The International Tank Container Organisation (ITCO) has published the latest RID-ADR 2023 edition which includes a set of amendments concerning the testing and inspection of tank containers.
Intermediate inspection and test
The amendment requires that if an intermediate inspection and test is performed later than the test expiry date recorded on the last test certificate, the test should be replaced by a 5-yr inspection and test, ITCO informs. Previously, the regulations allowed an Intermediate Inspection and Test up to 3-months before or after the test expiry date recorded on the last test certificate before it was replaced by a 5-yr Inspection and Test.
Periods of testing
- If an Intermediate inspection and test is performed up to 3-mths before or, if as is allowed for 6.7 tanks, up to 3-months after its expiry date, the date of the next 5-yr Periodic Inspection and Test remains the same as before.
- If a 2.5-yr Intermediate Inspection and Test is performed, the next test date is 5-yrs from the date of the last 5-yr Inspection and test.
- If a 5-yr Periodic Inspection and Test is performed, the next Intermediate Test is due 2.5-yrs from the date of test.
- The last test date and expiry date is recorded on the last Periodic Test Certificate or, for tanks less than 2.5 years from date of manufacture recorded on the Initial Test Certificate. The last test date is also marked on the tank data plate.
- The tank may be used, for a specified period and conditions, if the tank is filled with cargo at the date of test expiry (RID-ADR 4.3.2.3.7, 6.7.2.19.6.1)
- Exceptional inspection and tests may be required at any time in the event of a condition that affects the integrity of the tank.
The amendment concerns RID-ADR 6.8 tank containers. However, if the tank is dual approved to RID-ADR 6.8 and UN Portable tank 6.7, practically, the inspection and test date requirements for the dual approval tank follow the tolerance allowed by RID-ADR 6.8.
If the tank is approved only to IMDG 6.7 and RID-ADR 6.7, there is no change to the regulation.
Entry into Service Verification
Furthermore, ITCO highlights that RID-ADR 2023 provisions 6.8 tank containers include an Entry into Service Verification (ESV) which may be required by the competent authority on an occasional basis.
The ESV, which might include an inspection, verifies the conformity with RID-ADR 2023 6.8 regulatory requirements. The ESV may be required by the competent authority on an occasional basis when:
- The tank enters service at its first country of registration.
- When the country of registration is changed.
