On 28 April 2026, the Standardisation Platform met to make progress on the implementation of its Standardisation Strategy 2030 through an updated multi-year work programme, an accelerated migration plan from UIC Leaflets to IRSs, and a stronger cooperation with external standardisation and regulatory bodies both within the EU and outside of it.
A key focus in 2026 is the effective implementation of the Strategy 2030, which requires the UIC Standardisation Guideline to be updated; improved processes to embed new concepts, operational action, and key aspects of the leaflet-to-IRS migration plan; and new IRSs and systematic review processes. The revised approach is built on three main pillars: a clearer IRS typology, an updated process-cycle supported by a dedicated digital and standardised document, and stronger strategic alignment via a field-specific priority matrix.
To meet the sector’s demands, UIC is speeding up the migration strategy from leaflets to IRSs, including categorising selected leaflets as “Legacy-technology documents” – with no technical content updates and only editorial adjustments – to accelerate publication. This work is supported by a new IRS typology set that define six different categories (including the latter category) and by strengthened the systematic review principles.
UIC is also advancing the digitalisation of standardisation processes, including the development and implementation of Form4IRS, integrated in the Extranet, and enhancements to IT tools such as the Consultation Portal and IRS database. These improvements aim to automate processes, improve traceability, enhance information sharing among members, and support end-to-end online consultations and archiving.
In parallel, UIC will solidify cooperation with external standardisation and regulatory bodies, in particular with the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA), Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail (OTIF), European Committee for Standardisation (CEN)/European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation(CENELEC), International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)/TC 269 and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)/TC9 and others in southern Africa and North America. These partnerships reinforce UIC’s commitment to interoperability, transparency, and global alignment while maintaining strong support for its member needs.
As part of the UIC Standardisation Platform, the roadmap for 2026 includes close cooperation with UIC technical bodies, practical tests for key process points, and finalising the new Standardisation Guideline and related processes.
This programme is designed to enhance the added value of UIC technical documents and ensure the right IRSs and other technical publications are developed for the right purpose across the rail sector.
