High Failure Rates Found in Lift Safety Buffers
Facilities managers should audit installed lift equipment after tests revealed an 85% non-compliance rate for polyurethane buffers.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Economic Indicators
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Market surveillance authorities in six countries tested 40 lift buffers for safety compliance in 2025 as part of the JACOP campaign. The results, published in 2026, revealed that 85% of polyurethane buffers failed to meet EU safety standards.
Why it matters
The high failure rate in critical safety components exposes elevator operators to potential compliance risks and liability. Ensuring that installed equipment meets standardized deceleration and deformation thresholds is essential for protecting occupants and personnel.
Of the 40 lift buffers tested, 28 polyurethane models were found non-compliant, representing an 85% failure rate for that product type. Authorities have subsequently imposed sales bans on five of the most concerning non-compliant buffers.
The players
JACOP
An international market surveillance initiative focused on verifying the safety and compliance of industrial components.
The details
Testing focused on deceleration control, return speed, and potential deformation to ensure buffers adequately protect occupants during an impact. While all seven hydraulic buffers passed the evaluation, the high failure rate of polyurethane units suggests significant quality control gaps. These products were sourced from manufacturing sites in Germany, China, and Italy, with authorities now reviewing responses from economic operators for further enforcement actions.
Timeline
2025: Testing was carried out under the JACOP campaign.
October 29, 2026: Results of the testing campaign were published.
Market Landscape
This enforcement action highlights the rigorous oversight governing EU lift safety legislation across international supply chains. It follows a pattern of heightened surveillance aimed at verifying that structural components meet established safety benchmarks for occupant protection.
Building owners and facilities managers should verify that current lift equipment maintains valid safety certifications. Consult with your maintenance provider to confirm that any installed polyurethane buffers are compliant with current safety regulations to avoid potential equipment shutdowns.
The takeaway
The high failure rate among polyurethane buffers suggests that operators should audit their existing elevator service contracts for safety component guarantees. Review your maintenance logs to ensure all critical safety systems have been inspected according to current manufacturer and regional safety guidelines.
What happens next
Authorities will implement follow-up enforcement measures based on the documentation provided by the affected economic operators.
Further reading
For broader trends in industry regulation, see the Economic Indicators section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs.
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