Annex IV machinery: which assessment route?
Ask the manufacturer for a written category match, a map of applicable safety requirements against designated standards, and evidence for the selected procedure. Annex IV listing alone does not rule out internal checks; full standards coverage matters. Coordinate factory document collection through Cambridge China Bridge.
Fix the machine and the assessment basis
Ask the manufacturer to identify the exact model, intended use, materials processed, loading method, safety controls and optional equipment. Record the proposed marking and the assessment procedure separately. This guide explains the GB designated-standards procedure choices; if the supplier proposes CE marking, request a separate written explanation of that assessment basis.
Use the machinery sourcing guide for general paperwork, guarding and acceptance testing, and the marking guide for the wider marking discussion. Here, the task is to establish why the chosen procedure fits the actual machine.
Match the listed category precisely
Ask for the exact Annex IV entry and a written explanation linking its wording to the machine. For example, vehicle servicing lifts are expressly listed. Do not classify equipment from its sales name alone: compare its function and construction with the complete entry.
Keep drawings, operating descriptions and photographs beside the category decision. Where an entry distinguishes feeding, loading or unloading methods, ask the manufacturer to explain the actual operator interaction. Refer an uncertain match to a machinery conformity specialist before accepting the procedure.
Prove full standards coverage
Under the GB designated-standards route, the internal-checks option for Annex IV machinery depends on manufacture in accordance with designated standards that cover all applicable essential health and safety requirements. A standards list or a test report heading does not explain whether those conditions are met.
Request a coverage matrix connecting each applicable requirement to the standard edition, relevant clauses, design measures and supporting evidence. Check the official machinery designation notices for restrictions and transition information. Record uncovered requirements and departures explicitly, then use the test-report verification guide to check the supporting reports.
Check the procedure against the coverage result
Where the full-coverage conditions are met, the available procedures are internal checks, type examination combined with manufacturing internal checks, or full quality assurance. Where standards are absent, only partly followed or do not cover every applicable requirement, the choices are type examination with manufacturing internal checks, or full quality assurance.
For internal checks, request the technical-file evidence and manufacturing controls. For type examination, request the certificate, its covered configuration and manufacturing checks. For full quality assurance, request the approval and evidence covering its application to this product and factory. A general factory quality certificate should prompt further questions.
Close gaps before agreeing shipment
Where a UK approved body is involved, OPSS says it must examine technical documentation and supporting evidence to assess the technical design. Ask the issuing body to confirm the document's authenticity, product scope and current status, and check its registered assessment scope.
Create a release record linking the category decision, coverage matrix, procedure evidence, declaration and final machine configuration. Set an owner for every unresolved issue and pause shipment approval until it is resolved. Cambridge China Bridge's staff in China can coordinate document requests and compare the factory build with the agreed specification; specialist assessment needs its own evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Does Annex IV machinery always need a third party?
No. Under the GB designated-standards route, internal checks are available where manufacture follows designated standards covering all applicable essential health and safety requirements.
What if the standards cover only part of the machine?
If they do not cover all applicable safety requirements, the internal-checks-only option is unavailable under this route. The choices are type examination with manufacturing checks, or full quality assurance.
Is a machinery test report enough?
Ask for the category decision, standards coverage matrix and selected-procedure evidence as well. Check that reports address the exact model, controls and configuration you are buying.
What should I ask the factory for before shipment?
Request a linked pack containing the category rationale, coverage matrix, procedure evidence, declaration and final build details. Agree who will resolve gaps and verify any body-issued documents with their issuer.