SIST EN 13385:2026

Transportable gas cylinders - Battery vehicles and multiple-element gas containers (MEGCs) for compressed and liquefied gases (excluding acetylene) - Inspection at time of filling

This document specifies the minimum requirements for inspection at time of filling of battery vehicles and multiple-element gas containers (MEGCs) for compressed and liquefied gases.
The elements of battery vehicles and MEGCs covered by this document are:
—   seamless steel or seamless aluminium alloy cylinders or tubes, and
—   composite cylinders or tubes (hoop-wrapped or fully-wrapped)
with a water capacity up to 3000 l.
This document is not applicable to MEGCs using tanks as elements.
This document is not applicable to the automotive components of a battery trailer.
NOTE   Acetylene battery-vehicles are covered by EN 13720 [1].

Ortsbewegliche Gasflaschen - Batterie-Fahrzeuge und Gascontainer mit mehreren Elementen (MEGCs) für verdichtete und verflüssigte Gase (außer Acetylen) - Prüfung zum Zeitpunkt des Füllens

Dieses Dokument legt die Mindestanforderungen für die Prüfung zum Zeitpunkt des Füllens von Batteriefahrzeugen und Gascontainern mit mehreren Elementen (en: multiple-element gas containers, MEGC) für verdichtete und verflüssigte Gase fest.
Die durch dieses Dokument abgedeckten Elemente von Batteriefahrzeugen und MEGCs:
-   nahtlose Flaschen oder nahtlose Großflaschen aus Stahl oder Aluminiumlegierung, und
-   Großflaschen oder Flaschen in Verbundbauweise (umfangsgewickelt oder vollumwickelt in Composite-Bauweise)
mit einem Fassungsraum von bis zu 3 000 l.
Dieses Dokument ist nicht anwendbar für MEGCs mit Tanks als Elemente.
Dieses Dokument ist nicht anwendbar für die Fahrzeugbauteile eines Batteriefahrzeuges.
ANMERKUNG   Acetylen-Batteriefahrzeuge sind in EN 13720 [1] enthalten.

Bouteilles à gaz transportables - Véhicules-batteries et conteneurs à gaz à éléments multiples (CGEM), pour gaz comprimés et liquéfiés (à l’exception de l’acétylène) - Inspection au moment du remplissage

Le présent document spécifie les exigences minimales relatives à l’inspection des véhicules-batteries et des conteneurs à gaz à éléments multiples (CGEM) au moment du remplissage, pour les gaz comprimés et liquéfiés.
Les éléments des véhicules-batteries et des CGEM couverts par le présent document sont les suivants :
-   bouteilles ou tubes en acier ou en alliage d’aluminium, sans soudure ; et
-   bouteilles ou tubes composites (frettés ou entièrement bobinés)
d’une contenance en eau jusqu’à 3 000 l.
Le présent document n’est pas applicable aux CGEM qui ont pour éléments des citernes.
Le présent document n’est pas applicable aux composants automoteurs des remorques-batteries.
NOTE   Les véhicules-batteries d’acétylène sont couverts par l’EN 13720 [1].

Premične plinske jeklenke - Baterijska vozila in večprekatni zabojniki za pline (MEGC) za stisnjene in utekočinjene pline (razen acetilena) - Kontrola med polnjenjem

Ta dokument določa minimalne zahteve za pregled ob polnjenju baterijskih vozil in večelementnih plinskih zabojnikov (MEGC) za stisnjene in utekočinjene pline.
Elementi baterijskih vozil in MEGC, ki jih zajema ta dokument, so:
- brezšivne jeklene ali brezšivne aluminijeve zlitinske jeklenke ali cevi, in
- kompozitne jeklenke ali cevi (obročasto ovite ali popolnoma ovite)
z vodno kapaciteto do 3000 l.
Ta dokument se ne uporablja za MEGC, ki uporabljajo rezervoarje kot elemente.
Ta dokument se ne uporablja za avtomobilske komponente baterijskih prikolic.
OPOMBA Baterijska vozila za acetilen so zajeta v EN 13720 [1].

General Information

• Status: Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 02-Feb-2025
• Publication Date: 12-Mar-2026
• ICS: 23.020.35 - Gas cylinders
• Technical Committee: TLP - Pressure vessels
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 04-Mar-2026
• Due Date: 09-May-2026
• Completion Date: 13-Mar-2026
• Directive: Not Harmonized94/55/EC - Transport of dangerous goods by road
• Directive:

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  Not Harmonized96/49/EC - Transport of dangerous goods by rail
• Directive:

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  Not Harmonized96/86/EC - Transport of dangerous goods by road (94/55/EC Dir. amendment)
• Directive:

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  Not Harmonized96/87/EC - Transport of dangerous goods by rail (96/49/EC Dir. amendment)
• Ref Project: EN 13385:2025 - Transportable gas cylinders - Battery vehicles and multiple-element gas containers (MEGCs) for compressed and liquefied gases (excluding acetylene) - Inspection at time of filling

Relations

• Replaces: SIST EN 13385:2002 - Transportable gas cylinders - Battery vehicles for permanent and liquefied gases (excluding acetylene) - Inspection at time of filling
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2026
• Refers: SIST EN ISO 18119:2019 - Gas cylinders - Seamless steel and seamless aluminium-alloy gas cylinders and tubes - Periodic inspection and testing (ISO 18119:2018)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: SIST EN ISO 10286:2025 - Gas cylinders - Vocabulary (ISO 10286:2025)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: SIST EN ISO 11623:2023 - Gas cylinders - Composite cylinders and tubes - Periodic inspection and testing (ISO 11623:2023)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026

Overview

SIST EN 13385:2026 establishes the minimum requirements for inspection at the time of filling battery vehicles and multiple-element gas containers (MEGCs) for compressed and liquefied gases, excluding acetylene. This standard applies to battery vehicles and MEGCs with seamless steel or aluminium alloy cylinders or tubes, as well as composite cylinders or tubes (hoop-wrapped or fully-wrapped) with a water capacity up to 3000 litres. By setting inspection protocols before, during, and after filling, this standard supports the safe handling and transportation of gases, reducing risks associated with pressurized gases.

This document is essential for companies involved in the filling, transportation, and management of industrial gases, ensuring compliance with key safety procedures and promoting international harmonization in the gas industry.

Key Topics

Scope and Applicability

• Covers battery vehicles and MEGCs for compressed and liquefied gases (excluding acetylene)
• Applies to cylinders and tubes made of seamless steel, aluminium alloys, and composites with up to 3000 l capacity
• Excludes MEGCs using tanks as elements and automotive components of a battery trailer

Inspection Process

The standard details a structured inspection process, including:

• Pre-filling Inspection: Verifying approvals, inspection dates, gas compatibility, structural integrity, valve positions, and labeling
• Immobilisation and Earthing: Ensuring the vehicle/MEGC cannot move while filling and establishing proper electrical continuity and earthing for flammable gases
• Inspection During Filling: Confirming leak-tight connections, careful monitoring for hazardous gases, and proper filling levels
• Post-filling Inspection: Checking that containers are not overfilled, correcting pressures, verifying labeling, and ensuring all equipment is safely disconnected

Safety and Regulatory Compliance

• Implements rejection criteria for damaged cylinders/tubes, referencing EN ISO 18119 and EN ISO 11623
• Stresses the importance of checking for contamination, proper valve operation, markings, and safety devices

Applications

SIST EN 13385:2026 is vital for a range of sectors in the compressed and liquefied gas supply chain, including:

• Gas Filling Stations: Ensuring safe filling procedures and compliance with inspection standards
• Industrial Gas Transport: Supporting safe delivery of gases used in manufacturing, healthcare, energy, and laboratories
• Quality Assurance: Providing inspection checklists for operators and inspectors to ensure containers meet safety and serviceability requirements
• Gas Cylinder Manufacturers: Aligning production and certification processes with transport and filling regulations

These inspection protocols help reduce leaks, overfilling, and contamination risks, aligning with best practices for the international carriage of dangerous goods.

Related Standards

For organizations implementing SIST EN 13385:2026, the following related standards are also relevant:

• EN 13807: Design, manufacture, identification, and testing of battery vehicles and MEGCs
• EN ISO 10286: Vocabulary for gas cylinders
• EN ISO 18119: Periodic inspection and testing for seamless steel and aluminium cylinders and tubes
• EN ISO 11623: Periodic inspection and testing for composite cylinders and tubes
• EN ISO 24431: Inspection at time of filling for seamless, welded, and composite cylinders (excluding acetylene)
• EN 13720: Specifications for acetylene battery vehicles (for acetylene-specific guidance)

Compliance with SIST EN 13385:2026 and its related standards is crucial for safe, efficient, and legal operation within the gas distribution and logistics sectors.

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Keywords: transportable gas cylinders, MEGCs, battery vehicles, compressed gases, liquefied gases, inspection at time of filling, industrial gas safety, EN 13385, gas container inspection, gas cylinder standards, gas transport compliance

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-april-2026
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 13385:2002
Premične plinske jeklenke - Baterijska vozila in večprekatni zabojniki za pline
(MEGC) za stisnjene in utekočinjene pline (razen acetilena) - Kontrola med
polnjenjem
Transportable gas cylinders - Battery vehicles and multiple-element gas containers
(MEGCs) for compressed and liquefied gases (excluding acetylene) - Inspection at time
of filling
Ortsbewegliche Gasflaschen - Batterie-Fahrzeuge und Gascontainer mit mehreren
Elementen (MEGCs) für verdichtete und verflüssigte Gase (außer Acetylen) - Prüfung
zum Zeitpunkt des Füllens
Bouteilles à gaz transportables - Véhicules-batteries et conteneurs à gaz à éléments
multiples (CGEM), pour gaz comprimés et liquéfiés (à l’exception de l’acétylène) -
Inspection au moment du remplissage
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 13385:2025
ICS:
23.020.35 Plinske jeklenke Gas cylinders
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 13385
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
December 2025
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 23.020.35 Supersedes EN 13385:2002
English Version
Transportable gas cylinders - Battery vehicles and
multiple-element gas containers (MEGCs) for compressed
and liquefied gases (excluding acetylene) - Inspection at
time of filling
Bouteilles à gaz transportables - Véhicules-batteries et Ortsbewegliche Gasflaschen - Batterie-Fahrzeuge und
conteneurs à gaz à éléments multiples (CGEM), pour Gascontainer mit mehreren Elementen (MEGCs) für
gaz comprimés et liquéfiés (à l'exception de verdichtete und verflüssigte Gase (außer Acetylen) -
l'acétylène) - Inspection au moment du remplissage Prüfung zum Zeitpunkt des Füllens
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 24 November 2025.

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
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 13385:2025 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 Inspection at time of filling . 7
4.1 Inspection prior to filling . 7
4.2 Immobilisation and earthing . 8
4.2.1 Immobilisation . 8
4.2.2 Earthing . 8
4.3 Inspection during filling . 9
4.4 Disconnection . 9
4.5 Inspection after filling . 9
Bibliography . 10

European foreword
This document (EN 13385:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 23 “Transportable
gas cylinders”, the secretariat of which is held by BSI.
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 June 2026, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by June 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 13385:2002.
a) added MEGCs to the scope;
b) revised all definition to be aligned with EN ISO 10286;
c) revised the Bibliography;
d) clarified definition of leak tight;
e) introduced a valve per cylinder/tube, which is not intended to be operated during use.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: 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 the United
Kingdom.
Introduction
Battery vehicles and MEGCs require inspection at time of filling, both before and after the filling process,
in order to ensure that all components are suitable for the intended filling conditions and are free of
defects and contamination that can affect the integrity of the battery vehicle or MEGC.
This document can also be used as guideline for battery wagons.
NOTE Where there is no risk of ambiguity, gas cylinders, tubes and bundles of cylinders are addressed with the
collective term ‘cylinder’ within this document.
1 Scope
This document specifies the minimum requirements for inspection at time of filling of battery vehicles
and multiple-element gas containers (MEGCs) for compressed and liquefied gases.
The elements of battery vehicles and MEGCs covered by this document are:
— seamless steel or seamless aluminium alloy cylinders or tubes, and
— composite cylinders or tubes (hoop-wrapped or fully-wrapped)
with a water capacity up to 3000 l.
This document is not applicable to MEGCs using tanks as elements.
This document is not applicable to the automotive components of a battery trailer.
NOTE Acetylene battery-vehicles are covered by EN 13720 [1].
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN ISO 10286:2025, Gas cylinders — Vocabulary (ISO 10286:2025)
EN ISO 18119, Gas cylinders - Seamless steel and seamless aluminium-alloy gas cylinders and tubes -
Periodic inspection and testing (ISO 18119)
EN ISO 11623, Gas cylinders - Composite cylinders and tubes - Periodic inspection and testing (ISO 11623)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN ISO 10286 and the following
apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp/
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
bundle of cylinders
DEPRECATED: cylinder bundle, cylinder pack
pressure receptacle comprising an assembly of cylinders or cylinder shells that are fastened together and
which are interconnected by a manifold and transported as a unit, having a total water capacity not
exceeding 3 000 l
Note 1 to entry: RID/ADR [6] limit the water capacity of bundles intended for transport of toxic gases to 1 000 l
Note 2 to entry: In this document, the term “bundle”
...