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The FederationStandardisation

Standardization

FIF, a key player in French and European railway standardization

FIF's commitment to standardization

The Federation of Railway Industries actively participates in railway standardization work at national and international level. As the representative of the French railway industry, FIF coordinates the participation of its members in standardization commissions and defends the industry's interests in the development of technical standards.

Standardization is a strategic lever for the railway industry: it ensures system interoperability, passenger and freight safety, and the competitiveness of French companies in European and global markets.

Commissions and bodies

FIF is present in the main railway standardization bodies

AFNOR / BNFER

French Railway Standardization Bureau

BNFER, hosted by AFNOR, is the French standardization body dedicated to the railway sector. It develops national standards and ensures French participation in European and international work.

CEN TC 256

Railway applications

CEN Technical Committee 256 develops European standards for railway applications: rolling stock, infrastructure, operations and maintenance.

CENELEC TC 9X

Electrical and electronic applications for railways

CENELEC TC 9X develops European standards for railway electrical and electronic systems: signalling, electrification, communication and command-control systems.

ISO TC 269

Railway applications

ISO Technical Committee 269 develops international standards for the railway sector, promoting worldwide harmonization of technical and safety requirements.

ERA

European Union Agency for Railways

ERA coordinates European regulatory technical work and technical specifications for interoperability (TSIs). FIF participates in its working groups on regulation and certification.

Current priorities

The major standardization challenges for the railway industry

Interoperability

Harmonization of technical specifications to ensure the free movement of rolling stock across European networks, in accordance with EU interoperability directives.

ERTMS / ETCS

Standardization of the European Rail Traffic Management System and European Train Control System, the cornerstone of a unified European railway network.

Hydrogen and new energies

Development of standards for hydrogen trains and on-board energy storage systems, supporting the energy transition of the sector.

Railway cybersecurity

Definition of normative frameworks to protect digital railway systems against cyber threats, including signalling and command-control systems.

Circular economy and eco-design

Development of standards for railway material recycling, life cycle analysis and eco-design of rolling stock and infrastructure.

Accessibility and inclusive mobility

Updating accessibility standards for people with reduced mobility, ensuring universal access to the railway network.

Participate in standardization work

As a FIF member, you can participate in standardization commissions and contribute to developing the standards that shape the future of the railway industry.

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