The European Commission has updated the list of harmonised standards used to demonstrate compliance with EU machinery rules, affecting packaging equipment manufacturers and users across the region.
The move, set out in Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/546, revises which technical standards can be used to meet the essential health and safety requirements of EU legislation.
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The update is part of the EU’s ongoing effort to keep machinery safety rules aligned with current technology and industry practice. For the packaging sector, this means changes to the standards used for design, installation and operation of packaging machines and integrated lines.
Updated standards list
The decision amends the official list of harmonised standards under the EU Machinery Directive, which supports CE marking for machinery placed on the EU market. Harmonised standards provide a recognised route for manufacturers to show that equipment meets legal safety requirements.
Several standards have been added, revised or withdrawn. This includes standards relevant to packaging machinery, such as those covering automated systems, handling equipment and production lines.
When a standard is updated or replaced, manufacturers must ensure they are using the latest version to maintain presumption of conformity.
For packaging equipment suppliers, this update may require a review of current technical documentation, risk assessments and design specifications.
Impact on compliance
The revised standards directly affect how packaging machinery compliance is demonstrated in the EU. Manufacturers that rely on harmonised standards for CE marking need to check whether their current processes align with the updated list.
Where a standard has been withdrawn, there may be a transition period. After this, using the outdated version will no longer provide automatic presumption of conformity.
Companies may then need to apply alternative methods to prove compliance, which can increase administrative and technical workload.
The changes also affect importers and end users. Businesses placing packaging equipment on the EU market must ensure that machinery complies with the updated framework. This is particularly relevant for global suppliers exporting to Europe.
What companies should do
Packaging industry stakeholders are expected to assess how the updated EU standards affect their operations. This includes reviewing which harmonised standards apply to specific types of packaging equipment, such as filling machines, sealing systems and palletising units.
Manufacturers may need to update technical files, user manuals and conformity declarations. In some cases, equipment design or safety features may need adjustment to align with revised requirements.
Industry bodies often advise early review of standards updates to avoid disruption. Keeping track of EU machinery compliance developments is becoming more important as regulatory frameworks continue to evolve.
The latest decision reflects a broader trend towards stricter and more up-to-date safety standards across industrial sectors, including packaging. For companies operating internationally, aligning with EU requirements remains a key part of accessing the European market.
