European manufacturing industries, led by CECIMO and partner associations, are calling on EU co-legislators to adopt a more pragmatic and fair approach towards the Omnibus IV simplification package. While the industry fully supports the transition to a “digital by default” regulatory framework, the current proposal risks imposing disproportionate burdens on the machinery sector by excluding it from essential transition periods granted to other industries.
The need for a level playing field in digital compliance
Under the current Omnibus IV proposal, the machinery sector—governed by the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230—is the only one excluded from the 24-month transitional period for the mandatory digital Declaration of Conformity (DoC). While other product sectors are being given two years to adapt, machinery manufacturers are expected to comply immediately by January 2027. This discrepancy creates an unjustified administrative hurdle for a sector characterized by long development cycles and complex supply chains.
A call for realistic implementation timelines
Digitalisation 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.
Strengthening Europe’s industrial future
“Our goal is a digital transition that strengthens, rather than weakens, Europe’s industrial base,” the statement concludes. By ensuring Omnibus IV delivers practical, workable measures, EU institutions can foster a more competitive, innovative, and data-driven Single Market. The machinery industry remains committed to working alongside EU policymakers to achieve a balanced framework that truly simplifies compliance for all operators.
