December 2025: Major Updates in Railway Engineering Standards

December 2025 ushers in a suite of important international standards for the railway engineering sector, reflecting evolving technology, regulatory demands, and the industry’s relentless pursuit of safety and operational efficiency. This first of two special reports covers five newly published standards, ranging from electronic power converter requirements to the system engineering of bogies and testing procedures for axlebox rolling bearings. For industry professionals, these standards are essential for ensuring compliance, maintaining competitive edge, and upholding the highest levels of reliability in railway operations.

Overview

Railway engineering forms the backbone of modern transportation infrastructure, underpinning everything from high-speed main lines to urban tramway systems. As railway networks continue to expand and evolve, so too do the international standards that govern everything from power supply to rolling stock performance. Adhering to these standards is not just a matter of regulatory compliance—it's central to safety, interoperability, and long-term asset reliability.

This article details the five most impactful standards released in December 2025. It will help readers:

• Understand scope and key requirements of each new or revised specification
• Grasp technical and practical implications for implementation
• Prepare for compliance and certification processes
• Identify risks associated with non-conformance

Whether you are a quality manager, compliance officer, engineer, researcher, or procurement expert, staying updated on these changes is imperative.

Detailed Standards Coverage

IEC 62590-2-1:2025 – DC Traction Applications: Uncontrolled Rectifiers

Railway applications - Electronic power converters for fixed installations – Part 2-1: DC traction applications – Uncontrolled rectifiers

This international standard establishes comprehensive requirements for uncontrolled rectifiers used in DC electric traction power supply systems. Such rectifiers are crucial for safely converting 3-phase AC power to DC required by trains, metros, tramways, trolleybuses, automated transport, magnetic levitated systems, and emerging electric road technologies.

IEC 62590-2-1:2025 features several notable updates:

• Refined focus: Requirements now emphasize uncontrolled rectifiers only, excluding other converter types for clarity and precision.
• Interface models: New provisions ensure effective integration with various systems, supporting modular, interoperable infrastructures.
• Energy efficiency: Enhanced attention to power losses, transformer-rectifier coordination, and overall energy efficiency aligns with modern operational and ecological priorities.

It specifies key aspects such as voltage/current characteristics, transformer integration, short-time withstand capability, harmonics, marking requirements, and a full suite of type, routine, and special tests. The standard is aimed at networks and operators of railway and metropolitan transport systems, manufacturers of traction power equipment, system integrators, and certification bodies.

Notably, IEC 62590-2-1:2025 supersedes relevant sections of IEC 62589:2010 and earlier IEC 62590:2019 editions, ensuring a harmonized and up-to-date framework.

Key highlights:

• Focuses exclusively on uncontrolled rectifiers for DC traction
• Comprehensive interface and energy efficiency requirements
• Unified testing, marking, and design criteria

Access the full standard:View IEC 62590-2-1:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN 15827:2025 – System Engineering Requirements for Bogies and Running Gear

Railway applications – System Engineering requirements for bogies and running gear

EN 15827:2025 is an essential reference for the design, validation, and maintenance planning of bogies and running gear—the assemblies that support rail vehicle bodies, absorb operational stresses, and ensure safe running on tracks. Applicable to all rolling stock, including those governed by the Interoperability Directives, it addresses three core competencies:

• Structural integrity
• Running characteristics (dynamics and safety)
• Maintenance strategy and lifecycle management

The updated standard introduces systematic engineering process guidance, from initial specification through risk assessment, design, and validation, to quality and maintenance planning. It aligns its terminology, processes, and component references with other harmonized European standards—especially EN 13749—and supports fulfilment of key EU regulatory requirements.

Applicability spans OEMs, rolling stock integrators, operators, and maintenance entities. For procurement and compliance managers, EN 15827:2025 clarifies interface and performance requirements, helps define contract specifications, and underpins maintenance quality.

Key highlights:

• Updated engineering process model with new risk assessment practices
• Enhanced integration with related structural and performance standards
• Lifecycle quality and maintenance plan requirements

Access the full standard:View EN 15827:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN 12080:2025 – Axleboxes: Rolling Bearings

Railway applications – Axleboxes – Rolling bearings

EN 12080:2025 defines baseline quality and performance specifications for axlebox rolling bearings—components critical for safe, reliable wheelset operation. The new edition applies to all axlebox bearings used on European rail networks, including both passenger and freight vehicles.

Key aspects covered include:

• Metallurgical and material properties: Steel grades, inclusion content, heat treatment
• Geometry, fit, and dimensional tolerances
• Quality management systems for manufacturers
• Inspection and non-destructive testing procedures: ultrasonic, magnetic particle, eddy current
• Marking, traceability, and documentation protocols

This standard is part of a harmonized package alongside EN 12081, EN 12082-1, and EN 12082-2, forming a coherent framework from materials procurement to final inspection and deployment.

With the increasing demand for higher speed, reliability, and maintenance predictability, compliance with EN 12080:2025 ensures rolling stock operators and suppliers achieve consistent, certifiable quality levels, and supports easier cross-border interoperability.

Key highlights:

• Updated requirements for metallurgy, materials, and manufacturing
• Comprehensive non-destructive testing and quality control methods
• Enhanced inspection, marking, and traceability provisions

Access the full standard:View EN 12080:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN 12082-1:2025 – Axleboxes Part 1: Test Procedures

Railway applications – Axleboxes – Part 1: Test procedures

As part of the comprehensive axlebox standards package, EN 12082-1:2025 specifies the procedures and acceptance criteria for testing axlebox rolling bearing systems. The focus lies on:

• Rig performance tests (in laboratory conditions)
• Water tightness tests (for seal effectiveness)
• Principles for field performance tests

The procedures address both mainline and urban/metro applications, stipulating minimum performance under operational loads, environmental exposures, and grease/seal combinations. There are clear pre-test, execution, and post-test activities, including detailed test report requirements and guidance for sequenced performance tests across varying vehicle types.

EN 12082-1:2025 is essential for manufacturers, testing institutes, certification bodies, and operators involved in component approval, commissioning, and continuous improvement tasks.

Key highlights:

• Clearly structured test methods for rig and field trials
• New guidance on sampled grease analysis and test reporting
• Revised acceptance criteria and compatibility for modern bearing designs

Access the full standard:View EN 12082-1:2025 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

The December 2025 suite of railway engineering standards carries wide-ranging implications. Adoption ensures:

• Enhanced operational safety and reliability for asset owners/operators
• Streamlined procurement and qualification across international boundaries
• Smoother regulatory approvals and certifications, reducing time-to-market
• Lower long-term maintenance and liability expenses

Adherence is vital not only for legal compliance, but also for risk mitigation and future-proofing investments. Transition periods are typically outlined within each standard or accompanying national guidance—organizations should assess their existing procedures and supply chains promptly.

Failure to comply could lead to:

• Certification barriers for new vehicles and infrastructure
• Increased safety or quality risks, with legal and reputational consequences
• Difficulty accessing cross-border markets or EU funding

Technical Insights

Across these documents, several recurring technical themes emerge:

• Emphasis on Life-Cycle Quality: From precise design (EN 15827) and material specification (EN 12080), through to rigorous in-lab and field verification (EN 12082-1), the standards stress end-to-end validation.
• Harmonized Testing & Inspection: Uniform definitions for test cycles, acceptance criteria, reporting methods, and inspection techniques foster interoperability and quality assurance.
• Traceability & Marking: Full traceability of components, clear marking schemes, and robust documentation (especially for safety-critical axlebox and bogie parts) are central to ongoing compliance.
• Energy Efficiency: IEC 62590-2-1 uniquely advances energy efficiency requirements for fixed installations, supporting sustainability and operational cost reductions.

Implementation best practices:

• Initiate an early gap analysis against new/revised requirements.
• Involve multi-disciplinary teams (design, QC, maintenance, procurement).
• Document process changes and maintain records for future audits.
• Work closely with accredited test laboratories and notified bodies where applicable.
• Leverage training and supplier outreach to embed new test and quality procedures.

Testing & certification considerations:

• Ensure all test equipment is calibrated and traceable to recognized standards.
• Prepare for both type and routine tests, emphasizing non-destructive methods.
• Establish procedures for capturing test data, reporting exceptions, and tracking corrective actions.

Conclusion / Next Steps

The December 2025 updates in railway engineering standards, spanning rectifier systems, bogie engineering, and axlebox technology, reflect a coordinated movement towards safer, more efficient, and interoperable railways. By understanding and implementing these standards, organizations will fortify compliance, bolster competitiveness, and drive continuous improvement in operational excellence.

Key recommendations:

1. Assess your current systems and practices against the revised requirements.
2. Prioritize transition planning and staff training for affected areas.
3. Engage suppliers and certification partners early to ensure alignment.
4. Leverage the comprehensive documentation and guidance within each standard.

To maintain your technical leadership and regulatory compliance, we strongly recommend:

• Exploring the full texts of these standards via iTeh Standards
• Monitoring upcoming second part reporting further December 2025 standards
• Staying engaged with ongoing standards development to anticipate future changes

Stay informed, stay compliant, and ensure your railway projects continue to set benchmarks in global best practice!