In the present work, a STEP-based platform-independent system for design and manufacturing feature recognition is developed. A manufacturing feature taxonomy with multiple levels, which is based on the access directions of the feature, is proposed. The system can recognise both design and manufacturing features from the lower level geometry and topology available in the STEP file. The developed system can recognise intersecting features, which is a major shortcoming of previous attempts based on neutral formats. A more complete feature relationship analysis than available in the literature is carried out to find the relationships between all the types of features. Removal volumes and access directions of the features are determined to couple the feature recognition with down line applications. Raw material geometry is also considered while recognising the features. The present system is limited to parts that can be machined on a three-axis machining centre.