The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has published the latest version of the Rail Industry Commodity Classification List (RICCL), introducing new classification codes and enhanced assurance requirements to better reflect emerging technologies and the changing needs of the rail supply chain.
Version 9 of the RICCL, released in June 2026, includes a range of structural updates, new commodity classifications and revised qualification requirements designed to improve consistency across procurement, supplier assurance and risk management.
The changes support areas of growing industry focus, including alternative energy, fuel efficiency, cyber security and on-track plant, ensuring the classification framework keeps pace with technological developments across Britain’s railway.
New classifications introduced
Among the most significant additions are new commodity codes covering technologies supporting decarbonisation and modern infrastructure.
A new classification has been created for fuel cleaning systems, recognising suppliers that provide technologies designed to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and optimise diesel engine performance.
RSSB has also introduced dedicated classifications for electric vehicle charging units and solar panels, bringing assurance requirements for the design, installation and commissioning of these systems into line with Construction (Design and Management) regulations.
The update also establishes a dedicated classification for on-track machines (OTM), responding to industry concerns around assurance arrangements for plant operating on the mainline railway. Organisations carrying out these activities will now be assessed using the appropriate On-Track Plant assessment module.
In addition, a new Plant Product Acceptance classification has been introduced for organisations undertaking product acceptance work on behalf of Network Rail, supported by independent audit requirements.
Revised assurance requirements
Alongside the new classification codes, RSSB has strengthened assurance arrangements across the framework.
The Rail Training Assurance Scheme (RTAS) classification has been broadened beyond its previous focus on track safety training to reflect its wider application across disciplines including signalling, welding, distribution and on-track plant.
Suppliers previously using rail vehicle classifications for on-track machinery activities will now be required to adopt the dedicated OTM classification.
The latest release also introduces greater use of witnessed assessments, enhanced audit and verification processes, and increased visibility of cyber security considerations where additional assurance may be necessary.
Supporting procurement across the rail industry
RICCL provides a common classification system for products and services used throughout Great Britain’s railway, helping buyers and suppliers apply a consistent approach to procurement and assurance.
RSSB says the latest update will improve the classification of emerging technologies, strengthen alignment between assurance requirements and operational risk, and provide greater consistency across the rail supply chain.
Organisations are being encouraged to review the new classifications, update their supplier profiles where necessary and ensure they understand any revised assurance requirements that apply to their activities.
RICCL is available within RSSB’s Services and Resources section.
You can also download the full document here.
