Sweden’s Market Surveillance Strategy – What Does It Mean for Machine Safety?
Sweden’s market surveillance efforts are entering a new phase. During this year’s Market Surveillance Day, the government’s national market surveillance strategy for the period 2026–2029 was discussed.
The strategy aims to strengthen the oversight of products on the market, improve cooperation between authorities, and help ensure that more companies comply with applicable regulations. In addition, clearer information about rules and requirements will make it easier for companies to comply, while also making the market safer.
This is particularly relevant for the machinery industry, as market surveillance affects the manufacturing, sale, and use of machinery.
When was your machine last inspected?
Market surveillance involves authorities checking whether products being sold or intended for use comply with the safety requirements set forth in legislation.
In the case of machinery, this essentially means ensuring that machines placed on the market are safe to use and meet the requirements of the EU Machinery Regulations.
This includes, among other things:
- Risk assessment and technical documentation
- CE marking
- Safe design and protective features
- Clear instructions for safe use
For machine users, the primary focus is on systematically working with risk assessment, safe use, maintenance and being able to demonstrate during an inspection that the machine is safe in the specific work environment.
The Swedish Work Environment Authority is keeping an eye on the machines
In Sweden, responsibility for market surveillance is shared among several authorities depending on the type of product.
When it comes to machinery and equipment used in the workplace, the Swedish Work Environment Authority, Arbetsmiljöverket is responsible for inspection. The authority may inspect machinery at manufacturers, importers, distributors, and users.
Inspections may include, for example:
- Technical documentation
- Risk assessments
- CE marking
- Safety features and guards
If deficiencies are detected, the agency may require corrective actions, halt sales, or, in certain cases, prohibit the use of the machinery.
New regulations are changing the conditions of machine safety
The new strategy also takes into account several EU regulations that will impact market surveillance in the future.
The strategy involves, among other things, the AI Regulation, cybersecurity rules, and new product safety requirements. For the machinery industry, this may mean a need to increase focus on digital functions, control systems, and connected machines.
Market surveillance within the EU is regulated, among other things, by EU Regulation 2019/1020 on market surveillance.
What must machinery companies be able to demonstrate during an inspection?
For machinery manufacturers, importers, and distributors, market surveillance means that authorities may request access to documentation demonstrating that the machinery or product complies with legal requirements.
This may include, for example:
- Technical documentation
- Risk assessments
- Instructions for use
- Traceability to the manufacturer or importer
For machine users, the focus is instead on ensuring that machines put into service are safe in the specific work environment.
A culture of machine safety makes a difference when regulatory oversight is tightened
As regulations evolve and inspections are strengthened, a systematic approach to machine safety becomes increasingly important.
Cedoc aims to promote a machine safety culture where our users are encouraged and guided to work proactively and systematically to maintain safe machinery that complies with current legal requirements. Such an approach not only reduces the risk of accidents but also makes it significantly easier to meet requirements during inspections and market surveillance.
The new strategy demonstrates that authorities aim to both strengthen inspections and make it easier for companies to comply with regulations. For the machinery industry, this means that knowledge of machine safety and legal requirements remains a crucial part of sustainable and competitive operations.
