The Federal Railroad Administration announced a final rule to further enhance the safety of the U.S. freight rail industry by introducing tougher standards for newly built freight cars placed into service within the U.S.
The new regulation establishes and ensures compliance with stringent limitations on the use of sensitive technology and components originating from countries of concern or state-owned enterprises.
Under the new regulation, freight cars must meet strict manufacturing requirements. They must be manufactured, assembled, and substantially transformed in a qualified facility by a qualified manufacturer and components from countries of concern and state-owned enterprises are restricted.
Additionally, sensitive technology and any essential components of that technology may not originate from a country of concern or state-owned enterprise. Freight car manufacturers must certify that their cars comply with these standards before being placed into service on the U.S. general railroad system.
Manufacturers must also maintain detailed records to support their certification, which the FRA will review upon request. The feds will enforce the rule with civil penalties for noncompliance. Violations can result in manufacturers being prohibited from supplying freight cars to the U.S. rail system.
