Article 5

Each of the subsystems shall be covered by a TSI. Where necessary, especially for treating categories of lines, hubs or rolling stock separately, or to solve certain interoperability problems as a matter of priority, a subsystem may be covered by several TSIs. In this case the provisions of this Article also apply to the part of the subsystem concerned. Subsystems shall comply with the TSIs; this compliance shall be permanently maintained while each subsystem is in use. To the extent necessary in order to achieve the objectives referred to in Article 1, each TSI shall: indicate its intended scope (part of network or rolling stock referred to in Annex I: subsystem or part of subsystem referred to in Annex II); lay down essential requirements for each subsystem concerned and its interfaces vis-à-vis other subsystems; establish the functional and technical specifications to be met by the subsystem and its interfaces vis-à-vis other subsystems. If need be, these specifications may vary according to the use of the subsystem, for example according to the categories of line, hub and/or rolling stock provided for in Annex I; determine the interoperability constituents and interfaces which must be covered by European specifications, including European standards, which are necessary to achieve interoperability within the trans-European conventional rail system; state, in each case under consideration, the procedures for the assessment of conformity or suitability of use. This includes in particular the modules defined in Decision 93/465/EEC or, where appropriate, the specific procedures, to be used to assess either the conformity or the suitability for use of interoperability constituents and ‘EC’ verification of subsystems; indicate the strategy for implementing the TSIs. In particular, it is necessary to specify the stages to be completed in order to make a gradual transition from the existing situation to the final situation in which compliance with the TSIs shall be the norm; indicate, for the staff concerned, the professional qualifications and health and safety conditions at work required for the operation and maintenance of the above subsystem, as well as for the implementation of the TSIs. Each TSI shall be drawn up on the basis of an examination of an existing subsystem and indicate a target subsystem that may be obtained gradually within a reasonable time-scale. Accordingly, the gradual adoption of the TSIs and compliance therewith will help gradually to achieve the interoperability of the trans-European conventional rail system. The TSIs shall retain, in an appropriate manner, the compatibility of the existing rail system of each Member State. With this objective, provision may be made for specific cases for each set of TSIs, with regard to both infrastructure and rolling stock; special attention must be given to the loading gauge, the track gauge or space between the tracks and wagons from or going to third countries. For each specific case, the TSIs stipulate the implementing rules of the elements of the TSIs indicated in paragraphs 3(c) to (g). The TSIs shall not be an impediment to decisions by the Member States concerning the use of infrastructures for the movement of rolling stock not covered by the TSIs.

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Source: EUR-Lex (Cellar) · retrieved 2026-10-29 · Text as adopted (Official Journal); later amendments are not incorporated in this text.