Cyber Resilience Act (CRA): What manufacturers of systems for hygiene-sensitive industries need to know now
- Basics of the new EU Directive
- Implementation deadlines and milestones
- Implications for manufacturers of equipment for hygiene-sensitive industries
- Important steps towards compliance
- Challenges in the implementation and selection of suitable industrial IT solutions
Cyber Resilience Act:
Everything important at a glance
Cyber security is playing an increasingly important role in an increasingly digitalised world. To better protect companies and consumers from cyber attacks, the EU will adopt the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) at the end of 2024. This new regulation will present manufacturers, including the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, with new challenges. In this article, you will find out what the CRA means for you in concrete terms and how you can best prepare for it.
What is the Cyber Resilience Act?
The Cyber Resilience Act is an EU regulation that aims to improve the cyber security of products and systems. The aim is to increase digital resilience and minimise security vulnerabilities from the outset. Manufacturers are obliged to develop and operate their products securely in order to reduce the risk of cyber attacks.
Who is affected by the CRA?
The CRA affects all manufacturers who develop and distribute products with digital elements that are sold in the EU. This also includes the packaging equipment industry. Whether you manufacture flow-wrapping machines, cartoning machines or palletising robots - if your products are supplied to the EU, you must comply with the new regulations.
Important milestones for CRA implementation:
On 12 March 2024, the European Parliament adopted the CRA. The EU Council is expected to adopt the law at the end of 2024. The transition periods will start from this date. The sooner you familiarise yourself with the new requirements, the easier it will be to be compliant in good time and avoid potential stumbling blocks.
What do manufacturers of plants for hygiene-sensitive industries need to do?
In order to fulfil the requirements of the CRA, manufacturers of equipment used for the production of food, pharmaceuticals or chemical products must take various measures:
- Safety certification: Ensure that your products comply with the new safety requirements. This may require certification by independent test centres.
- Documentation: Maintain complete documentation of the cyber security features of your systems. This includes technical specifications, risk analyses and test reports.
- Updates and support: Implement a system for regular security updates and support. Your customers must be able to trust that you will ensure the security of your products even after delivery.
What happens if I, as a system manufacturer, ignore the issue?
Failure to comply with the CRA can have serious consequences:
- Legal consequences: Violations can result in severe fines and legal action. For example, the CE mark can be withdrawn, which can jeopardise the existence of your company.
- Damage to reputation: Security breaches and cyberattacks can permanently shake the trust of your customers and partners. Your company's reputation is at stake.
- Security risks: Inadequately protected systems are an easy target for hackers. The consequences can range from production downtime to data breaches.
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Who is your contact for the CRA implementation?
Implementing the CRA is a complex task that requires expertise and experience. Professional support can be useful here:
- Specialist advice: experts in cyber security and legal issues can help you interpret the regulation and develop a compliance strategy.
- Technological support: IT security and system integration specialists can help you to technically secure your systems and set up the necessary infrastructure.
- Training and workshops: Employee training and security awareness is an important component for success. External providers can develop customised training courses to make your team fit for the CRA.
Conclusion
The Cyber Resilience Act presents packaging equipment manufacturers with new challenges, but also offers the opportunity to improve cyber security in the long term. With early preparation, the right measures and professional support, you can ensure compliance, protect your customers and strengthen your market position.
Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need CRA support. Take advantage of our free CRA consultation for an easy introduction to CRA compliance. Together we will find the right path for your company.
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