Key Takeaways
- The European manufacturing industry is calling for fair digital rules in machinery, led by CECIMO and partner associations.
- The current Omnibus IV proposal excludes the machinery sector from a 24-month transitional period for digital Declaration of Conformity (DoC).
- The industry urges a more pragmatic approach, seeking a level playing field in digital compliance and realistic implementation timelines.
- A 24-month transitional period is essential for companies to implement necessary technical and digital infrastructure.
- The industry advocates for a more flexible approach to digital documentation, ensuring security and ease of retrieval.
Introduction to Omnibus IV
The European manufacturing industry, led by CECIMO and partner associations, is urging EU co-legislators to adopt a more pragmatic and fair approach towards the Omnibus IV simplification package. While the industry supports the transition to a "digital by default" regulatory framework, the current proposal risks imposing disproportionate burdens on the machinery sector.
The Need for a Level Playing Field
The machinery sector, governed by the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, is excluded from the 24-month transitional period for the mandatory digital Declaration of Conformity (DoC). This discrepancy creates an unjustified administrative hurdle for a sector characterized by long development cycles and complex supply chains. In contrast, other product sectors are given a 24-month transitional period to adapt to the new digital requirements.
| Sector | Transitional Period |
|---|---|
| Machinery | 0 months |
| Other product sectors | 24 months |
A Call for Realistic Implementation Timelines
Digitalization should be a catalyst for efficiency, not a source of legal uncertainty. The industry urges the European Commission, Parliament, and Council to align the machinery sector with all other product groups. A 24-month transitional period is essential to allow companies, particularly SMEs, to implement the necessary technical and digital infrastructure without disrupting production or facing immediate, unmanageable compliance costs.
Enhancing Security and Flexibility in Digital Documentation
The joint industry statement also highlights concerns regarding the "direct access" obligation for QR codes. Requiring every digital link to point directly to an individual DoC raises significant security concerns and increases the risk of forgery. Industry stakeholders advocate for a more flexible approach in which the Declaration of Conformity remains electronically accessible in formats that ensure integrity and ease of retrieval without compromising cybersecurity.
Bottom Line
The European manufacturing industry is calling for a more pragmatic and fair approach towards the Omnibus IV simplification package. The industry seeks a level playing field in digital compliance, realistic implementation timelines, and a more flexible approach to digital documentation. By adopting a more balanced approach, the EU can ensure that the machinery sector can thrive in a digitalized economy, while maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance.