EN 16922:2026
(Main)Railway applications - Ground based service - Vehicle waste water discharge equipment
General Information
- Abstract
This document specifies the interface requirements for controlled emission toilet equipment on railway vehicles and the infrastructure, including catering area sink waste retention tanks. Vehicle and infrastructure specific requirements are also given.
The document includes fixed and portable infrastructure equipment used to empty retention tanks, but excludes equipment fitted to railway vehicles where no fixed connections are used between vehicle and infrastructure.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 24-Feb-2026
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 256 - Railway applications
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 256/WG 43 - Ground based services
- Current Stage
- 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
- Start Date
- 25-Feb-2026
- Due Date
- 26-Feb-2026
- Completion Date
- 25-Feb-2026
Overview
EN 16922:2026 is a European standard developed by CEN that defines the interface requirements for controlled emission toilet (CET) equipment on railway vehicles and related infrastructure. This standard ensures safe, hygienic, and efficient waste water management for rolling stock by standardizing connections, system design, and operation for both vehicle and ground-based (fixed and portable) service installations. It covers requirements for toilet and catering sink waste retention tanks, specifies labelling and connection identification, and addresses both vehicle and supporting infrastructure interfaces.
EN 16922:2026 supersedes EN 16922:2017+A1:2019 and introduces key updates for system pressure guidance and alignment with current standard references, supporting safety, interoperability, and maintenance efficiency throughout the European rail network.
Key Topics
- Controlled Emission Toilets (CET): Standardizes the interface, marking, and operational expectations for emission control and waste retention systems in railway vehicles.
- Interface Connections: Defines and modularizes the design for 3” and 1” discharge/flushing connections, ensuring compatibility between trains and servicing infrastructure.
- Retention Tank Requirements: Outlines construction, location, and labelling of waste and grey water tanks for passenger toilets and catering facilities, emphasizing leak-proof and corrosion-resistant design.
- System Labelling and Marking: Specifies identification protocols for all connections and tanks, including color codes, labelling in the native language and English, and prominent display of tank volumes.
- Flushing and Ventilation: Sets minimum and aspirational flushing volumes, mandates venting systems to avoid pressure imbalances, and details cleaning and maintenance access requirements.
- Infrastructure Equipment: Specifies fixed and mobile equipment for safe and efficient emptying and flushing of retention tanks, including breakaway couplings, vacuum or air pressure systems, and backflow prevention devices.
- Temperature and Environmental Resistance: Defines minimum operational temperature thresholds and durability against cold climates and vibration, enhancing reliability and safety.
Applications
EN 16922:2026 is essential for:
- Railway Operators: Establishes consistent processes for waste water discharge, supports hygienic conditions for passengers and staff, and aligns waste management practices with regulatory requirements.
- Rolling Stock Manufacturers: Ensures new and refurbished vehicles meet harmonized European waste water discharge interfaces, thus simplifying development, procurement, and cross-border operation.
- Infrastructure Managers: Provides standardized requirements for design and operation of ground-based service points, minimizing operational risks, preventing contamination, and facilitating efficient maintenance.
- Maintenance Providers: Guides safe and efficient cleaning, emptying, and servicing procedures, with a focus on clear identification and compatibility.
- Environmental Compliance: Supports the safe containment, collection, and disposal of black water (toilet) and grey water (sink) effluents, in line with environmental protection and public health regulations.
Related Standards
EN 16922:2026 references and works in conjunction with several related railway and water management standards, including:
- EN 1717: Protection of potable water installations and devices against pollution.
- EN 12663-1: Structural requirements for railway vehicle bodies.
- EN 15877-2: Markings for railway vehicles.
- EN 16362: Ground-based services for water restocking on rolling stock.
- EN 45545-2: Fire protection requirements for railway materials and components.
Additionally, referencing standards such as EN 50125-1 (environmental conditions for rolling stock equipment) and UIC 563 (rail coach hygiene fittings) provides comprehensive coverage and helps ensure system reliability and interoperability across the European rail sector.
Keywords: EN 16922:2026, controlled emission toilets, railway waste water discharge, rail vehicle retention tanks, ground-based service equipment, European railway standards, CET interface requirements, railway hygiene, rolling stock maintenance, waste disposal infrastructure.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 22-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2026
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2026
- Effective Date
- 18-Mar-2026
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Bureau Veritas Railway Certification
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Excellence Ireland Quality Association (EIQA)
Irish quality certification organization.
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 16922:2026 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Railway applications - Ground based service - Vehicle waste water discharge equipment". This standard covers: This document specifies the interface requirements for controlled emission toilet equipment on railway vehicles and the infrastructure, including catering area sink waste retention tanks. Vehicle and infrastructure specific requirements are also given. The document includes fixed and portable infrastructure equipment used to empty retention tanks, but excludes equipment fitted to railway vehicles where no fixed connections are used between vehicle and infrastructure.
This document specifies the interface requirements for controlled emission toilet equipment on railway vehicles and the infrastructure, including catering area sink waste retention tanks. Vehicle and infrastructure specific requirements are also given. The document includes fixed and portable infrastructure equipment used to empty retention tanks, but excludes equipment fitted to railway vehicles where no fixed connections are used between vehicle and infrastructure.
EN 16922:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 45.060.20 - Trailing stock. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 16922:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 16922:2017+A1:2019, EN 1717:2025+A1:2026, EN 1717:2025, EN 45545-2:2020+A1:2023. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 16922:2026 is associated with the following European legislation: Standardization Mandates: M/483. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
EN 16922:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.