9. Conclusion

In order to guarantee the certification of a new vehicle within the time allowed for its operation, manufacturers or operators must allow sufficient time in their project planning, taking into account regulatory deadlines, for the equipment conformity assessment process, before it can be put into service on the European rail network. The time required for the authorization process may differ depending on whether the equipment is of a new, complex design, or already authorized but substantially modified.

Over the next few years, rolling stock admission issues are likely to become increasingly important, in view of the development of private operators and new trans-European and even transcontinental relations.