RID Agreement 1/2025: Temporary Exemption for the Rail Transport of Hydrogen Pressure Vessels

RID 1/2025: rail exemption for pressure vessels intended for compressed hydrogen

On April 14, 2025, Italy signed the new RID Multilateral Agreement 1/2025, published by OTIF, introducing a temporary exemption from the rules governing the international rail transport of dangerous goods (RID).

Under this agreement, it is permitted—by way of derogation from RID Chapter 4.1—to transport EN 17339-compliant pressure vessels, originally intended for compressed hydrogen (UN 1049), temporarily filled with compressed nitrogen (UN 1066).

The exemption applies to vessels being transported for:

  • Assembly
  • Periodic inspection
  • Maintenance
  • Disposal

The nitrogen must be loaded at a pressure sufficient to support the internal lining of the vessel, to prevent structural damage during transport.

Conditions of applicability:

  • Vessels must comply with EN 17339
  • Nitrogen pressure must ensure internal support
  • Valid until December 31, 2026
  • Applicable only in RID contracting states that signed the agreement (Italy and Germany so far)

This exemption offers a flexible and practical solution for managing hydrogen vessels, especially in light of the growing role of hydrogen as an alternative energy source.