Under EU law, placing lifting attachments on the market requires CE marking based on a technical file that includes proof of conformity with relevant harmonized standards. Auditors and notified bodies demand to see the actual standard, not a third-party summary.

The standard has undergone amendments. Using a free, scanned PDF from 2003 could lead to non-compliance because newer amendments (e.g., A2:2009) have introduced changes to safety factors, marking requirements, and instructions for use.

A revision process is expected around 2026–2027 to align with the new Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, which replaces the old Machinery Directive. Key anticipated changes include:

Staying current with these updates means always having access to the latest DIN EN 13155 PDF from official sources.

No—operators need training on the user manual. However, the designer and competent person (periodic inspector) must understand the standard. The standard states that the manufacturer must define the inspection criteria.

If an accident occurs, courts and insurance investigators will check whether your equipment was designed, used, and maintained according to the official text. Using an incomplete or incorrect version can be considered negligence.