the responsible party must either be able to demonstrate conformity in full to the applicable British Designated Standard(s) or use a UK Approved Body to confirm conformity via the completion of a UK Type Examination.

Whatever method for demonstrating conformity a responsible party follows, they will need to prepare a full UK Technical File containing evidence of compliance with the requirements of the UK Machinery Regulations. In most cases that Technical File will need to include valid test & design data.

Important Note on CE and UKCA Marking

* The UK Government has announced a transition period during which valid CE marking remains acceptable for certain products. Manufacturers should monitor regulatory updates and plan for long-term UKCA compliance.