CECE welcomes progress on harmonising EU rules for using machines on public roads

The Committee for European Construction Equipment (CECE) has welcomed an EU proposal to harmonise requirements for non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) travelling on public roads.

If adopted, the regulation would make it easier for equipment such as excavators, mobile cranes, aerial platforms, agricultural equipment, forklifts and telehandlers to be used throughout the EU, and ease design, testing and manufacturing costs for OEMs.

Currently, each member state specifies its own requirements for such machinery when travelling on public roads, covering functions such as stopping, braking, seating positions and restraint systems. 

The regulation has the potential economic benefit of €846 million over 10 years (Photo: AdobeStock)

The road circulation legislation was published this week by the European Commission after years of preparation.

CECE, which represents the interests of 1,200 construction equipment manufacturers, said this represents a potential economic benefit of €846 million over 10 years for the European industry.

CECE President Alexandre Marchetta, said, “This long-awaited proposal could not have come at a better time as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the European Single Market. Indeed, we recognise this as a fundamental step towards closing this gap in the Single Market.

“We have been advocating for this as the only way to remove market obstacles and unnecessary financial burdens deriving from 27 different national homologation procedures, but also maintain a high level of safety throughout the whole EU.”

CECE says it has actively engaged with the European Commission throughout the process, by providing arguments and technical information in cooperation with other European industry associations. 

A 12-month preparatory study was launched in February 2023, with the aim of looking into technical requirements, conformity assessment procedures and test procedures that will be required for the machinery. The European Commission is in discussions with the European Council and Parliament to advance negotiations on the proposal.