ISO/TS 22163 – IRIS certification
IRIS, the International Railway Industry Standard, was developed by UNIFE (the Association of the European Rail Industry) to serve as a globally recognized quality management system for evaluating suppliers of railway vehicles, equipment, and components. Introduced in 2006, it has been applied worldwide.
In 2017, IRIS was published as an ISO Technical Specification, ISO/TS 22163. It builds on the requirements of ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems) and incorporates railway-specific requirements such as project management, initial sampling, RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety), and life cycle cost management. Particular emphasis is placed on integrating the supply chain.
This standard applies to companies involved in the design, manufacture, or maintenance of rolling stock and signaling systems, including equipment manufacturers, system integrators, operators, and business partners.
Since May 1, 2020, ISO/TS 22163, in conjunction with the IRIS certification rules, forms the basis for IRIS compliance procedures and the issuance of relevant certifications.
Importance and Benefits of ISO/TS 22163 Certification
IRIS certification is comparable to quality standards in the aerospace and automotive industries, aiming to avoid redundant management system audits. End customers agree not to conduct additional audits if suppliers are IRIS-certified. Companies certified to ISO 22163 are listed in the UNIFE database, serving as a critical resource for buyers seeking potential suppliers.
Key Benefits of IRIS Certification:
- Enhanced project management
- Effective management of the entire value chain
- Improved reliability, availability, safety, and life cycle cost management
- Strengthened trust in sustainable business relationships
- Holistic company development
- Cost reduction
- Increased efficiency and competitiveness
Upon successful certification, companies can also obtain ISO 9001 certification at no additional cost beyond the certification fee.
Welding and Safety in the Railway Sector
Welding plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of railway vehicles. To ensure maximum safety, the European Committee for Standardization has issued a technical standard, EN ISO 15085, covering the design, manufacture, and maintenance of railway vehicles and components related to metal welding. More details on this standard will be provided in future updates.