Challenges in accredited assurance for rail 

Rail systems are subject to strict EU and international regulations to guarantee safety, interoperability, and performance. Accredited bodies play a crucial role in verifying that rolling stock, infrastructure, and subsystems meet these standards.

Formal recognition under EU regulations ensures the credibility and legal validity of assessment results, while national authorities may impose additional local requirements that must also be met. 

How our accredited assurance services support you  

DNV provides a range of accredited EU railway conformity and assessment services including: 

• Notified Body (NoBo) under the Directive 2016/797/EU on railway interoperability based on an accreditation to ISO 17065 including the added requirements from the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA). The NoBo scope as defined in the Directive currently covers Technical Specifications (TSI) for Rolling Stock and Control, Command and Signalling (CCS). 
• Designated Body (DeBo) for national rules compliance for interoperability based on an accreditation to ISO 17065 (in Spain).  
• Assessment Body (AsBo) to the Regulation 2013/402/EU and 2015/1136/EU for evaluation of safety risks interoperability based on an accreditation to ISO 17020. 
• Independent Safety Assessment (ISA) in line with international norms (e.g. EN 50126/8/9) based on an accreditation to ISO 17020. 
• Railway Product Certification (voluntary) under defined accredited schemes based on an accreditation to ISO 17065. 

These services are performed in accordance with our accreditations and official recognitions. 

We can also offer assurance services under the following local accreditations: 

• DNV is accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB) under ISO/ IEC 17020: 2012 for aerospace, automotive and railways under IAF codes 21 & 22 respectively. We are also approved by India Research Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO) to join the panel of companies providing Independent Safety Assessment (ISA) services for signalling projects and products. 
• Authorized to deliver ISA services in the UAE. 
• Approved as a Technically Assured Organization (TAO) by Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) in Australia. This is often a required to bid for major transport infrastructure projects in the state. 

In Korea, accredited to ISO 17020 covering EN 50126, EN 50128, EN 50129, and IEC 62443 standards.