17. The expert from OICA introduced GRSP-65-08 with a presentation (GRSP-65-09), aimed to introduce an alternative (at the choice of the manufacturer) to the airbag switch-off for frontal airbags in combination with rearward-facing child restraint systems in the rear seat. With a new test procedure, the manufacturer can demonstrate that deactivation of the airbag is not needed. He explained that the proposal aimed to promote new airbag technologies while ensuring the current level of protection for children in rearward faced CRS. GRSP agreed to resume discussion on this subject at its December 2019 session and requested the secretariat to distribute GRSP-65-08 with an official symbol.

17. The expert from OICA introduced GRSP-65-08 with a presentation (GRSP-65-09), aimed to introduce an alternative (at the choice of the manufacturer) to the airbag switch-off for frontal airbags in combination with rearward-facing child restraint systems in the rear seat. With a new test procedure, the manufacturer can demonstrate that deactivation of the airbag is not needed. He explained that the proposal aimed to promote new airbag technologies while ensuring the current level of protection for children in rearward faced CRS. GRSP agreed to resume discussion on this subject at its December 2019 session and requested the secretariat to distribute GRSP-65-08 with an official symbol.

9. Referring to the proposal tabled (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2019/15 and GRSP-66-14 amending it) by the expert from the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), GRSP agreed to defer discussion on the subject of an alternative (at the choice of the manufacturer) airbag switch-off for frontal airbags in combination with rearward-facing child restraint systems in the rear seat at its May 2020 session. This is with the aim of allowing dialogue between interested parties whose meetings would possibly finalize a proposal by February 2021.

12. GRSP resumed discussion on ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2019/15 and GRSP-66-14, on the subject of an alternative (at the choice of the manufacturer) airbag switch-off for frontal airbags in combination with rearward-facing child restraint systems in the rear seat. The expert from the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, clarified that some informal meetings had taken place to explain the proposal and that general support was received. However, he explained that further research was needed on soft air-bag technology and requested GRSP further feedback on this subject. The expert from the United Kingdom expressed concerns to the proposal and requested robust evidence and rationales looking forward for a revised proposal. The expert from EC clarified that he needed to have consultation with European Union (EU) member states whether or not the approach would be acceptable, namely placing a rearward facing Child Restraint Systems on a place with active front airbag, since this is not compatible with safety-belt wearing Directive 91/671/EEC and must be amended as a result. Hence, it is necessary to have an overview of EU Member States views.". GRSP agreed to resume discussion on this subject at its December 2021 session, on the basis of a revised proposal prepared by the expert from OICA in consultation with interested parties.

12. GRSP resumed discussion on ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2019/15, on frontal airbag in rear seats. The expert from EC informed GRSP that the present European Union legislation was incompatible with the presence of the above-mentioned airbags and that EU was in the process of updating it. However, he encouraged experts to seek a solution independent of this revision process. GRSP agreed to resume discussion on the basis of a possible revised proposal as announced by the expert from OICA, in order to limit the proposal to vehicle specific child restraint systems.

14. GRSP resumed discussion on ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2019/15, superseded by GRSP-71-11-Rev.2, tabled by the expert from OICA on rearward faced CRS in rear seats in combination with a frontal airbag. The proposal aims to add a third alternative to the already existing airbag switch off or the automatic detection of a rearward faced CRS. This third alternative foresees that the frontal airbag remains activated in the case of specific CRS only when tested together with the frontal airbag. This concept was agreed during the December 2021 session of GRSP by the expert from EC and further agreed on during this May 2022 session by the experts from Germany, the Netherlands and CI. However, the experts from Italy and Sweden raised a study reservation. Therefore, GRSP requested the secretariat to distribute GRSP-71-11-Rev.2 with an official symbol at its December 2022 session.

17. The expert from OICA introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2019/15 amended by GRSP-66-14, which aimed to introduce an alternative (at the choice of the manufacturer) to the airbag switch-off for frontal airbags in combination with rearward-facing child restraint systems in the rear seat. He further explained that the proposal aimed to improve passive safety of rear occupants. However, the proposal received some reservations from contracting parties, who requested more evidence that the proposed requirements would provide improvements also for children. The representative of OICA clarified that technical progress must at least maintain current safety levels (including for children) before enabling further improvements. Finally, GRSP agreed to resume discussion on this subject at its May 2020 session pending new rationales to justify the proposal and requested the secretariat to keep GRSP-66-14 as an informal document.