The EU Machinery Regulation (MR), which takes full effect in January 2027, will significantly rewrite the rulebook governing machine safety and compliance across Europe. Replacing the 20-year-old Machinery Directive, it introduces a single, directly applicable framework for all member states, removing national variations for a unified compliance approach.
In essence, the regulation is about aligning machine safety with today’s industrial reality. Machines are no longer standalone assets; they are connected, data-driven, and increasingly integrated into wider digital ecosystems. In this context, safety and security must evolve away from being reactive, and instead be approached continuously and proactively.
Protecting against digital vulnerabilities
A key change introduced by the MR is the requirement to incorporate cybersecurity into machine risk assessments. Machine builders and operators must evaluate how digital threats could affect the safe operation of machinery and take appropriate steps to mitigate those risks.
The EN 50742 Protection Against Corruption standard provides guidance on how to approach this. It outlines how to assess cybersecurity risks and defines the types of security features that should be built into machinery. For most manufacturers, aligning with this standard will provide a clear, efficient path to demonstrating compliance.
The requirements also introduce stricter expectations around traceability and accountability. Machine components that rely on safety software or parameters, such as safety PLCs or drive-based safety functions, must automatically record any safety-related interventions, with each change logged immediately after the change occurs. These records must be retained for at least five years to ensure a clear history of intervention.
In line with EN 50742, each machine or component is also required to keep a record of the latest intervention in each category, covering updates to safety parameters, safety software, and safety-related application software.
Preparing in time
Although the 2027 deadline seems distant, preparing for the MR requires organizations to both understand and implement the new requirements before then. The challenge is twofold: not only must organizations incorporate cybersecurity into machine safety risk assessments, but they must also demonstrate that their findings have been put into practice.
This often requires a combination of system upgrades and internal process adjustments. Companies need to define how safety interventions are logged, where data is stored, and how documentation is maintained and updated over time.
Although awareness of the MR is increasing, it remains low given the deadline’s proximity. Recently, some of our PLC and drive customers approached us with initial questions, though these tend to focus on product compliance timelines rather than the more detailed improvements needed in machine risk assessments and documentation.
Larger manufacturers with dedicated compliance resources are beginning to take structured action. However, many smaller machine builders are only just recognizing the urgency and the need to move quickly within a short timeframe.
The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), which addresses network security across a wide range of connected products, adds more complexity to the regulatory landscape. While the CRA and Machinery Regulation share the same intent, they serve different purposes and are not interchangeable. The MR focuses specifically on cybersecurity risks that impact machine safety, whereas the CRA takes a broader approach, covering the security and data integrity of everyday connected devices such as laptops and mobile phones.
A mutual responsibility
While the MR sets clear requirements for manufacturers, responsibility continues throughout the machine lifecycle. Once a compliant machine is in operation, responsibility shifts to the end user, particularly when additional digital capabilities are introduced later.
For example, adding remote access, cloud connectivity, or digital services to a machine originally commissioned under the Machinery Directive may be considered a substantial modification. This can trigger the need for a new cycle of assessment and documentation.
Planning such changes early is essential, as each machine presents a unique risk profile depending on its use, environment, and level of connectivity. Starting early allows proper risk assessment and mitigation, rather than rushing to meet requirements at the last minute.
At the same time, cybersecurity should not overshadow the importance of physical safeguards. Restricting access to control systems, managing user permissions, and limiting the use of removable media all contribute to protecting connected safety systems. The basic security practice of network segmentation, which helps to reduce risk by separating networks and limiting potential points of exposure, is equally critical.
Expert support every step of the way
At ABB, we’re working closely with customers to help them meet the requirements of the Machinery Regulation with confidence. Our core automation portfolio, including drives, PLCs, and motors, aligns with the latest regulatory expectations and is supported by clear security-focused documentation.
ABB provides components pre-certified to EN 50742, with built-in capabilities such as automatic logging of safety-related interventions and features designed to meet MR requirements, helping machine builders streamline compliance and avoid costly redesigns later in the process.
As the industrial sector advances toward secure-by-design technologies – with devices such as drives and PLCs increasingly expected to hold independent third-party certification – meeting technical standards is only one part of the challenge. ABB also supports customers globally through its extensive service network, offering expert guidance and local-language support to help manufacturers interpret and comply with the regulation.
From compliance to competitive advantage
While the Machinery Regulation may initially appear to be just another layer of administration, it ultimately supports a safer, more connected industrial ecosystem. Cybersecurity is not a barrier to digital transformation but a prerequisite for it. Only when manufacturers can rely on the integrity of their systems can data-driven automation deliver its full value.
Taking action now by assessing cybersecurity risks, documenting them thoroughly, strengthening processes, and building compliance into everyday practices will ensure readiness for 2027 and position organizations for long-term success in an increasingly connected world.
To learn more about how the Machinery Regulation will affect your operations and how to prepare, contact ABB’s experts for tailored advice and support.
