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 GRSP resumed discussion on ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2019/15, superseded by GRSP-71-11-Rev.2, tabled by the expert from OICA on rearward faced CRS in rear seats in combination with a frontal airbag.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.