A six-month transitional period on this year’s update of regulations governing the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID) ended on June 30, and the update is now in full effect. 

Key changes include the use of flexible bulk containers for particular goods, new markings and labelling for lithium batteries, inclusion of new UN numbers for vehicle engines and a stipulation that shippers must appoint a dangerous goods safety adviser.

International regulations

The regulations have been issued by the Interngovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail (OTIF) which exists to provide a framework for its member states to safely move goods in line with technical and international regulations. Each time a new version of RID is published, users are allowed a transition period of six months during which both the old and new versions can be applied. The updated RID is available (in English, German & French) on the OTIF website.

OTIF also recently marked the tenth anniversary of its Committee of Technical Experts (CTE) with a session in Berlin examining a draft new appendix looking ‘towards interoperability beyond the EU’. The purpose is to create requirements for the safe operation of trains in international traffic, including safety certification and the supervision of railway undertakings.

Telematic applications

The committee also unanimously adopted new technical prescriptions regarding telematic applications for freight. These contain requirements for the international exchange of information for interstate freight services. They will set out requirements for how railway undertakings and infrastructure managers should communicate effectively, as well as databases used to track engine and wagon movements, and information provided to rail freight customers.