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.