What is the difference between RICS and a VAT number?

While a VAT number is for tax purposes, the RICS code (UIC 920-1) is specifically for railway operations. It is shorter, standardized across all UIC members, and integrated into rail-specific software and signaling systems.

Can a private operator get a UIC 920-1 code?

Yes. Any legal entity involved in rail transport (operators, wagon keepers, or maintenance providers) can apply for a RICS code to ensure they are visible in international data exchange systems.

Is this code used in passenger ticketing?

Yes, it is used in the barcodes of international tickets to identify the carrier and the issuing authority, ensuring the ticket is recognized by scanners in different countries.

UIC Leaflet 920-1: Standard Numerical Coding of Railway Undertakings and Infrastructure Managers

UIC Leaflet 920-1 establishes the standard numerical coding for railway undertakings, infrastructure managers, and other entities involved in international rail transport. It provides the unique 4-digit identification codes required for accurate Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and administrative synchronization across global rail networks.

October 16, 2023 8:43 pm

What is UIC Leaflet 920-1?

UIC Leaflet 920-1 is a core standard within the 900-series (Information Technology), titled “Standard numerical coding of railway undertakings, infrastructure managers and other companies involved in rail transport.” In an era of open-access rail markets, a single train journey may involve multiple companies across several borders.

For digital **Data Exchange** to function, every company must have a unique digital “fingerprint.” UIC 920-1 defines this 4-digit RICS (Railway International Code System) code, which is essential for **Interoperability** in billing, tracking, and safety reporting.

The RICS Code Structure

The coding system managed under UIC 920-1 is designed to be permanent and globally unique. The code consists of four digits:

Company Identification: A unique 4-digit number assigned to each legal entity (e.g., 0080 for DB, 0081 for ÖBB, 0087 for SNCF).
Integration with Country Codes: The company code is inherently linked to the **Country Codes** defined in ISO standards, ensuring that the nationality of the operator is always traceable.
Database Management: UIC maintains a central, real-time database of these codes to prevent duplication and ensure that new market entrants are integrated into the **Logistics Management** ecosystem.

Applications in Rail Operations

The RICS code defined in Leaflet 920-1 is embedded in nearly every digital transaction in the rail industry:

Vehicle Numbering: The company code is used as the “keeper marking” on **Rolling Stock**, identifying who is legally responsible for the vehicle.
TAF TSI Compliance: Under the European **TAF TSI** (Telematics Applications for Freight) regulations, the RICS code is mandatory for identifying the “Lead Railway Undertaking” in a transport chain.
Ticketing and Revenue: It allows for the accurate distribution of fare revenue between different carriers in international passenger traffic.

Importance for Infrastructure Management

For **Infrastructure Management**, UIC 920-1 is vital for track access billing. When a locomotive enters a foreign network, the infrastructure manager’s sensors (such as RFID or OCR cameras) identify the company code to automatically generate usage invoices. This eliminates manual paperwork and reduces the risk of administrative errors in **International Traffic**.