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.

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.