CE marking (Conformité Européenne) is a mandatory conformity mark for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA). For industrial equipment including net machines and textile machinery, CE certification demonstrates compliance with EU safety, health, and environmental protection requirements. However, the certification landscape is changing dramatically in 2027.
The Five-Step CE Certification Process
According to the official EU guidance, obtaining CE marking involves five critical steps: First, identify applicable EU requirements by determining which directives or regulations cover your product (for machinery, this is the Machinery Regulation). Second, decide between self-assessment or Notified Body involvement—under the new regulation, most industrial equipment will require third-party certification. Third, gather technical documentation including design specifications, risk assessments, and test reports. Fourth, draft an EU Declaration of Conformity stating your product meets all applicable requirements. Fifth, affix the CE mark visibly on the product (minimum 5mm height) [2].
CE Certification: Old Directive vs. New Regulation (2027 Changes)
| Aspect | Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC | Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 |
|---|
| Legal Form | Directive (implemented differently per country) | Regulation (uniform across all EU member states) |
| Self-Declaration | Allowed for many products | Restricted—Notified Body required for AI/cyber-connected machines |
| Cybersecurity | Not addressed | Mandatory cybersecurity concept and documentation |
| Documentation | Paper-based traditional format | Digital documentation explicitly permitted |
| Risk Assessment | Basic safety assessment | Lifecycle risk assessment including software updates |
| Responsibility | Original manufacturer | Modifier/upgrader becomes manufacturer legally |
| Transition Period | N/A | 42 months from publication (ends January 2027) |
Source: Intertek analysis of EU Machinery Regulation changes, CADFEM cybersecurity requirements overview
Six Critical Changes Taking Effect January 20, 2027
1. AI and Machine Learning Classified as High-Risk: Equipment incorporating AI or machine learning capabilities will automatically be classified as high-risk, requiring mandatory Notified Body assessment. This affects modern net machines with automated quality control systems.
2. No More Self-Declaration for Connected Equipment: Machines with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, software control, or data transmission capabilities can no longer be self-certified. Third-party Notified Body involvement is mandatory, adding cost and time but improving credibility.
3. Cybersecurity Becomes Mandatory: Manufacturers must develop a cybersecurity concept, provide software documentation, and maintain a 5-year incident response plan. This is perhaps the most significant expansion of CE scope [1].
4. Digital Documentation Allowed: Technical files and declarations can now be maintained digitally, reducing paperwork burden for international suppliers.
5. Modifier Becomes Manufacturer: Any party that significantly modifies or upgrades machinery assumes legal manufacturer responsibility, including full CE compliance obligations.
6. Regulation vs. Directive: As a Regulation (not Directive), the new rules apply uniformly across all EU member states without national implementation variations, simplifying compliance for exporters.
