Substantial modification, according to Directive 2006/42/EC, only concerns machinery that has already been placed on the market. This distinction is very important in order to determine, following modifications made to the specific machine, whether a recertification of conformity is necessary, or whether it can continue to be used without additional intervention.

A substantial modification is any change to the machine that significantly affects its health and safety characteristics. A substantial modification is one that increases the risks of the machine: different or higher performance, change of function, fewer guards than before…

In short, a substantial modification changes the properties of the machine to such an extent that a new conformity assessment is mandatory. In fact, a substantially modified machine has to be assessed as an entirely new machine; at the end of the assessment, if the product is found to be compliant, a new EC declaration and a new nameplate must be issued.

The main difference between substantial and non-substantial modification, in short, lies in the impact that the modification has on the risks associated with the machine itself.

At Advolo, we provide you with a team of experts in the field who can assist you from design to certification in accordance with the applicable product directives. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information at: commerciale@advolo.it