Omron's notice states final order entry at the end of March 2027 for CJ2M-CPU3x (global) and the end of June 2027 for CJ2M-CPU1x (Europe only). Their planned last shipping dates are later.
Confirmed lifecycle milestones
| Date | Manufacturer milestone |
|---|---|
| End of March 2027 | CJ2M-CPU3x final order entry, global |
| End of June 2027 | CJ2M-CPU3x last shipping, global |
| End of June 2027 | CJ2M-CPU1x final order entry, Europe only |
| End of September 2027 | CJ2M-CPU1x last shipping, Europe only |
Dates and scope are manufacturer-led; check individual catalogue numbers, market-specific rules and any updates before placing orders.
Why are CPU1x and CPU3x different?
Omron's notice, issued 14 April 2026, distinguishes two product groups. CJ2M-CPU3x includes Ethernet/IP-capable CPUs such as CJ2M-CPU31; the discontinuation is global. CJ2M-CPU1x is described as being discontinued in the European market only, with CE-marking withdrawal given as part of the reason. These are not interchangeable geographical rules.
The same notice announces the CJ3M family as the recommended successor direction, with a planned introduction in autumn 2026. Hardware and software characteristics are described as broadly compatible, but that wording does not remove the need for application-by-application review.
What to do before placing a final order
Verify each controller's complete part number: for example CJ2M-CPU31 versus CJ2M-CPU12. Confirm the specific model's current availability, delivery expectation, firmware, memory capacity, expansion configuration, network options and local Omron sales notice. A final order entry date and the date of last shipment are separate events.
Do not buy unnecessary additional CPUs simply because the deadline is approaching. Prioritise controllers on lines where a spare could remove an expensive downtime risk and where a full backup or programming workstation is not easily available.
Backups and recovery for CJ2M users
Preserve the CX-Programmer project and the exact I/O table, network settings, data memory and any retained operational parameters. Document option boards, serial connections and EtherNet/IP tag data links. If existing SCADA or HMI equipment accesses PLC addresses directly, a replacement processor may need more validation than a bench power-up check.
Keep a written restoration procedure and ensure an engineer can actually connect online with the installed software. That is especially important where the original programme author or machine supplier is no longer available.
CJ3M migration versus stocking CJ2M spares
The CJ3M is the published successor, but the notice itself shows some characteristics as only almost compatible. Check dimensions, connector layouts, memory usage, unit version, network security, configuration and programming implications. Controlled FAT and site testing should precede a line-critical swap.
When an immediate upgrade is impractical, an accurately matched and correctly assessed spare can support continued operations. Where multiple machines share one vulnerable configuration, decide whether one pooled spare provides enough resilience or a full replacement strategy is needed.
Questions engineers ask
Is CJ2M-CPU31 discontinued in the UK?
Omron has announced the worldwide retirement of CJ2M-CPU3x with final order entry at the end of March 2027. Its UK product page also lists planned production end on 31 March 2027.
Is CJ2M-CPU12 discontinued worldwide?
No. Omron's April 2026 notice specifically describes CJ2M-CPU1x withdrawal as Europe only. Regional sales rules can change, so check locally.
Can I replace a CJ2M with CJ3M without modifying the programme?
Do not assume drop-in compatibility. Omron's notice identifies CJ3M as the recommended successor but flags some differences; verify the application, communications and I/O.
Official manufacturer references
These are manufacturer product records and notices, not secondary resale listings. Check each source for more recent revisions.
Editorial review: 8 October 2026 · Prepared by Automation Outlet, an independent UK controls-engineering business. This article provides lifecycle information, not a guarantee of stock or technical interchangeability.