ERTMS trackside approval

Applicants should read the Commission Recommendation on the harmonised implemented of ERTMS in the Union and the related application guide which provides information about the legislation, application process and what is required from the applicant.

All applications for an ERTMS trackside approval must be electronically submitted through the One-Stop Shop (OSS).

It is highly recommended that an applicant contacts the Agency and informs it of its intention of submitting an ERTMS trackside project for approval before submitting its application.

The Agency and the applicant then can engage in a dialogue (called ‘Initial Engagement’) where the applicant is expected to present the intended project and further details of the technical solutions envisaged that defines the scope of the request for approval. As a result of this dialogue, the applicant and the Agency can confirm the scope of the application and arrange an effective application. To request an official initial engagement, please click on Request an initial engagement.

The National Safety Authority or Authorities (NSAs) involved in the authorisation can collaborate in the initial engagement stage and provide an opinion on the proposal of arrangements with the applicant and can also provide an opinion in later stages of the approval process.

For the assessment of application for an ERTMS trackside approval, the Agency applies an hourly rate of 130 Euro pursuant to Articles 1 and 3 of Commission implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/764 of 2 May 2018 on the fees and charges payable to the European Union Agency for Railways and their conditions of payment

The calculation of the fees and charges is foreseen in Article 3 of the aforementioned Regulation.

To consult the NSAs’ rates relevant for establishing the costs charged to the Agency, please refer to each NSA.

All decisions following an application for an ERTMS trackside approval can be found in the One-Stop Shop (OSS). The Applicant can only access information pertaining to its respective applications.

The ERTMS trackside approval applies to any call for tenders relating to ERTMS trackside equipment which are launched after 16 June 2019, or were launched before but have not been closed on that day

Even though the ERTMS trackside approval is requested for the authorisation of trackside subsystems involving ERTMS, as mentioned in Directive (EU) 2016/797, transitional provisions are defined in Article 55 of this Directive. Due to these transitional provisions, and for the cases of any ERTMS trackside equipment which was not yet subject to an approval, the Agency must be informed before authorising the placing in service.