An efficient transport system is vital to the economic competitiveness of a region, especially since transport continues to grow in importance at the same time with the international trade development which determines the establishment of a joint economic and transport market.
In order to facilitate, improve and develop international rail transport services and the progressive creation of the internal market in equipment and services for the operation of the rail system, the principle of mutual recognition of national rules is supported by the Cross-Acceptance Unit, established by the European Railway Agency (ERA). This unit aims to clarify several conditions for the free traffic of rolling stock by establishing a technical framework for promoting the release of border crossing passes. Legislative harmonization is vital for an efficient, safe and fast international transport. Therefore, the Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI) watch that the essential interoperability requirements are being carried out. The TSIs should be implemented for all railway subsystems, such as infrastructure, locomotives, freight and passenger rolling stock, traffic operation and management. For rolling stock, the cross acceptance principle for different countries applies to the products which enter the market, while the authorisation is the next step in putting the vehicle in service. The activity of entering service includes checking the consistence as “interoperable” or “non-interoperable” product, this control being subject to the EC Treaty. However, the cross acceptance principle could be applied to the existing rolling stock which is not affected by Interoperability Directives. But the acceptance process and that of national laws should meet the requirements of the directive. Consequently, the European Union has launched the legal framework for the Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs) through Directive 2008/57/EC, which replaced Directive 96/48/EC (on the interoperability of the trans-European high-speed rail system) and Directive 2001/16/EC (on the interoperability of the conventional rail system). Different TSIs have been implemented since 2006 and EU member states, the TSIs are subject to national regulations. The aim is to define joint regulations for the railway system and ensure an interoperable and safe railway transport all across Europe. However, as long as the interoperability directive is not effective in member states, cross acceptance is voluntary, based on bilateral and multilateral agreements. These agreements have been developed mainly along the corridors to the benefit of cross-border operations. Different regulations and processes have been cross-accepted in international railway cooperation. While the Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs) define long-term norms for certifications, safety authorities approach cross acceptance to support the efficiency and acceleration of approval processes, thus stimulating railway competitiveness. Cross acceptance implies the systematic comparison of national requirements and their description in comparable structures. Currently, countries such as Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Italy, have elaborated structured descriptions of national requirements. Cross acceptance simplifies the approval of international projects in a fast and sustainable manner, while safety remains compatible. For neighbouring countries and within European transport corridors, cross acceptance is essential. For example, Switzerland has signed several agreements on cross acceptance. For freight wagons and cars, the existing agreements have ensure the cross acceptance based on several conditions, one of them being their registration. The implementation of Interoperability and Safety Directives will determine the replacement of agreements with EU policies and with new contracts on the use of wagons.
In rolling stock approval, cross acceptance covers significant aspects, such as an easier access to the railway network or the acceptance of maintenance certificates. However, these TSIs cover only part of the whole regulation area. National tests continue to play a significant part in safety certification requirements. The cross acceptance approach will maintain its importance until the process is fully harmonised with European specifications.
The cross acceptance of rolling stock at the European Union level will help complete the internal market, and in particular ensure the free movement of railway rolling stock within the EU in order to improve the competitiveness of manufacturers, railway undertakings and logistics providers, which in turn will revitalise the rail mode of transport. It will also simplify national and EU legislation, reduce costs and eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy to the benefit of the SMEs. Cross acceptance will also reduce the administrative costs of the authorisation process for member state.
by Pamela Luică
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