Making Sense of Machine Standards: From Global to Local

Equipment manufacturers must pay attention to the standards that apply to their location of operation to stay compliant. Machine designers may benefit by establishing contact with individuals who have in-depth knowledge of the regulations in target markets.

Suppliers should consider international, national, regional, and local requirements for standards to maintain effective machine compliance.
Suppliers should consider international, national, regional, and local requirements for standards to maintain effective machine compliance.
PMMI Business Intelligence: 2025 The Impact of Global and Local Standards on OEMs & Suppliers

Standards provide OEMs a common ground for best practices related to machine safety and functionality. Yet, to effectively follow best practices, manufacturers must be in touch with the standards in their geographic location of business.

That’s according to PMMI Business Intelligence’s “The Impact of Global and Local Standards on OEMs & Suppliers,” a white paper that discusses why standards are important to machinery builders, what core standards are relevant to packaging and processing, how to determine what standard(s) to follow, and what is currently happening with standards. The report also includes a list of links to standards, documents, and resources that PMMI offers to its members.

Attention to standards is essential to doing business in a specific region, the Business Intelligence team notes. For example, machinery intended for the European Economic Area must conform to the applicable EU regulations, particularly those related to CE Marking requirements. European Standards, or European Norms, which carry an EN designation, may also apply.

Regulations with CE Marking requirements that apply to packaging machinery include the Machinery Regulation, the Low Voltage Directive, and the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive. Other directives also may apply, such as the Equipment for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Directive (ATEX).

Moreover, it is important to consider national and local requirements. Machine designers may benefit by establishing contact with individuals who have in-depth knowledge of the regulations in target markets.

Local requirements may also impact machine designs. For example, Cook County, Ill., (Chicago) has stringent electrical requirements, whereas Los Angeles has seismic requirements.

SOURCE: PMMI Business Intelligence: 2025 The Impact of Global and Local Standards on OEMs & Suppliers

For more insights from PMMI’s Business Intelligence team, find reports, including “2025 Performance Optimization: Insights for Packaging Line Readiness” and “2025 Aftermarket Parts & Services  at pmmi.org/business-intelligence

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