CEMA, the European Agricultural Machinery Association, has released the “CEMA Q&A on the Data Act”, a guidance document designed to support agricultural machinery manufacturers in understanding and applying the provisions of the EU Data Act.
This Q&A document is the product of extensive engagement with industry experts. It provides detailed, use-case-driven answers to the most frequently raised questions from the sector. While not a replacement of the legal text, it offers practical interpretations tailored to the agricultural machinery industry — aiming to bridge the gap between legislative requirements and operational realities.
The document outlines how companies should approach data sharing, define user roles, protect sensitive intellectual property, and comply with the regulation’s phased requirements. It also offers clarification on internal data use, third-party access, and the responsibilities of suppliers, dealers, and contractors.
The Q&A is intended as a living document, to be updated regularly as new questions arise and as the regulatory landscape evolves. It serves as a valuable tool for both strategic planning and day-to-day compliance, complementing resources published by the European Commission and other institutions. While it provides practical guidance, manufacturers remain ultimately responsible for the implementation of the Data Act within their own operations. Further discussions across the value chain will support a shared understanding and contribute to the development of commonly agreed data rules for integration into a Common European Agricultural Data Space.
The full version of the document is available for download on the CEMA website.
