E-bike CE marking and e-scooter rules in the EU
E-bike CE marking and e-scooter rules in the EU: which vehicles need type approval, which fall under machinery law, and what 2027 brings for batteries.
Machinery: from the Directive to the Machinery Regulation
Machinery needs CE marking and a business in the EU that holds the documents. From 20 January 2027 the Machinery Regulation replaces the Directive, with new rules for high-risk machines, control systems and instructions.
- Machinery DirectiveDirective 2006/42/EC
- Machinery RegulationRegulation (EU) 2023/1230Applies from 20 January 2027
- Market Surveillance RegulationRegulation (EU) 2019/1020
- EMC DirectiveDirective 2014/30/EU
- Radio Equipment DirectiveDirective 2014/53/EU
- Cyber Resilience ActRegulation (EU) 2024/2847Applies from 11 December 2027
Three key facts on machinery
2027
Regulation applies
From 20 January 2027 Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 replaces Directive 2006/42/EC for machines placed on the market.
6
Always with a notified body
Six high-risk categories in Annex I Part A always need a notified body.
10 years
Documents on file
Technical documentation and declaration of conformity are kept for at least 10 years.
Who does what
Machinery falls under Art. 4 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1020. The Machinery Regulation lets you appoint an authorized representative by written mandate (Art. 12).
You, the manufacturer
- Risk assessment, design and testing
- Technical file and declaration of conformity or incorporation
- Instructions, CE marking and type plate
- Notified body procedure for Annex I machinery where required
Written mandate
Representa, your EU Authorized Representative
- Keeps declaration and technical file available for at least 10 years
- Answers reasoned requests from authorities
- Cooperates on measures against risks
- Our name and address on machine, packaging or documents
Deadlines ahead
The next dates from the rules on this page.
Reporting of actively exploited vulnerabilities and severe incidents
Cyber Resilience Act
2 October 2026
Machinery Regulation replaces the Machinery Directive
Machinery Regulation
All Cyber Resilience Act requirements apply
Cyber Resilience Act
How we help
EU Authorized Representative
We act as your EU Authorized Representative and hold your machinery documents for authorities.
CE marking support
We check your technical file and declaration against the Directive and the new Regulation.
Compliance consulting
We plan the switch to the Machinery Regulation for your product range.
Free compliance guide: 5 steps to enter the EU market
Download our free checklist and learn what you need before selling in Europe.
- 01Classification
- 02Documentation
- 03Representative
- 04Labeling
- 05Ongoing compliance
Machinery: frequently asked questions
Do I need an EU Authorized Representative for machinery?
The Machinery Regulation does not require one, but Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 requires a business in the EU for machinery. Without an EU importer, an authorized representative fills that role.
When does the Machinery Regulation apply?
From 20 January 2027. Machines placed on the market from that date must meet Regulation (EU) 2023/1230.
Does my machine need a notified body?
Under the Machinery Regulation, only machinery listed in Annex I. Part A always needs one; Part B can use internal production control if harmonised standards or common specifications covering all relevant requirements are applied. All other machinery uses internal production control.
Does the Low Voltage Directive apply to my machine?
Not separately. The machinery rules cover electrical hazards with the safety objectives of the Low Voltage Directive, so the machine's declaration of conformity does not list it. Electrical equipment from 50 V AC or 75 V DC sold on its own, such as motors or switchgear, falls under the Low Voltage Directive.
Can instructions be digital only?
From 2027 they may be digital, but a paper copy must be supplied free of charge if the buyer asks for it at the time of purchase. For machinery that non-professional users may use, the essential safety information also comes on paper.
What about partly completed machinery?
It carries no CE marking. You issue a declaration of incorporation and assembly instructions, and the builder of the final machine completes the conformity assessment.
Insights on this topic
Partly completed machinery: what to supply
Partly completed machinery in the EU: when robots and drive units qualify, what the declaration of incorporation must contain and what changes in 2027.
Machinery Regulation 2027: checklist for non-EU makers
Machinery Regulation 2027: what applies from 20 January 2027, which units still fall under the old Directive, and a seven-step checklist for non-EU makers.
Why companies choose Representa GmbH
Representa secured our EU Authorized Representative appointment within 48 hours, saving our shipment from costly delay.
U.S. electronic device manufacturerEU Authorized Representative They turned the CE Marking process into clear, actionable steps, helping us meet our launch timeline and pass compliance the first time.
Canadian consumer electronics companyCE marking Thanks to Representa, our products became fully GPSR-compliant well before the deadline, ensuring uninterrupted marketplace sales.
Asian consumer and healthcare exporterGPSR Responsible Person Our beauty cosmetics line faced labeling issues, but Representa's quick review and precise updates got us approved without delay.
Global beauty, fashion and cosmetics brandCompliance consulting The onboarding was fast and transparent. Representa made EU compliance simple and gave us confidence to expand across Europe.
Canadian industrial equipment supplier We were unsure how to manage new GPSR rules. Representa guided us step by step, keeping us fully compliant and avoiding delays.
U.S. consumer goods manufacturerGPSR Responsible Person
Is your machine ready for the Machinery Regulation?
Send us your machine types and markets. We check your documents for the Machinery Regulation and set up your EU representation.
Get in touch with our team of experts
Tell us what you manufacture and where you want to sell. We identify the requirements for EU and UK market access and come back to you with the next steps.