[1] Its main intent is to ensure a common safety level in machinery placed on the market or put in service in all member states and to ensure freedom of movement within the European Union by stating that "member states shall not prohibit, restrict or impede the placing on the market and/or putting into service in their territory of machinery which complies with [the] Directive".
It applies to products designed to be sold (or enabled) in the European Union for the first time.
It addresses manufacturers, importers, and dealers of machinery and safety components and applies to new equipment.
The Directive 2006/42/EC lays down the foundation and regulatory basis for the harmonization of Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSR) in the field of machinery at the Community level.
No transition period took place in 2009, because manufacturers had more than three years to anticipate these developments and be aware of new requirements.
Changes in relation to the Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSR) of the previous directive do not deeply change the Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSR).