Review the 2027 timetable for your product
The European Commission states that the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 applies on a mandatory basis from 20 January 2027. The Regulation also addresses conditions for providing instructions digitally. Ask your authorised compliance specialist which rules and conditions apply to your product. Then share the confirmed language, document and delivery requirements with us so we can assess the translation work.
Prepare a list of markets and languages
Specify both the country where the instructions will be used and the target language. Regional language preferences, terminology and unit presentation may need clarification. State whether every language is to use the same source version. The translation team should not have to infer the market’s required language or document format. Provide the verified product and market requirements as part of the initial brief.
Connect each file to its model and version
Record the product model, version, date and status of every file. If one manual covers several models, identify sections and warnings that apply only to particular models. If you have an earlier translation, state which source version it belongs to. This record helps prevent a new text from being combined with an outdated table or illustration.
- Product and model
- Source file version and date
- Target language and market
- Changed sections or pages
Include illustrations and interface wording in the scope
Counting the main text may not identify all the work. Drawing annotations, warning boxes, table headings, labels and words in screenshots may also need translation. State which items are included and where they can be edited. If editable artwork is unavailable, we will review the possible output format and explain any additional work needed in the quote.
Specify review and layout tasks separately
Let us agree the source-comparison checks for operating sequences, conditions, negatives, numbers and units. Terminology lists and approved product names can provide useful references. Language review and checking the final page layout are separate tasks. If you need a separate reviser or a specific output check, we can state the responsibilities and files to be delivered in the quote.
Keep records for later updates
Retain the source version used for delivery together with the approved language files. For the next update, provide the old source and identify the changes alongside the new version. If languages are updated at different times, record the status of each one. Once the scope is clear, we can quote for new translation, incorporating changes and the agreed checks.
Checklist before requesting a quote
- Product models and target markets
- The source version for translation
- Editable text and illustrations
- Terminology and any approved earlier translation
- Requested checks and output format
- Preferred delivery date for each language
Preparation templates
Complete these blank templates for your files. Use them to explain the scope before uploading any documents.
Frequently asked questions
01Do I need a separate file for every model?+
Identify the shared content and model-specific differences. We will review the structure and agree which material can be handled together and which needs separate treatment.
02Can text inside illustrations be translated?+
You can include it in your request. We assess the editable source material and required output, then explain the work in the quote.
03Does translation include CE compliance assessment?+
This service covers translation of the instructions and the agreed checks. Product conformity is assessed by the appropriate authorised specialists.
04Can you update an earlier translated manual?+
Provide the old and new source versions and the earlier translation. We can assess the changes, language pair and availability before quoting for the update.
Official sources and further information
European Commission — Machinery legislation and guidance ↗EUR-Lex — Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 ↗This guide concerns preparation for translation. It does not provide product conformity or CE guarantees. Current rules and product-specific conditions must be confirmed separately.