Article 1 - Name and Registered Office, Fiscal Year

The name of the association is: "Cargo Rail Service Center CRSC e. V.".

It is registered in the association register and carries the suffix "e.V."

The registered office of the association is in Hameln. The mailing address is linked to the board and can be accessed accordingly. The fiscal year is the calendar year.

Article 2 - Purpose

The association provides its members with a platform for joint solutions in the sector.

This includes workshops, seminars, data exchange, a network of spare parts suppliers, information exchange, and a competence center for the freight wagon industry.

Additionally, the association develops practical solutions for the sector, such as insurance concepts and bundling of expertise.

It also provides support in all matters related to the unrestricted use of freight wagons, the harmonization of regulations, and the simplification of processes. To achieve this purpose, CRSC e.V. may cooperate with or join other associations or organizations.

The association aims to promote the efficient availability of spare parts under legally compliant, high-quality, and cost-effective conditions on both a national and international level. This facilitates (en route) repairs of freight wagons for its members.

The association considers itself a self-help organization and does not pursue any commercial gain.

Article 3 - Membership Eligibility

Membership is open to all natural and legal persons involved in wagon manufacturing, workshops, wagon ownership, cargo shippers, railway transport companies (EVUs), service providers, or anyone with an interest in public rail freight transport.

Article 4 - Membership Types

A distinction is made between full members and subsidiary companies.

The different membership types are detailed in the membership application, which is available for download on the association’s website.

Full members, regardless of the type and size of the company or potential subsidiaries, have one vote in the general assembly.

Article 5 - Admission

The membership application must be submitted to the head office, which presents it to the founding members for approval.

Article 6 - Termination of Membership

Membership terminates upon resignation or expulsion by decision of the founding members' assembly if the membership requirements are no longer met.

Membership also ends upon the dissolution of the legal entity or the death of the member.

Resignation is possible at the end of the calendar year with a three-month notice period, provided written notice is given to the board.

The founding members' assembly may expel a member if they fail to fulfill their obligations to the association or act against Article 2. Expulsion requires a prior warning and a hearing with the board.

Article 7 - Membership Fees

Membership fees are determined by the general assembly as needed to cover the association's costs.

Article 8 - Governing Bodies

The governing bodies of the association are:

• General Assembly
• Board of Directors
• Founding Members' Assembly
• Head Office
• Competence Center

Article 9 - General Assembly

The general assembly is the supreme body of the association and meets at least once a year upon written invitation by the board.

Proposals to be discussed at the assembly must be submitted to the board and founding members in writing at least 14 days before the meeting.

An extraordinary general assembly may be convened by the board if necessary. The board is required to do so if at least one-third of the founding members submit a written request specifying the desired agenda items. In such cases, a meeting must be held within one month.

Each member has one vote in the general assembly. Proxy voting is allowed, and a member may represent multiple other members.

The general assembly resolves matters such as:

• Amendments to the statutes
• Determination of membership fees
• Election of board members
• Election of the board chairman
• Election of financial auditors
• Discharge of the board
• Dissolution of the association

Decisions are made by a simple majority of the votes represented. Amendments to the statutes and member expulsions require a two-thirds majority, while the dissolution of the association requires unanimous approval from all members.

Decisions may also be made in writing (referendum), provided no member requests a verbal meeting.

A written record of the assembly's decisions must be kept and signed by the chairman and the secretary.

Article 10 - Board of Directors

The association is managed by the board, which consists of:

• Two representatives from workshops
• Two representatives from wagon owners
• One representative from shippers, EVUs, or rail freight service providers
• One secretary (without voting rights)

A company group may only provide one representative, except for the secretary.

The board organizes itself and, in the event of a tie, the Chamber of Commerce (IHK) may
mediate disputes.

The association is legally represented by two board members jointly.

The board's responsibilities include:

• Managing the association
• Developing strategic objectives
• Representing the association
• Defining signing authorities
• Organizing and convening general assemblies
• Developing projects to expand the association's services
• Ensuring alignment between strategy and finances
• Proposing new members and membership fees
• Proposing member expulsions
• Appointing the head of the Competence Center
• Handling the association’s liquidation

The board is elected by the voting members for a three-year term, with the possibility of re-election.

Board members work on a voluntary basis.

Article 11 - Founding Members' Assembly

This assembly consists of the founding members of CRSC e.V.

Its responsibilities include:

• Supervising the board's work
• Approving strategic objectives
• Approving new members and fees
• Expelling members
• Electing financial auditors

Article 12 - Head Office

The head office manages administrative tasks and is responsible for:

• Membership affairs
• Communication with current and potential members
• Document management
• The association’s website
• Organizational matters

All correspondence can be conducted electronically.

Article 13 - Competence Center

The Competence Center is a technical advisory body consisting of up to 12 experts focusing on rail vehicle technology.

All members of the association may nominate candidates, who are then appointed by the board.

Article 14 - Financial Auditors

Two financial auditors are elected by the general assembly for a three-year term. They may be re-elected.

Article 15 - Asset Transfer

In the event of dissolution, the association will be liquidated by the board. The association’s assets will be distributed equally among the founding members.