Anyone bringing machinery into Cyprus from outside the European Union, whether for professional or personal use, must ensure it complies with EU safety rules and arrives with the required documentation, or its import will not be permitted. The Department of Labour Inspection issued the reminder ahead of Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 on machinery, which will apply in all EU member states from 14 January 2027, replacing Directive 2006/42/EC.
The Department stressed that machinery from the United Kingdom is treated in the same way as machinery from any other non-EU country.
What importers must be able to show
The import of new or used machinery into Cyprus from countries outside the EU requires minimum proof of compliance.
The machinery must carry indelible, visible and legible marking with the name and details of the machinery and its manufacturer, as well as the CE marking.
It must be accompanied by an EU Declaration of Conformity, in printed form or digitally through a QR code or link, and by instructions for use and safety information in Greek.
The manufacturer, and a person designated by the manufacturer within the EU, must also hold the technical documentation. This file does not have to be submitted during the initial customs inspection.
Digital documents and instructions
Among the main changes is the option of providing the EU Declaration of Conformity digitally. Manufacturers will also be able to provide instructions for use in digital form, for example through a QR code or link on the product.
If a buyer requests printed instructions at the time of purchase, the manufacturer must provide them free of charge within one month.
Very high-risk machinery
For certain very high-risk machines, manufacturers' self-assessment is being abolished. The involvement of a Notified Body will be mandatory.
Artificial intelligence and protection against hacking
The new Regulation also covers machinery that uses artificial intelligence systems for safety functions.
Machinery control systems must be designed to protect against deliberate or accidental external interference, such as hacking through the internet or malicious software.
Autonomous machinery and legal responsibilities
Stricter requirements are introduced for the human-machine interface and for the safety of autonomous mobile machinery. The legal responsibilities of manufacturers, importers and distributors are also precisely defined.
Modifying existing machinery
If a natural or legal person makes a "substantial modification" to existing machinery, changing its use or its degree of risk, that person is now considered the manufacturer. As a result, the entire CE marking and technical documentation procedure must be carried out again.
Machinery from Great Britain
The import of new and used machinery from Great Britain requires a complete conformity assessment procedure under Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, the issuance of an EU Declaration of Conformity and the affixing of the CE marking, as applies to any other third country.
Documents referring to Directive 2006/42/EC, which will be repealed, will not be accepted.
What happens if documentation is missing
The Department calls on importers to study the provisions of the new Regulation and check that the machinery they order is manufactured in accordance with European health and safety specifications and is accompanied by all the required documentation.
Otherwise, the machinery will be considered unsuitable and its import will not be permitted.
