Rolling stock certification

Rolling stock certification is a process of rigorously evaluating trains and their subsystems to meet mandatory, voluntary, and contractual requirements. This encompasses a variety of assessments such as vehicle dynamics, brake functionality, crashworthiness, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

These comprehensive assessments aim to demonstrate that railway vehicles are fit for operation and comply with national and international regulations. As rail networks expand and technology evolves, the need for thorough testing becomes even more critical to accommodate new advancements and safety standards.

Rolling stock certification is vital to ensure that your products meet industry standards and regulatory requirements, facilitating market entry and operational safety. By undergoing thorough testing and certification, you can mitigate risks, avoid costly rework, and gain access to global markets. 

Furthermore, passengers expect the assurance of safety, reliability and availability in rail transport. Proper testing enhances the overall quality of railway vehicles, reducing the likelihood of malfunctions and improving passenger experience. 

Regulatory compliance is another vital aspect. Adhering to standards ensures compliance with safety directives and interoperability requirements that are vital for seamless rail operations across different regions. Regulatory requirements are diverse and constantly evolving, making it important to enlist experts who can keep you up-to-date with the latest regulations.

With over 50 years of experience in the rail industry, TÜV SÜD brings specialised technical expertise to the table. Our state-of-the-art testing facilities and advanced tools enable us to conduct thorough assessments of all rail vehicle subsystems. Partnering with us ensures you have access to the latest testing methods and professional expert evaluations without having to build these capabilities in-house. 

As a Notified and Designated Body, we ensure that your rolling stock and components meet all relevant regulatory requirements. Our expertise helps you navigate complex regulations and achieve compliance efficiently, minimising delays and avoiding costly modifications. 

Our rail inspection and assessment services include vehicle dynamics , crashworthiness evaluations, and brake performance analyses. By identifying and addressing safety concerns early in the development phase, we help you enhance passenger safety and avoid expensive rework. 

We perform comprehensive testing for interoperability, ensuring that your rolling stock complies with various international standards and can operate seamlessly across different rail networks. Our global expertise helps you overcome compatibility challenges and achieve smooth integration into a global transportation system. 

Our streamlined processes and expertise help you reduce unnecessary expenses while ensuring that your rolling stock meets all safety and regulatory requirements. This helps you manage your budget effectively while achieving the highest standards of safety and performance. 

We facilitate access to global markets by providing certification that meets diverse international standards. Our global network and extensive experience in various markets help you achieve the necessary certifications for international expansion. We support you through the entire certification process to ensure successful market entry.

We provide a wide range of rolling stock services that cover technical inspection, testing, independent safety assessment, and EC verification.

Technical inspection

• Assessment of tender documents and technical specifications. 
• Technical documentation. 
• Optimisation of maintenance procedures. 
• Risk management procedures according to the relevant requirements (e.g. 402/2013/EC). 
• Safety management systems for railroad companies according to 1158/2010/EU. 
• Safety of Rolling Stock Directive (SIRF) and EN 5012X respectively.  

Testing

• Testing and modelling of vehicle dynamics; special expertise for wheel-rail contact.
• Technical driving tests including safety tests against derailment. 
• Brake tests incl. wheel slide protection and functional tests. 
• Crash tests on front structure or components. 
• Strength tests. 
• Rail impact tests for tank containers and flexitank systems.
• Static and dynamic tests of traction and impact devices as well as coupling systems. 
• Machine dynamics measurements. 
• Acoustic measurements. 
• Aerodynamics measurements. 
• EMC, voltage and current tests. 
• Fire prevention and protection. 
• Testing of pantograph-catenary interaction (contact force and arc measurement), including measurement of contact wire lift.

Independent safety assessment (ISA) and certification

• ISA for electrical, electronic and software-controlled systems, mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, propulsion, and energy supply. 
• Certification of vehicles and components (including train control monitoring system (TCMS)). 
• Assessment of refurbished vehicles and networks access conditions
• Assessment of personal protection safety concepts.
• Certification of maintenance procedures and workshops (Entities in charge of maintenance (ECM)).
• As Notified and Designated Body, we serve as a project-independent and autonomous organisation for testing compliance with national regulations and Notified National Technical Rules (NNTR). 

EC verification / Conformity assessment

• EC certification in line with Directive 2008/57/EC to place rolling stock into service on the Trans-European Networks (TEN).
• EU assessments for rolling stock vehicle subsystems in line with the Technical Specification for Interoperability (TSI) (PRM, SRT, NOI, HS RST and CR LOC&PAS) and for vehicle control, command and signalling systems as Notified Body (NoBo) for interoperability.