4. The expert from Germany introduced GRSP-64-38, to present the proposed Amendment 2 (GRSP-64-39-Rev.1 superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2018/27) to UN GTR No. 7 (Phase 2 of the UN GTR on head restraints), jointly prepared with the experts from Japan and the Netherlands. He explained that the proposal still has several items, in several square brackets, to be solved. However, he added that the draft amendment would introduced five main changes to the UN GTR:

1. Procedure for establishing the height of the head restraint base on the head contact rather than at its absolute height;
2. Height measurement test procedure;
3. Deletion of the backset measurement test procedure using the H-point machine method;
4. Introduction of the backset measurement test procedure using the R-point method; and
5. Introduction of the dynamic performance test procedure, by using the Biomechanical Rear Impact Dummy (BioRID) and empirical criteria instead of biomechanical (due to the absence of an absolute medical definition of whiplash) to establish seat performance.

5. In the same time, the expert from Japan introduced the eighth status report of the Informal Working Group (IWG) on Head Restraints. The expert from OICA suggested that both UN GTR No. 7 and UN Regulation No. 17 be kept aligned. However, he added that if, at this time, it was difficult to maintain alignment, he urged GRSP to at least amend UN Regulation No. 17 to include the outcome of the IWG work. The expert from CLEPA introduced GRSP-64-44, expressing concerns on repeatability and reproducibility of BioRID test results and suggesting permissible variations to the injury criteria. GRSP noted that a proposal for amendments to Mutual Resolution No. 1 (M.R.1), which incorporated drawings and specifications of the BioRID dummy would possibly be presented at the May 2019 session of GRSP.

6. Finally, GRSP experts were invited to provide comments to GRSP-64-39-Rev.1 and GRSP-64-40 to the expert from Japan by the end of January 2019. Moreover, it was agreed that IWG organize a webex meeting to allow the expert from Japan to submit an official proposal of amendments, which would also incorporate GRSP-64-25 (see para. 16 of this report) by 15 February 2019.