The Regulatory Framework
Starting December 13, 2024, Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on general product safety comes into full effect, imposing new obligations on companies placing products on the European market. One key aspect of this regulation concerns mandatory technical translation: companies must now provide instructions and technical documents in the official language(s) of the country where the product is marketed.
This requirement directly affects technical translation activities, which are now a legal obligation, not an option. The goal is to ensure that the end user can understand the necessary information to safely use the product.
Which Documents are Affected by the Obligation?
The Regulation clarifies that the language requirement applies to various types of documentation, including:
- User instructions and safety information (Articles 9, 11): These must be provided in a language that is understandable for consumers in the Member State where the product is distributed.
- Technical documentation (Article 65): This applies to documents intended for market surveillance authorities and must be available in an official EU language understandable by these entities, and kept for at least ten years as proof of product compliance.
- Public notices and safety recalls (Article 36.2): These must be clear, readable, and in the language of the country where the product is distributed, including all risk information, corrective actions, and remedies for consumers.
- Digital channels and online sales: The obligation extends to all online information, packaging content, or electronic documents, which must be available in the language required for that market (Articles 92(d), 104(d)).
Importers and distributors must also ensure that each product is accompanied by the required linguistic documentation before it is placed on the market.
Sectors Affected
The mandatory technical translation applies to various industrial sectors already regulated by harmonized EU regulations, including:
- Industrial machinery
- Low-voltage electrical products
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) products
- Pressure equipment
- Simple pressure vessels
- Gas appliances
- Construction products
- Recreational boats and jet skis
- Elevators and safety components for elevators
- Equipment and systems for explosive atmospheres (ATEX)
Non-Compliance and Real Risks: What the Data Shows
The latest EU market surveillance report highlights an alarming situation regarding the technical documentation of products placed on the market. Over 4,000 reports of non-compliance have been recorded, many of which were linked to industrial accidents.
The sectors most affected include machine tools, agricultural machinery, construction equipment, and lifting platforms. Only 17% of the machines inspected were fully compliant with the regulations, while over half showed serious irregularities, indicating a worsening trend.
These numbers show that mandatory technical translation is not just a formality, but a structural element to ensure product safety. The comprehensibility of manuals, the presence of local language instructions, and accurate communication of risks are crucial to avoid incidents, product recalls, and penalties. In light of an increasingly stringent regulatory framework, inadequate documentation is a critical issue that businesses can no longer afford to ignore.
Legal Consequences of Missing Translations
Failure to comply with these obligations exposes companies to significant penalties. Not providing translated documentation can result in fines of up to €60,000, product recalls, customs blocks for imports, and the inability to market the product. These measures are also governed by Regulation (EU) 2019/1020, which strengthens market surveillance and provides for additional restrictive actions by the competent authorities.
Linguistic Efficiency and Compliance: How to Use Technology Strategically
The evolution of digital tools has transformed the way technical translation projects are handled. Today, advanced technologies—ranging from the latest AI systems to essential terminology glossaries and translation memories—help increase efficiency, reduce costs, and speed up production times.
However, using these tools requires a precise method and constant oversight by experienced professionals. The initial setup phase plays a crucial role in determining the final quality of the work: this is where linguistic parameters are defined, reference sources are selected, verification criteria are set, and stylistic preferences are aligned with current regulations. Only in the subsequent review phase can we ensure that the text meets both technical and readability requirements.
Adopting a structured approach enables companies to achieve reliable results even with high volumes, ensuring compliance with European safety and consumer information regulations.
Conclusion
Starting December 13, 2024, companies will need to comply with an increasingly stringent mandatory technical translation requirement. This isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about ensuring consumer safety and market trust. Companies must invest in accurate and professional technical translations to stay competitive and compliant with European regulations.
Evaluate whether this solution could be useful for your projects and request a free, no-obligation quote: a first concrete step to increase efficiency and compliance, without waste.
