Machinery. Recast

The committee unanimously adopted the report by Rainer WIELAND (EPP-ED, D) which tabled a large number of mainly technical amendments to the proposal (codecision procedure, 1st reading) with the aim of clarifying the text and improving consumer and health protection standards. On the key issue of the CE marking, the committee called for a ban on affixing misleading markings or signs to machinery and also urged Member States to recognise the CE marking as the only official confirmation that machinery complies with the directive. At the same time, the committee favoured the right for Member States to support voluntary certification and marking schemes on the grounds that voluntary schemes devised by consumer organisations or manufacturers can contribute to quality and help boost consumer confidence. Other amendments sought to exclude various types of machinery from the scope of the directive and to clarify manufacturers' and importers' obligations regarding matters such as safety and the provision of information. �