DB subsidiaries recognised as assessment bodies

The German Federal Railway Authority EBA has recognised two subsidiaries of Deutsche Bahn AG as independent certification and inspection bodies for new and retrofitted rail vehicles and rail infrastructures. This means that Railway Approvals Germany GmbH and DB Systemtechnik GmbH are now authorised to verify the compliance of rail vehicles and rail infrastructure with applicable national and European standards.

Hans Peter Lang, Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors of DB Systemtechnik: “With these new powers, the DB Systemtechnik Group is finally able to carry out full approvals for new builds and retrofitted vehicles and infrastructures. Our expertise can thus benefit the railway sector even further and so meet the requirements of the 4th Railway Package.”

Since 16 June 2020, railway vehicles in the EU no longer have to be approved only by national authorities such as the German Federal Railway Authority (EBA) but can also be approved by the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA). This is a consequence of the 4th Railway Package, which is designed to harmonise the market for rail services within the EU. Among other things, the regulations stipulate which assessment body must be involved in which vehicle conversions.

In its capacity as a Notified Body, Railway Approvals Germany will conduct the EC verifications according to the TSI (Technical Specifications for Interoperability of the European railway system). In its capacity as a Designated Body, it will conduct inspections in accordance with NNTR (Notified National Technical Rules) for the subsystems rolling stock, infrastructure, train protection, train control, signalling and energy. Railway Approvals Germany will thus be responsible for issuing EC certificates and NNTR certificates.

DB Systemtechnik is an independent assessment body for risk management procedures. As such, it has a role to play in the approval process for rail vehicles and infrastructure. DB Systemtechnik conducts assessments in the areas of railway operations and rail vehicle maintenance as well as for the subsystems rolling stock, system integration, energy, train protection, train control and signalling.