April 2026: New Standards for Fluid Systems and Components Released

Fluid systems and components are the backbone of countless industrial processes, supporting safe energy transfer, hydraulic control, and the secure containment of pressurized gases and liquids. In April 2026, five significant standards were published—promising advancements in safety, performance, and regulatory clarity for manufacturers, operators, and users of equipment ranging from pressure vessels to hydraulic hoses. This article, part one of a two-part series, provides a detailed and practical overview of these essential updates to international specifications in the fluid systems sector.

Overview / Introduction

The field of fluid systems and components for general use encompasses the design, fabrication, and maintenance of critical infrastructure—such as pressure vessels, LPG cylinders, and hydraulic hoses—utilized across manufacturing, transport, energy, and process industries. Robust standards are essential in this context to ensure interoperability, minimize risk, and uphold consistent safety and reliability benchmarks.

With ever-evolving manufacturing technologies, material innovations, and increased regulatory expectations, keeping up to date with the latest standards is crucial for engineers, quality managers, compliance officers, researchers, and procurement specialists. This article unpacks the five new standards released in April 2026, highlighting their scope, key requirements, industry impact, and implementation best practices.

Detailed Standards Coverage

FprEN 13445-14 - Additional Requirements for Additive Manufacturing in Pressure Equipment

Unfired Pressure Vessels – Part 14: Additional Requirements for Pressure Equipment and Pressure Components Fabricated with Additive Manufacturing Methods

The publication of FprEN 13445-14 marks a milestone in the incorporation of additive manufacturing (AM)—also known as 3D printing—into the design and fabrication of unfired pressure vessels and their components. This part extends the well-established EN 13445 series, introducing detailed requirements and methodologies for metallic parts produced through advanced AM techniques.

Key aspects of the standard include:

• General principles for applying AM to the fabrication of pressure vessel parts.
• Dedicated annexes outlining specific requirements for powder bed fusion (PBF) and directed energy deposition (DED) processes, covering materials such as steels, aluminium, nickel, titanium, and more.
• Rigorous demands for material documentation, certification, and mechanical property validation.
• Defined routes for quality management system verification and direct inspection of AM processes and finished components.
• Requirements for integration with traditional vessel construction—ensuring AM parts, when combined in assemblies, fulfill all applicable codes in the EN 13445 series.
• Enhanced provisions for non-destructive and destructive testing, heat treatment, identification, marking, and traceability.

Targeted at manufacturers, certification bodies, and users integrating AM into pressure vessel production, this standard will:

• Catalyze the safe, compliant adoption of AM in high-risk pressure applications.
• Establish a systematic approach for validating the performance and reliability of AM-fabricated metallic components.

Key highlights:

• First comprehensive standard for metallic AM in pressure vessels within EN 13445.
• Annexes tailored to specific AM methods/materials (with future expansion planned).
• Stringent quality control and testing requirements for AM parts.

Access the full standard:View FprEN 13445-14 on iTeh Standards

EN 16728:2026 - Periodic Inspection of Refillable LPG Cylinders

LPG Equipment and Accessories – Transportable Refillable LPG Cylinders Other Than Traditional Welded and Brazed Steel Cylinders – Periodic Inspection

EN 16728:2026 provides a comprehensive framework for the periodic inspection and testing of a new generation of transportable, refillable LPG cylinders made from alternative materials such as welded aluminium, composites, over-moulded constructions, and stainless steel. These cylinders, with capacities from 0.5 to 150 liters, are widely used in energy, logistics, and consumer sectors.

The standard outlines:

• Procedures for periodic inspection intervals and testing, applicable to diverse cylinder types (e.g., EN 14140, EN 13110, EN 14427, EN 1442, EN 12245).
• Step-by-step external and internal inspection criteria—including visual checks, pressure testing (hydraulic/pneumatic), and thread/valve integrity assessment.
• Detailed guidance for handling over-moulded and composite cylinder variants, including specialized rejection criteria and repair methods.
• Comprehensive marking, documentation, and recordkeeping to maintain safety and regulatory compliance.
• Considerations for environmental protection and operator safety, especially regarding hazardous substances and legal obligations.
• Harmonization with RID/ADR transportation regulations—addressing alignment with European directives and international requirements.

This standard is essential for gas suppliers, inspection agencies, logistics providers, and operators responsible for the lifecycle care and continued safety of LPG cylinders outside the traditional steel category.

Key highlights:

• Applicable to a broad range of modern LPG cylinder materials and designs.
• Detailed protocols for inspection, rejection, repair, and record maintenance.
• Support for harmonized European regulation and best safety practices.

Access the full standard:View EN 16728:2026 on iTeh Standards

EN 853:2026 - Specification for Wire Braid Reinforced Hydraulic Hoses and Assemblies

Rubber Hoses and Hose Assemblies – Wire Braid Reinforced Hydraulic Type – Specification

The updated EN 853:2026 standard sets out the fundamental requirements for four types of rubber hydraulic hoses and assemblies with wire braid reinforcement (Types 1SN, 2SN, 1ST, and 2ST), covering nominal bores from 5 to 76 mm. These hoses are vital to hydraulic power and control systems in construction, mining, agriculture, and industrial machinery.

Core elements of the standard include:

• Specification of hose construction: synthetic rubber lining, high tensile-steel wire reinforcements, and weather-resistant covers.
• Performance requirements for temperature ranges (-40°C to +100°C for hydraulic fluids; -40°C to +70°C for water-based fluids; 0°C to +70°C for water).
• Exclusion of hoses for castor oil or ester-based fluids and end-fitting details (scope limited to hose and complete assembly performance).
• Alignment of EN 853 with related hose standards (EN 854, EN 856, EN 857) for consistency.
• Testing requirements: hydrostatic pressure, bend radius, impulse cycles, leakage, cold flexibility, adhesion, vacuum resistance, abrasion, ozone, and fluid compatibility.
• Clear marking and designation requirements, supporting traceability in the supply chain.

Manufacturers, OEMs, and maintenance/service providers benefit from:

• Harmonized product quality and testing expectations.
• Greater clarity for assembly, sourcing, and compliance documentation.
• Improved interoperability for hydraulic system design.

Key highlights:

• Extended nominal bore range for hose selection.
• Updated and harmonized test requirements and marking practices.
• Enhanced product quality and safety through clear specifications.

Access the full standard:View EN 853:2026 on iTeh Standards

EN 854:2026 - Specification for Textile Reinforced Hydraulic Hoses and Assemblies

Rubber Hoses and Hose Assemblies – Textile Reinforced Hydraulic Type – Specification

EN 854:2026 covers three types of textile reinforced rubber hydraulic hoses (Types 1TE, 2TE, and 3TE), supporting nominal bore sizes from 5 to 100 mm. These hoses are widely deployed in lighter-duty hydraulic systems, general industrial and automotive applications, where flexibility, lower weight, and cost efficiency are priorities.

Principal content of the standard includes:

• Material and construction requirements: oil- and water-resistant lining, textile yarn reinforcement, and a synthetic rubber cover.
• Defined application temperature ranges and exclusion of certain fluid types (similar to EN 853).
• Rigorous performance criteria: hydrostatic strength, flexibility, leak resistance, impulse and vacuum resistance (where applicable), abrasion, adhesion, water/oil resistance, and ozone exposure.
• Testing frequencies, designation, and consistent marking approaches for hoses and assemblies.
• Strict focus on the performance of completed hoses and hose assemblies, leaving end fittings outside the current scope.

The standard is relevant for hose manufacturers, OEM design teams, maintenance engineers, and procurement specialists operating in diverse machinery sectors.

Key highlights:

• Aligned framework with EN 853, 856, and 857 for cohesive requirements.
• Expansion of test protocols to match current industry needs.
• Enhanced product quality and operational safety assurance.

Access the full standard:View EN 854:2026 on iTeh Standards

EN 856:2026 - Specification for Spiral Wire Reinforced Hydraulic Hoses and Assemblies

Rubber Hoses and Hose Assemblies – Rubber-Covered Spiral Wire Reinforced Hydraulic Type – Specification

EN 856:2026 specifies four types of heavy-duty hydraulic hoses (Types 4SP, 4SH, R13, and R15) featuring spiral steel wire reinforcement, with nominal bores from 6 to 51 mm. These high-performance hoses serve demanding environments requiring superior pressure resistance and ruggedness, such as construction equipment, oil and gas, and other industrial applications.

Salient features of the standard include:

• Design and construction requirements: multiple spiral plies of high-tensile steel, oil/weather-resistant linings and covers.
• Performance criteria: temperature suitability varies by type, with R13 and R15 rated up to 120°C.
• Testing and specification updates aligned with related EN 853/854 standards, covering hydrostatics, flexibility, impulse endurance, fluid resistance, abrasion, and ozone resilience.
• Precise marking, identification, and traceability mandates to improve supply chain integrity.

Hose manufacturers and OEM designers benefit from:

• Harmonization and comparability across the suite of hydraulic hose standards.
• Safer, more reliable product lifecycles in high-pressure, heavy-duty fluid power applications.

Key highlights:

• Expanded range of spiral wire reinforced hose types and sizes.
• Updated conformance with the latest technical advances and harmonized testing.
• Supports robust, dependable operations in the most stringent hydraulic systems.

Access the full standard:View EN 856:2026 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

Adopting the latest standards is both a regulatory requirement and a competitive differentiator. For manufacturers of pressure equipment, gas cylinders, and hose assemblies, demonstrating compliance with April 2026 standards ensures:

• Alignment with EU Directives and national regulations (such as PED, RID/ADR), reducing barriers to market entry and export.
• Assurance of best-in-class performance, safety, and reliability—protecting operators and end-users.
• Streamlined inspection and certification processes, with clearly defined test procedures and acceptance criteria.
• Lower risk of product recalls, failures, or liability from non-conformity.
• Easier implementation of advanced technologies (e.g., additive manufacturing) into certified production workflows.

For supply chain participants, facility managers, and procurement officers, referencing and sourcing to the latest standards simplifies vendor qualification, inventory management, and risk assessment.

Compliance checklist:

1. Review updated standards and assess gaps vs. current practice.
2. Update internal quality documentation, inspection routines, and procurement specs.
3. Train staff and suppliers on revised technical and compliance requirements.
4. Engage with certification bodies on interpretation and implementation, especially for new technologies like additive manufacturing.
5. Maintain meticulous records for traceability and audit readiness.

Technical Insights

Common Technical Requirements

Across the five standards, recurring technical requirements include:

• Rigorous material characterization and certification, crucial for safety-critical fluid systems.
• Detailed performance testing (hydrostatic, impulse, flexibility, leakage, abrasion, ozone, etc.).
• Clear marking and traceability expectations for manufactured components and assemblies.
• Emphasis on compatibility with intended fluids and temperature ranges.

Implementation Best Practices

• Early certification planning: Engage with notified bodies and inspection agencies during design and commissioning—especially for AM applications in pressure equipment.
• Supplier qualification: Source components and assemblies from providers certified to the latest edition of each standard.
• Testing and validation: Implement in-house type tests and routine batch testing that mirror the standard’s protocols, not just factory certificates.
• Documentation: Maintain up-to-date records of inspection, repair, rejection, and replacement actions as required by standards like EN 16728 and EN 13445-14.

Testing & Certification Considerations

• Hydrostatic testing is a universal requirement across hose and cylinder standards, ensuring burst and sustained pressure endurance.
• Impulse and fatigue testing validate suitability for dynamic, high-cycle environments.
• Non-destructive examinations (e.g., dye penetrant, ultrasonic, radiography) are mandated particularly for AM pressure parts and critical welds.
• Marking and labeling must comply with clear, standardized formats for easy field identification and compliance audits.

Conclusion / Next Steps

With these five standards released in April 2026, the landscape for fluid systems and components continues to evolve—responding to innovation in materials, manufacturing, and global safety expectations. Organizations active in pressure vessel fabrication, LPG storage and distribution, and hydraulic system design are urged to review and incorporate these updates promptly.

Key takeaways:

• The new and revised standards raise the bar for safety, performance, and regulatory alignment.
• Additive manufacturing now has a clear, standardized path for pressure equipment compliance.
• Updated hose specifications lead to more consistent, reliable operation across the fluid power sector.
• Periodic LPG cylinder inspections are clarified for the full range of modern materials in the market.

Recommendations:

• Download and study the full standards via iTeh Standards using the links above.
• Conduct an internal compliance audit and update policies and training materials.
• Engage with certification bodies and technical committees for ongoing clarification where required.
• Subscribe to updates from iTeh Standards to stay ahead of the next wave of standards in fluid systems and beyond.

Staying current with evolving standards ensures not just compliance—but operational excellence, safer workplaces, and enhanced market opportunities in the competitive world of fluid systems and components.