18. The expert from TF SR presented a set of proposals for amendments to UN Regulations Nos. 37 and 128 as well as to R.E.5 which introduced LED replacement light sources into UN Regulation No. 37 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2020/15, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2020/16, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2020/17, GRE-83-05, GRE-83-11, GRE-83-12, GRE-83-13, GRE-83-14, GRE-83-15, GRE-83-16). The expert from OICA commented on these proposals GRE-83-38. The expert from France expressed concerns. GRE re-confirmed the approach chosen by TF SR and decided to revert to the package at the next session. Meanwhile, GRE requested TF SR to liaise with the expert from France with the aim to take into consideration his concerns.

18. The expert from TF SR introduced an updated set of proposals for amendments to the Consolidated Resolution on the common specification of light source categories (R.E.5) and to UN Regulations Nos. 37 and 128 which introduce Light Emitting Diode (LED) replacement light sources (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2020/15/Rev.1 as amended by GRE-84-32, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2020/16/Rev.1 as amended by GRE-84-32, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2020/17 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2021/3). GRE also noted equivalence criteria (GRE-83-15), a study on introducing LED replacement light sources into UN Regulation No. 37 (GRE-84-02) and an equivalence report for the C5W light source category (GRE-84-03).

19. Several experts supported the proposed package and posed clarifying questions. The expert from France pointed out that, in case the package was adopted, the Type Approval Authorities and Technical Services would not be in a position to verify compliance of LED replacement light sources without vehicle compatibility listings. The expert of FIA urged the Contracting Parties to adopt the proposals and pointed out their benefits for the consumers, environment, economy, and traffic safety (GRE-84-35).

20. Subject to abstention of France, GRE adopted the above proposals and requested the secretariat to submit it for consideration and vote at the November 2021 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1 as draft Supplement 48 to the 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 37, draft Supplement 11 to UN Regulation No. 128 and draft amendment 7 to the Consolidated Resolution on the common specification of light source categories (R.E.5). GRE also requested the secretariat to publish GRE-83-15 on the UNECE website as a reference document.

15. The expert from IEC analysed the approval process of LED replacement light sources according to UN Regulation No. 37 (GRE-87-02), based on the full photometric equivalence according to the guidelines (GRE-83-15). According to him, full-equivalence solutions were not feasible for high flux categories with the today’s LED technology. As a consequence, some countries were issuing national approvals deviating from the full photometric equivalence, based on extensive testing (in headlamps and vehicles) for limited light source specifications and resulting in a positive list for particular vehicle models. GRE stressed the advantages of harmonization at the United Nations level and noted that several contracting parties were in favour of cautious re-evaluation of the equivalence criteria for LED replacement light sources. GRE invited IEC to start this work as a new activity of the Task Force on Substitutes and Retrofits (TF SR) in cooperation with those contracting parties.

15. The expert from IEC analysed the approval process of LED replacement light sources according to UN Regulation No. 37 (GRE-87-02), based on the full photometric equivalence according to the guidelines (GRE-83-15). According to him, full-equivalence solutions were not feasible for high flux categories with the today’s LED technology. As a consequence, some countries were issuing national approvals deviating from the full photometric equivalence, based on extensive testing (in headlamps and vehicles) for limited light source specifications and resulting in a positive list for particular vehicle models. GRE stressed the advantages of harmonization at the United Nations level and noted that several contracting parties were in favour of cautious re-evaluation of the equivalence criteria for LED replacement light sources. GRE invited IEC to start this work as a new activity of the Task Force on Substitutes and Retrofits (TF SR) in cooperation with those contracting parties.