16. The expert from GTB proposed to introduce into Regulations Nos. 19, 98, 112, 113 and 123 provisions for standardized replaceable light emitting diode (LED) light sources approved according to Regulation No. 128 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2016/34). He also outlined the upcoming amendment proposals to Regulation No. 128, including the introduction of ‘thermal grade’ as a new characteristic of LED light sources (GRE-76-13). The experts from France, Germany, Italy and UK indicated the far-reaching character and scale of the proposed amendments, and the need to study them in detail. They also expressed a preference for considering the proposed amendments simultaneously with proposals for amendments to Regulation No. 128. Some experts pointed out that the thermal behaviour of LEDs could depend on their installation and the temperature in the engine compartment, and were of the view that the provisions of Regulations Nos. 48 and 85 should be taken into account as well. GRE invited experts to consider these issues before the next session.

30. The expert of GTB presented the results of their study of minimum levels of flux projected in critical zones of the passing beam distribution of a H4 halogen reflector headlamp and a representative LED headlamp (GRE-76-25). Based on these results, he proposed to remove the design-specific requirement of a minimum objective flux (1,000 lm) for LED and halogen light sources and to replace it with a technology-neutral and performance-based requirement (GRE-76-04-Rev.1). The proposal received comments by the experts from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, UK, EC, OICA. As there was no unequivocal support to the proposal, GRE decided to keep it on the agenda of the next session and to pass it to IWG SLR at a later stage.

13. The expert from GTB informed GRE about activities of the GTB Working Group Light Sources and its plans to extend Regulation No. 128 to light sources for forward lighting applications covered by Regulations Nos. 19, 98, 112, 113 and 123 (GRE-75-14). Proposals for amendments to Regulation No. 128 would include performance-based requirements for visibility and glare as well as introduce thermal grades for light emitting diodes (LED) light sources which could be subject to heat from a combustion engine. Forward lighting Regulations Nos. 19, 98, 112, 113 and 123 would need to be amended to accept LEDs of Regulation No. 128 and their thermal grades. GRE took note that amendment proposals would be submitted to the next session. A number of experts posed questions on the thermal grade concept proposed by GTB and were of the view that a detailed clarification should be included in the justification part of future documents.

59. GRE noted that the status reports of the GTB Working Groups were presented under agenda item 4 (paras. 13 and 14 above).