MELSEC iQ-R Safety PLC Gains EU Machinery Regulation Certificate
Mitsubishi Electric announced EU type examination certification for its MELSEC iQ-R safety PLC under Regulation (EU) 2023/1230. Here is what machine builders must still verify.
Mitsubishi Electric announced on September 17, 2026 that its MELSEC iQ-R Series safety programmable controller obtained an EU type examination certificate from TÜV Rheinland.
The certificate covers conformity with the EU Machinery Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2023/1230. The regulation becomes mandatory on January 20, 2027, replacing Directive 2006/42/EC.
What Mitsubishi Certified
Mitsubishi identifies three relevant controller capabilities:
- General control and safety control in one controller.
- CC-Link IE TSN connections to supported servos and inverters.
- Measures against unauthorized access and software tampering.
The last point matters because the regulation adds cybersecurity requirements for software, network connections and remote access.
What the Certificate Does Not Prove
A controller certificate does not certify an entire machine. The machine builder still owns the safety function, risk assessment and conformity work.
Check the exact controller model, firmware, safety modules, network devices and engineering software covered by Mitsubishi documentation. A family name alone is not enough.
Engineering Checks Before a Project Freeze
- Confirm the certified hardware and firmware combinations.
- Map each safety function to the risk assessment.
- Document CC-Link IE TSN devices and safety communication paths.
- Control access to project files, firmware and engineering stations.
- Define backup, restore and software-change procedures.
- Retest safety functions after approved hardware or software changes.
- Keep certificate references with the machine technical file.
Migration Work Still Needs Site Evidence
The announcement may simplify component selection for new European machinery. It does not remove validation for installed drives, networks or third-party devices.
For a related example of how software support and security affect control-system migration, see our ABB System 800xA 7.0 upgrade planning notes.