Ownership of claw machines in Europe requires compliance with regulations that vary by country. In Germany, operators need to apply for an entertainment device permit from local authorities and ensure that the machine meets DIN safety standards. France is more lenient, only requiring a commercial license, but the value of prizes is limited. In the UK, no special permit is needed, but machines must meet safety standards. In Italy, operators must undergo regular safety inspections, and the value of prizes is capped by law, typically not exceeding €100. Before entering the market, operators should thoroughly understand national regulations and work with legal advisors to handle relevant procedures.
Basic Requirements within the EU Framework
Machinery Directive
According to the EU Machinery Directive (Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC), any machinery sold and used within the EU, including claw machines, must meet strict safety standards. The directive ensures that the machine poses no safety threat during design, manufacturing, installation, or operation. Equipment compliant with the directive must carry the CE marking, indicating it meets EU safety requirements.
Daily maintenance and servicing of the equipment must also comply with the directive, ensuring long-term safe operation. This means that operators need to focus not only on initial equipment selection but also on regular inspections and maintenance.
Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
The EU Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU) requires electronic devices to operate without interfering with other equipment and to have adequate resistance to interference. For claw machines, this means their electronic components must undergo electromagnetic compatibility testing to ensure stable and safe operation in various environments.
Electromagnetic compatibility not only impacts the normal use of equipment but also directly affects user experience. For operators, regular testing and maintenance of electronic systems are crucial to ensuring equipment stability and compliance.
National Operating Regulations
While the EU provides a unified regulatory framework for product safety, member states have different regulations for business operations. Operators need to ensure that equipment meets EU safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards and comply with the specific regulations regarding business operations in each country.
Licensing and Regulations by Country
Germany
In Germany, claw machines are considered common entertainment devices. Operators need to apply for an operating license from local authorities and ensure that machines meet Germany’s safety and technical standards. The country’s electrical equipment regulations (DIN standards) are essential guidelines that claw machines must follow, and regular safety checks are necessary to ensure proper functioning.
Germany imposes restrictions on the type and value of prizes to prevent excessive competition or inducement, especially when operating in public spaces. Operators need to closely monitor these regulations and ensure that machines comply with local requirements.
France
In France, the requirements for operating claw machines are relatively relaxed. Under French law, claw machines do not require a special entertainment device license; operators only need to apply for a general commercial license. However, machines must still meet French safety and technical standards, and in some areas, additional local operating permits may be required.
French regulations may vary between regions, particularly when operating in public spaces or tourist areas. Operators need to be aware of local regulations to ensure compliance.
United Kingdom
Since Brexit, the UK is no longer subject to EU regulations, though it still maintains a flexible regulatory policy for claw machines. According to UK law, claw machines are considered low-risk entertainment devices. Operators need only apply for a commercial license from local authorities and ensure the machines meet UK safety standards.
In the UK, restrictions on the type and value of prizes aim to ensure that machines are not overly competitive or inducive. Operators must comply with these rules and ensure that machines operate fairly and transparently.
Italy
In Italy, claw machine operators must comply with strict safety and quality standards. Operators must ensure that machines undergo regular safety checks, and the type and value of prizes are clearly limited to ensure fairness and transparency in entertainment devices.
Italy has strict regulations on entertainment equipment, and local governments closely monitor the maintenance and prize management of machines. Operators need to be particularly mindful of regulatory compliance.
Spain
Regulations in Spain vary significantly across regions, particularly in different autonomous communities. Generally, claw machines are considered common entertainment devices, and operators need to apply for an operating license from local authorities and ensure that machines meet Spanish safety standards.
In some regions, particularly in tourist areas, additional requirements for prize types and operating environments may apply. Operators need to ensure compliance with local regulations based on the specific region in which they operate.
Environmental and Venue Requirements
In addition to safety and technical requirements for machines, most European countries have specific venue regulations for the installation and operation of claw machines. Generally, claw machines can only be installed in legal commercial venues, such as shopping malls, amusement parks, entertainment venues, etc. Some countries may impose additional restrictions on venue size, the number of machines, and operating hours.
In certain countries, there may be requirements regarding the appearance and operation of claw machines to ensure they do not attract minors excessively. In such countries, operators must focus on the transparency of interactions with consumers and ensure fair machine operation.
