Learn when machinery needs a declaration of conformity, what information it contains and which checks should happen before signature.
What is a declaration of conformity?
The declaration is a legal document prepared at the end of the applicable conformity assessment procedure. The current Machinery Directive refers to the EC Declaration of Conformity; the Machinery Regulation uses the term EU Declaration of Conformity.
It is not a certificate from DME-CE or automatic proof that every technical decision is correct. The signing manufacturer or authorised representative assumes responsibility for its accuracy and the underlying conformity.
When should you prepare it?
Prepare the declaration only after applicable EU rules have been determined, the risk assessment and technical documentation are complete, and the relevant conformity assessment procedure has been successfully performed. The delivered machinery must match the configuration identified in the file.
Partly completed machinery uses a separate declaration of incorporation and must be supplied with assembly instructions. Do not confuse that document with a declaration of conformity for completed machinery.
What information does it commonly contain?
Always follow the content requirements of the legislation that applies when the product is placed on the market. For machinery, the declaration commonly includes the following information.
The manufacturer’s full name and address and, where applicable, its authorised representative
An unambiguous identification and description of the machinery
A statement that the declaration is issued under sole responsibility
The applicable EU directives and regulations
Applied harmonised standards or other technical specifications, where relevant
Details of a notified body and procedure, where applicable
The place and date of issue
The name, function and signature of the authorised person
Checks before signing
Compare the type, model, serial number and other identifiers with both the machinery and technical file. Confirm that all listed legislation was actually assessed and that standards are referenced accurately, including the relevant version.
Verify the signatory’s authority, required language and the process for controlling changes after release. A copied model number or legal reference can disconnect the declaration from the correct technical file.
What changes under the Machinery Regulation?
From 20 January 2027, Annex V, Part A of Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 sets the content of the EU Declaration of Conformity for machinery and related products. Subject to conditions, the Regulation permits digital access through an internet address or machine-readable code.
The transition is not a reason to issue declarations under the wrong legislation early. The applicable framework depends on when the specific product is placed on the market or put into service.
How DME-CE supports the Declaration of Conformity
DME-CE reuses information already recorded in the product or project dossier, including machinery identification, manufacturer details and the applicable legal framework. Directives and regulations assessed through the questionnaire and legislation checklist therefore provide the basis for a structured Declaration of Conformity.
While preparing the declaration, the team can verify that product details, applicable legislation, standards and any conformity procedure information align with the underlying risk assessment and supporting evidence. This avoids repeatedly copying the same information and reduces inconsistencies between the declaration and technical file.
The declaration can be submitted for review within the workflow. Comments, changes and revisions remain traceable, showing which content was checked and which version was ultimately released. The final declaration is included with the other technical documentation in the exportable CE dossier.
DME-CE does not sign the declaration or issue a CE certificate. The authorised person acting for the manufacturer remains responsible for final verification, signature and the accuracy of the declared conformity.