Machinery Regulation countdown sets the pace at CECE’s September Technical Week

PT 3R opened the week with the Environmental Simplification Package (Omnibus VIII). Members welcomed the fact that several ENVI draft amendments to the EU Batteries Regulation (EUBR) reflect the recommendations CECE sent to the rapporteurs in July, notably the extension of the derogations for replacement batteries to non-road mobile machinery (NRMM). CECE also reaffirmed its call to discontinue the SCIP database, in line with ongoing Orgalim advocacy. On the EUBR implementation, experts discussed the Battery Passport, mandatory for relevant battery categories from 18 February 2027, as well as the draft methodology on recycled content and the Commission’s work on due diligence schemes. On chemicals, members approved CECE’s reaction paper to the SEAC draft opinion on the upcoming PFAS restriction proposal, which will be used for advocacy towards DG ENV and DG GROW in anticipation of the publication of the Commission’s proposal expected by end-2026. Finally, the discussion revolved around the scope of the upcoming ESPR delegated act on iron and steel products, given the uncertainty around the Commission’s intention to eventually regulate also final products. In addition, members were informed of the Commission’s adoption of the final delegated acts on MCCP and LC-PFCA under the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation, as well as the proposal to list aromatic brominated retardants under the Stockhlom Convention on POPs. 

PT Data mainly focused on AI- and Cybersecurity-related policy developments. The Digital Omnibus on AI entered into force on 27 July. Members reviewed the targeted amendments introduced regarding the high-risk AI requirements and obligations as well as the non-high-risk AI requirements that may apply to machinery. The assessment proved particularly useful in light of the Commission’s new mandate to integrate AI-related requirements directly into the Machinery Regulation (MR) through delegated acts. On the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), members took stock that the obligation to report actively exploited vulnerabilities and severe incidents to ENISA and the national CSIRT started applying on 11 September 2026. PT Data members were also informed of the progress made by the CECE’s Ad-hoc Group on the CRA support period. Members also questioned the continued need for the CRA paper-based simplified declaration of conformity (DoC) now that the MR is moving to digital documentation. On the Digital Omnibus, members reviewed the Parliament’s amendments to the Data Act, focusing on trade secret protection and on data holders’ rights to re-use and share non-personal data. 

PT Machinery reviewed progress on the MR Guide to Application, with drafting advancing on several requirements, seven of which are in the final stages: vibration, AI-powered safety functions, digital instructions, protection against corruption, risk of contact with overhead powerlines, seating and safety components. The aim is to see them finalised and validated during the October Machinery Expert Group, following the Editorial Group meeting planned for 29 September. CECE remains highly involved, both at subgroup level and in the MEG on 22 October. There, the Secretariat will also give a short presentation to discuss with the group and find a way forward on the Declaration of Conformity during the Machinery Directive/ Machinery Regulation (MR) transitional period, as manufacturers cannot currently state the date of citation of harmonised standards that have not yet been cited under the MR. October is a key month for the Secretariat, and therefore for the group, with participation in the CEN-CENELEC Coordination Group on Machinery (6–7 October), the MEG and a series of Orgalim meetings. On standardisation, the group agreed that a few clarifications are needed and the Secretariat will raise questions on them. These include whether Approaches A and B of EN 50742 (machinery cybersecurity) can be mixed, and how EN ISO 12100 will be cited given the diverging ISO and CEN ballot results. Discussions are also expected on the Standardisation Regulation proposal, published on 6 October, and on the postponement of the publication of the NLF/market surveillance proposal, theoretically by 9 December. CECE will remain highly involved in the work around these proposals, with a particular focus on the Market Surveillance Regulation.  

Members also shared concerns about non-compliant machines bearing imitation of CE markings on the EU market. Finally, Omnibus IV is awaiting formal adoption and publication. 

The Technical Commission met on 23 September to review the PT reports and the updated mapping of CECE dossiers for 2026–27. Members were informed that iCEMA will host the 37th JTLM in India in June 2027, tentatively (exact dates to be confirmed), and that the CECE Policy Conference will take place in Brussels on 18 March 2027. In his Brexit update, Dale Camsell (CEA) reported that new UK regulations will allow CE-marked machinery that complies with the EU Machinery Regulation to be placed on the GB market from 20 January 2027. The updated UKCA requirements, however, will not be ready by that date. He also presented the UK call for evidence on a Digital Product Record, comparable to the EU Digital Product Passport, and the outcome of the UK consultation on persistent organic pollutants. Final preparations for the CECE Congress 2026, taking place in London on 27–29 October, completed the agenda. 

The next CECE Technical Week will take place from 30 November to 3 December 2026 in Brussels.