Thorworld backs calls for materials handling machinery surveillance01 March 2012

Loading and unloading machinery specialist Thorworld Industries is supporting a Europe-wide initiative to raise awareness of market surveillance, to prevent non-compliant and potentially unsafe machinery entering Europe.

The initiative was launched at a conference in Brussels last November (2011), hosted by the European Commission, at which Thorworld managing director John Meale chaired a discussion on protecting innovation.

Meale says this is a vital issue: "As consumers, we are all familiar with the concept of illegal goods that do not comply with regulations, and we are aware of the hard work done by the authorities to prevent such products from being sold.

"The aim of this conference was to address the question: why, if there is such robust market surveillance for consumer goods, is there not a corresponding level of protection for commercial equipment and machinery?"

A 10-point manifesto has now been launched, with actions ranging from ensuring sufficient resources to control compliance of machinery entering the European market, to better coordination and harmonisation of enforcement practices and training for customs officials.

At the same time, a new web-based industry support centre has been introduced to assist market surveillance authorities, importers and users in checking the conformity of machines.

Currently, technical documentation on compliance is scattered over various resources, and Meale believes that the new website provides a single-stop resource database.

"The growth of unregulated machinery affects both the profitability and reputation of legitimate manufacturers who work hard to ensure that their products are safe, of good quality, minimise waste and protect the environment," comments Meale.

"The steps now being taken in Brussels are a starting point in getting these messages out – but the onus is on all of us within the industry to keep shouting about the need for effective market surveillance."

Brian Tinham

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