EN 13856:2026

• Abstract:

  This document specifies the minimum requirements for the contents of the user manual for Automotive LPG propulsion systems fitted in road vehicles.; This document does not cover the user manual for forklift trucks or other industrial machinery.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 02-Jun-2026
• ICS: 43.060.40 - Fuel systems
• ICS: 75.160.30 - Gaseous fuels
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 286 - Liquefied petroleum gas equipment and accessories
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 286/WG 6 - Automative LPG system
• Current Stage: 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
• Start Date: 03-Jun-2026
• Due Date: 25-Mar-2026
• Completion Date: 03-Jun-2026
• Ref Project: SIST EN 13856:2026 - LPG equipment and accessories - Minimum requirements for the content of the user manual for automotive LPG systems

• Replaces: EN 13856:2002 - Minimum requirements for the content of the user manual for automotive LPG systems
• Effective Date: 07-Feb-2024

Overview

EN 13856:2026 is a European standard developed by CEN that specifies the minimum requirements for the content of user manuals for automotive LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) propulsion systems in road vehicles. This standard is crucial for manufacturers, installers, and importers of automotive LPG equipment, ensuring that all end users receive consistent, clear, and safety-focused instructions for the safe operation, maintenance, and handling of LPG systems. Notably, EN 13856:2026 does not address user manuals for forklift trucks or other industrial machinery-its scope is strictly limited to LPG systems installed in passenger cars and commercial road vehicles.

This standard supersedes the previous version (EN 13856:2002), reflecting updated industry practices and enhanced safety considerations to support the growing use of LPG in automotive applications. Following EN 13856 helps organizations comply with regulatory requirements and improves customer safety and satisfaction.

Key Topics

Implementation of EN 13856:2026 ensures that user manuals for automotive LPG systems include all essential information for end users. The main content requirements include:

• Technical Specifications

  • Description of the LPG system and its main components
  • Details about the appropriate LPG fuel
  • Guidelines on initial use and necessary system tuning

• Safety Instructions

  • Correct and safe usage procedures
  • Warnings about potential misuse and the associated risks
  • Actions in the event of a gas leak
  • Information on operation in extreme conditions (humidity, temperature)
  • Emphasis on maximum filling level (80% of tank volume)
  • Compliance with applicable national regulations (parking, maintenance, and re-approval)

• Operation Procedures

  • Safe and correct method to fill the LPG container
  • Instructions for switching between fuels (when a manual switch-over is present)
  • Procedures for opening/closing manual valves
  • Description and location of LPG level indicators, with focus on the 80% fill level

• Maintenance Guidance

  • Maintenance types and recommended intervals
  • Requirement for maintenance by competent professionals
  • Special instructions for activities like vehicle repainting and exposure to high-temperature environments

• Defects and Repair

  • Steps to follow in case of system defects or need for repair
  • Directions for using diagnostic systems, if included

Applications

EN 13856:2026 provides tangible value to:

• Automotive LPG System Manufacturers and Installers: By mandating standardized user manuals, this standard supports consistent installation, safer operation, and reduced liability risks.
• Road Vehicle OEMs: Ensures compliance with European market requirements and enhances customer support documentation.
• End Users and Vehicle Owners: Receives comprehensive, understandable instructions that promote proper use, routine care, and increased safety when operating LPG-powered vehicles.
• Regulatory Authorities: Harmonizes documentation practices across Europe, facilitating market surveillance and inspection activities.

By following this standard, organizations help reduce the risk of accidents and extend the life of LPG systems through improved maintenance and informed user behavior.

Related Standards

To further support best practices in automotive LPG systems and their documentation, consider the following related standards:

• CEN/TS 16765: Environmental considerations for LPG equipment and accessories
• prEN 12805: Containers for automotive liquefied petroleum gas systems
• EN 12806: LPG components other than containers for automotive use
• EN 16652-2: Competence and training requirements for workshops servicing automotive LPG vehicles

Adhering to EN 13856:2026 and its related standards fosters higher safety, compliance, and customer confidence in the use of automotive LPG technology.

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2026
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 13856:2002
Oprema in pribor za utekočinjeni naftni plin (UNP) - Minimalne zahteve za vsebino
navodila za uporabo UNP v sistemih za pogon motornih vozil
LPG equipment and accessories - Minimum requirements for the content of the user
manual for automotive LPG systems
Flüssiggas-Geräte und Ausrüstungsteile - Mindestanforderungen an den Inhalt von
Betriebsanleitungen für Autogasanlagen
Équipements pour GPL et leurs accessoires - Exigences d’utilisation pour les systèmes
GPL pour automobiles
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 13856:2026
ICS:
43.060.40 Sistemi za gorivo Fuel systems
75.160.30 Plinska goriva Gaseous fuels
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 13856
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
June 2026
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 43.060.40 Supersedes EN 13856:2002
English Version
LPG equipment and accessories - Minimum requirements
for the content of the user manual for automotive LPG
systems
Équipements pour GPL et leurs accessoires - Exigences Flüssiggas-Geräte und Ausrüstungsteile -
d'utilisation pour les systèmes GPL pour automobiles Mindestanforderungen an den Inhalt von
Betriebsanleitungen für Autogasanlagen
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 13 April 2026.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 13856:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 General. 5
5 Contents of the user manual . 5
5.1 LPG system description . 5
5.2 Safety instructions . 6
5.3 Operation of the LPG system . 6
5.3.1 Filling of the LPG container . 6
5.3.2 Switch-over procedure . 6
5.3.3 Opening / closing of manual valves when fitted . 6
5.3.4 Level indicator . 6
5.4 Maintenance . 6
5.5 Defects and repair . 6
Bibliography . 7
European foreword
This document (EN 13856:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 286 “LPG
equipment and accessories”, the secretariat of which is held by NSAI.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by December 2026, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by December 2026.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 13856:2002.
The main changes in EN 13856:2026 compared to EN 13856:2002 are:
— clarification of the content of the user manual, now made by the “LPG system description” and the
“Safety instruction” sections;
— improved general terminology and wording;
— updated maintenance paragraph, with the reference to EN 16652-2 for competence of operators.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed
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