Proposal to expand the scope of the activity to include C2 and C3 tyres.

Proposal to correct errors and clarify provisions based on requirements introduced in the Amendment 6 to UN GTR No. 15.

17. The representative from EC briefly introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/56 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/57 (together with GRPE-82-10 and GRPE-82-11 as track changes version respectively) that were submitted to the March 2021 session of WP.29 from the representatives from EU and Japan as amendments to UN Regulation No. 154. Both documents proposed changes to correct some mistakes found during the development of Amendment 6 to UN GTR No. 15. GRPE noted the amendments proposals and thanked the Contracting Parties (CPs) involved in the preparation of these documents.

19. GRPE endorsed GRPE-82-38 and requested the secretariat to upload a clean version of GRPE-82-38 under “Documents for reference only” on the GRPE website.

Proposal to correct errors and clarify provisions based on requirements introduced in the Amendment 6 to UN GTR No. 15.

17. The representative from EC briefly introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/56 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/57 (together with GRPE-82-10 and GRPE-82-11 as track changes version respectively) that were submitted to the March 2021 session of WP.29 from the representatives from EU and Japan as amendments to UN Regulation No. 154. Both documents proposed changes to correct some mistakes found during the development of Amendment 6 to UN GTR No. 15. GRPE noted the amendments proposals and thanked the Contracting Parties (CPs) involved in the preparation of these documents.

19. GRPE endorsed GRPE-82-38 and requested the secretariat to upload a clean version of GRPE-82-38 under “Documents for reference only” on the GRPE website.

Proposes updates and amendments to proposal to introduce new requirements relating to Auxiliary Emission Strategies, cold engine starts and the use of Portable Emissions Measurement Systems (PEMS) to measure particle numbers

26. The representative from EC introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2021/6 as amended by GRPE-82-22 proposing a new 07 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 49. The representative from FSD requested clarifications on the proposal to remove provisions related to On-Board Diagnosis (OBD) from the text. The representative from EC said that there have been considerations to remove OBD provisions from UN Regulation No. 49 to align with existing legislation in the EU, but that they were finally kept in. He suggested to look at the opportunity to include such provisions for the whole vehicle, not only for emission related purposes, possibly in UN Regulation No. 0.

27. The Chair asked whether this topic was being discussed at the IWG on International Whole Vehicle Type Approval (IWVTA). The representative from EC stated that this issue had now been identified and needed to be considered by the IWG on IWVTA. The GRPE Ambassador to the IWG on IWVTA agreed to initiate a discussion on the potential to include OBD and Repair and Maintenance Information (RMI) into UN Regulation No. 0.

28. GRPE endorsed the proposals for a new 07 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 49 and requested the secretariat to submit ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2021/6 and GRPE-82-22, as amended by Addendum 1 to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their June 2021 sessions as draft 07 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 49.

Clarifications regarding “coasting” and twin roller dynamometers in 4WD operation.

52. The expert from the European Commission introduced GRVA-09-15, proposing revised Terms of Reference for the Task Force (TF) on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). He explained that the TF would work on amendments to UN Regulation No. 79 or a new Regulation as needed, that it would consider the use cases expected in the next years, that it would envisage a generic approach as well as Human Machine Interface (HMI), mode confusion, overreliance and misuse related concerns, in full coordination with the IWGs on FRAV and VMAD. He mentioned that the outcome of this work would be delivered in three phases, in September 2021 (finalization of pending proposals), in 2022 (second phase) and in 2023 (work under the 1998 Agreement).

53. The expert from AAPC recalled that UN Regulation No. 79 was only dealing with Advanced Driver Assistance Steering Systems (ADASS).

54. The expert from Japan expressed support for the ToR and committed to contribute to the work. He agreed about the importance to address HMI and social acceptance aspects and to review technical data and accidentology data. He mentioned that the USA, Canada and China included other systems than those covered in UN Regulation No. 79 on their markets and stated that 1998 Contracting Parties should participate to that work and provide data.

55. The expert from AVERE provided comments and expressed support for these activities. He presented GRVA-09-16, providing a report of the preliminary meeting of the Task Force on ADAS that developed the revised Terms of Reference.

56. The expert from Sweden expressed a positive position about the document. He mentioned that the scope of the TF would be complex and that the timing proposed was unsure. He wondered if the task force could work without ToR.

57. The expert from UK supported that work. He mentioned that the ToR established a plan and that they could be revisited as needed.

58. The expert from China agreed to join the meetings of the TF.

59. The expert from the Netherlands highlighted the challenging timeline proposed.

60. The expert from Germany supported the proposal.

61. The expert from China mentioned their readiness to work on ADAS including items beyond ADASS.

62. The expert from OICA recalled the aim of this workstream, that was to address the limitations of UN Regulation No. 79 e.g. new functions not fitting in existing definitions in UN Regulation No. 79 or longitudinal requirements that would not really fit in a steering regulation. He supported, for this reason, that the task force would focus on ADASS.

63. The expert from the United States of America expressed reservations. He recalled that UN Regulation No. 79 was about steering; going beyond that scope would get the work of the task force close to the one of the IWG on FRAV. He mentioned that there might be areas where ADAS and ADS are well separated by clear lines but that others don’t, such as HMI. He mentioned that if the group deliver a new UN Regulation by September 2021, then the group would be well ahead of the IWG on FRAV, so that it could prejudice the IWG’s work. He also mentioned that anticipating work on a UN GTR derived from a UN Regulation did not make sense.

64. The expert from OICA stated that ADAS and ADS had different scopes and recalled that their respective scopes had been defined at WP.29 level in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/2.

65. The expert from Canada expressed support to the position expressed by the United States of America. He requested that the session report reflected the concerns expressed in terms of organization, overlap and realistic timeframes.

66. GRVA took note of the reservations expressed, of the importance of coordination and adopted the proposal with the deletion of paragraph 2 in part C of the document, as reproduced in Annex IV to this report.

5. The experts from EC, ETRTO and OICA reported on their studies on sound level limits (GRBP-73-23, GRBP-73-11 and GRBP-73-25, respectively). To coordinate such initiatives, GRBP decided to establish a taskforce (TF) and sought a volunteer among the experts from Contracting Parties to take the leadership of TF, while OICA agreed to act as secretary. GRBP considered that TF should address the sound level limits of UN Regulation No. 51 and, at a later stage, No. 41. To kick-off the TF activities without delay, the Chair pointed out that he could take the lead of TF on a temporary basis, if needed.

23. GRBP recalled the studies which were introduced under agenda items 2 and 3.

4. The expert from EC briefed GRBP on an ongoing study of the impact assessment of Euro 5 sound emissions level limits for L-category vehicles (GRBP-73-26). Several experts invited him to keep GRBP informed of the study progress.

23. GRBP recalled the studies which were introduced under agenda items 2 and 3.

16. The expert from EC proposed to include C2 and C3 tyres in the Terms of Reference of IWG WGWT (GRBP-73-02). The expert from ETRTO presented a preliminary assessment of wet grip on worn C2 and C3 tyres (GRBP-73-22) and suggested further modifications to the Terms of Reference (GRBP-73-08). Based on a consolidated proposal in GRBP-73-27-Rev.1, GRBP adopted revised Terms of Reference of IWG WGWT as laid down in Annex III to the session report.

19. The expert from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland introduced the report of the Special Interest Group on UN Regulation No. 157, provided in GRVA-09-22. He recalled the matters that the group was willing to address. He announced the ambition of the group to meet on a monthly basis and to complete its activities until September 2021. He also mentioned the workshop organized by the industry that discussed emergency vehicles and vehicle categories. GRVA agreed to keep ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/2020/32 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/2020/33 as well as ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/2021/2 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/2021/4 on the agenda for reference.

20. The expert from USA explained that in his opinion, there were two distinct activities. On one hand, activities related to scope extension to additional vehicle categories, speed increase and lane change for emergency situations. On the other hand, so called convenience lane changes that would fall in the remit of FRAV activities.

21. The expert from Japan supported the ongoing activities. He mentioned that the timeline was ambitious and would have to be adjusted as necessary to allow sufficient time for technical discussions and satisfactory coordination with the IWGs on FRAV and VMAD.

22. The expert from France fully supported the ongoing activities. He also noted that the timeline was ambitious but felt that it was necessary. He mentioned that the group did not discuss some important technical details such as speeds, accelerations, decelerations and the tyre performance. He explained that tyres were replaced in the lifetime of the vehicle and that the performance of tyre could vary, also in case of winter tyres installation, which has to be addressed as a safety risk. He wrote in the messaging system of the meeting that the IWG on FRAV could address this issue.

112. The expert from the European Commission introduced GRVA-09-38/Rev.1 aimed at unifying the activities on the definition of work priorities for GRVA and the activities related to the update of the Framework Document on Automated Vehicles to increase the level of details and to clarify the expectations from GRVA for the year 2021. GRVA proposed that this document be reviewed by the Administrative Committee for the Coordination of Work (AC.2).

Proposal for amendments to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2020/81 complemented by ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/2020/32 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/2020/33.

100. The expert from the European Commission presented a proposal for amendments to UN Regulation No. 160, with the aim to add requirements for recording additional data elements by EDRs of vehicles fitted with an Automated Driving System. He stated that the purpose of the proposal was not to seek its immediate endorsement from GRSG, but to table ideas and stimulate further discussions among stakeholders.

101. The expert from CLEPA stated that elements within the proposal elements would require software and possibly hardware changes and that it would be necessary to further discuss the it within the IWG on EDR/DSSAD.

102. The expert from AAPC also called on further discussions concerning the proposal at the IWG on EDR/DSSAD. He also reflected on the relevance of the proposal for the Working Party on Automated/Autonomous and Connected Vehicles (GRVA) as it addresses automation issues.

103. The representative of Japan underlined the need for discussing on this proposal within the IWG on EDR/DSSAD as well as in coordination with the GRVA IWGs on Functional Requirements for Automated and Autonomous Vehicles (FRAV) and on Validation Method for Automated Driving (VMAD), and among Contracting Parties of both the 1958 and 1998 Agreements.

104. The expert from OICA also stressed that the document requires further discussion within the IWG on EDR/DSSAD, as well as in the Sub-Group on DSSAD.

105. The expert from the United States of America, Co-Chair of IWG on EDR/DSSAD, concurred with previous speakers that the document should be taken back to the IWG for further discussions, in particular with respect to the definitions included in the proposals as there are issues that are being worked through in the GRVA IWG on FRAV, and that the IWG on EDR/DSSAD needed to cooperate with the IWGs on FRAV and VMAD on the definitions.

106. GRSG agreed to forward document GRSG-121-32 to the IWG on EDR/DSSAD, and took note that a revised proposal would potentially be tabled at the next session of GRSG in October 2021.

Proposal to amend the requirements for the manufacturer information document form, including amending the scope from “automated lane-keeping systems” to “automated driving systems”.

143. The representatives of the United States of America requested that AC.3 agree to a deferral of the vote on this item due to its final technical evaluation of the amendment earlier this year. They explained that technical experts in the United States had identified how the proposed amendment to UN GTR No.9 on Pedestrian Safety lowers the stringency of the underlying performance requirement for head impact protection. Due to important safety considerations, the United States of America requested additional time to discuss its scientific findings with GRSP. In addition to the need to further evaluate the underlying safety protections as proposed in the amendment, the representatives of the United States of America noted that there are no fewer than three additional amendments pending or being planned, from various contracting parties. Some of which will have a direct impact on the stringency of the UN GTR. In fact, one of these amendments has the potential to improve the stringency of the testing requirements. Therefore, they questioned why WP.29 would adopt the amendment at this session which reduces the stringency of the UN GTR, only to retighten or potentially improve it shortly thereafter. The representatives of the United States of America detailed some of their expert findings and urged the group to pay closer attention to how proposed amendments to UN GTRs relate to each other, take the time to make sure all parties are confident that they are based on the best available scientific evidence available before being presented for adoption to ensure the highest possible levels of safety are attained. The representatives of the United States of America also pointed out that the requested postponement would have no effect on Contracting Parties that operate under the 1958 Agreement because the pending amendment was already incorporated into UN Regulation No. 127. Furthermore, the representatives reminded AC.3 that according to the rules and procedures of the 1998 Agreement (Paragraph 6.2.5.1.), a proposal that is found to be inadequate may be returned to the originating Working Party for revision. Finally, the United States of America representatives also reminded AC.3 that the process of international harmonization of vehicle regulations is an inclusive process, initiated through regulatory activities within the scope of the 1998 Agreement and continued with corresponding activities under the 1958 Agreement, with the aim to encompass the largest representation at the global level.

144. The representative of the European Union argued that the request for postponement on such short notice was undermining the consensus reached by experts after more than six years of discussion in GRSP, based on which the amendment was submitted to the vote in March 2021 WP29 meeting. She stressed that this created a dangerous precedent, whereby any Contracting Party, in disregard of the outcome of work that had already been finalised and validated by the experts, can delay adoption of the legislation and disrupt the procedure at any time. GR level is the one to propose and discuss technical solutions until submission of the draft text for vote. United States of America despite request to this end formulated already in 2015, did not provide any elements for discussion supporting their position, only until March 2021 AC3 session. She stressed that this is not appropriate way of proceeding. She underlined that technical explanations provided by the expert from the United States of America were already examined by GRSP at length (the United States of America had a study reservation on the proposal since 2012), were not endorsed by GRSP and therefore could not be considered at this stage as a basis for postponement by AC.3. She also added that the allegations of lowered stringency of the proposed amendment, the provisions of which are based on UN Regulation No. 127 would create a precedent affecting the credibility of the 1958 Agreement. She underlined that no Contracting Party voiced concerns with regard to the safety levels of Regulation 127, which is a mirror legislation to GTR 9 with the suggested amendment.

145. The representative from Canada proposed to delay the vote until June 2021 in order to retain the work performed so far by GRSP.

146. The expert from Germany expressed his view on the necessary urgency for reaching a solution and called on GRSP to immediately commence with appropriate activities, having in mind the short timeframe between the upcoming GRSP session in May 2021 and the next AC.3 and WP.29 sessions scheduled for June 2021.

147. Upon repeated consultations with the Committee concerning positions of AC.3 members with respect to the possible establishment of the amendment, the Chair of AC.3 concluded that the support from the Committee to reach consensus was not adequate.

148. AC.3 agreed to defer vote under this agenda item to its June 2021 session pending further discussions concerning the proposal for Amendment 3 to UN GTR No. 9 at the next session of GRSP, scheduled to take place in May 2021. AC.3 requested GRSP to give highest priority to the task and to report back to AC.3 and WP.29 with the greatest urgency on the progress towards a resolution of outstanding matters in this context. AC.3 agreed to keep this item on its agenda for the next session with the expectation to vote on the amendment.

135. AC.3 noted that the proposal under this agenda item had been withdrawn.

Response to OICA’s comments on assessment of additional scenarios and criticality-based scenario classification.

Evaluation of alternative statistical procedures for the evaluation of in-service conformity emissions tests under the real-driving emissions (RDE) regulation.

Proposal to address use of the phrase “if PN measurement is required” throughout the regulation given that PN measurement in both Level 1A and Level 1B is now required.

11. The representative from OICA introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2021/12 as a proposal for amendment to UN Regulation No. 154. GRPE welcomed the proposal and agreed with the content of the proposal, following an edit during the session. The Chair proposed other related informal documents, also proposing amendments to UN Regulation No. 154, to be introduced to GRPE.

12. The representative of the European Commission (EC) introduced GRPE-83-07 and GRPE-83-08, and the representatives from OICA introduced GRPE-83-12, GRPE-83-13, GRPE-83-18 and GRPE-83-19 proposing amendments to the original and 01 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154.

13. The Chair proposed to take all proposals to amend UN Regulation No. 154 together and proposed different options (GRPE-83-33) also considering the extra GRPE session in November 2021. GRPE agreed to have preparatory meetings with all interested parties and to attempt preparing working documents to be considered during the November 2021 session of GRPE.

Proposal to modify provisions of the 01 series pursuant to consideration of the proposal to address the use of the phrase “if PN measurement is required” in the original text of the regulation.

11. The representative from OICA introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2021/12 as a proposal for amendment to UN Regulation No. 154. GRPE welcomed the proposal and agreed with the content of the proposal, following an edit during the session. The Chair proposed other related informal documents, also proposing amendments to UN Regulation No. 154, to be introduced to GRPE.

12. The representative of the European Commission (EC) introduced GRPE-83-07 and GRPE-83-08, and the representatives from OICA introduced GRPE-83-12, GRPE-83-13, GRPE-83-18 and GRPE-83-19 proposing amendments to the original and 01 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154.

13. The Chair proposed to take all proposals to amend UN Regulation No. 154 together and proposed different options (GRPE-83-33) also considering the extra GRPE session in November 2021. GRPE agreed to have preparatory meetings with all interested parties and to attempt preparing working documents to be considered during the November 2021 session of GRPE.

35. The representatives from Japan, the UK and the EC introduced GRPE-83-11 as a request for authorization to develop a new UN GTR No. [XX] on brake PM and PN emissions. The representative from the US asked, given the ambitious timeline, if a PM/PN measurement procedure was already close to finalization. The representative from EC, leading the activities on non-exhaust emissions, clarified that rig test procedure was well advanced and added some issues such as regenerative braking, extreme brake events, were still being considered by the group.

36. GRPE requested the secretariat to submit GRPE-83-11, as reproduced in Annex XII to WP.29 and AC.3 for consideration and vote at their November 2021 sessions as request for authorization to develop a new UN GTR No. [XX] on brake PM and PN emissions.

43. The Chair of IWG on EPPR presented a status report (GRPE-83-28). He announced he would retire at the end of August 2021, and consequently the IWG on EPPR was looking for a new Chair which had not been identified. He further invited all potential interested parties to contact him for any potential application.

44. GRPE recognized the added value of the Chair of the IWG on EPPR over the years and commended the outstanding achievements of the IWG on EPPR under his leadership, and wished him all the best for his retirement.

27. The WP.29 Secretary introduced the list of Working Parties, Informal Working Groups and Chairs (WP.29-184-01), the revised calendar of meetings of the World Forum for 2021 (WP.29-182-02/Rev.3, Annex III), the draft calendar of meetings of the World Forum for 2022 (WP.29-184-02, Annex IV), and presented the revised Programme of Work (PoW) with a strategic introduction on the main priorities of the WP.29 work, which are related to the implementation of the ITC strategy 2030 and among others, to vehicle automation and environmental protection. (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.1).

28. The representatives of Japan and the United States of America requested to change the dates for the November 2022 session of WP.29 to a week earlier as the proposed dates would coincide with national holidays and thus their participation would not be possible. The secretariat, proposed to reflect these new dates in a revised version of the calendar of meetings of the World forum for 2022 (WP.29-184-2/Rev.1).

29. The representative of Germany, Chair of GRVA, recalled WP.29 that the GR had planned to hold three meetings during 2022 and was envisaging to organize two meetings held at venues outside of Geneva, one of which in Asia and the second in North America, to better reflect the global scope of activities within the World Forum. He explained that consultations were going on related to organizational and financing matters.

30. The Chair of WP.29 recalled the discussions on the PoW of the World Forum which took place its March 2021, reminding delegates that while it was provisionally endorsed at the time, additional consultations through WP.29 subsidiary Working Parties (GRs) were deemed necessary and CPs were invited to submit their comments on the document to the Secretariat (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1157, paras. 15-19). The consultations resulted in a revised PoW issued for consideration at the current session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.1).

31. The representative of the European Union introduced document WP.29-184-16 and WP.29-184-17, containing proposals for amendments to the PoW (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.1) by the European Commission. He also called on establishing a procedure for the development of annual PoWs that would ensure their finalization and endorsement prior to the year that they are addressing.

32. The representative of the United States of America expressed concern regarding delays in endorsement of the PoW for 2021. She stated that consultations on additional amendments to the document since the March 2021 session of WP.29 should have been held at GR level rather than through tabling of proposals for its amendment by CPs at the ongoing session of WP.29 and proposed its adoption as document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.1, without further amendments. In addition, she emphasised the PoW should reflect priorities in the development of activities within the scope of the 1998 Agreement on an equal footing as those addressing the further development of UN Regulations under the 1958 Agreement.

33. The representative of Canada supported the position expressed by the delegate from the United States of America.

34. The Representative of the European Union also called for a timelier adoption of the PoW, before the end of the current year for the upcoming year, and for putting in place a mechanism to ensure the realization of this principle moving forward. He recommended the consultations on the future PoW be started at the level of GRs well in advance (e.g., second half of 2021 for 2023 PoW) and on that basis the CPs would be in a position to submit their priorities on time (e.g. between January and March 2022 for 2023 PoW) for the adoption of PoW ahead of the upcoming year (November 2022 for 2023 PoW).

35. The Chair of WP.29 requested the secretariat to prepare a draft PoW with activities for 2022 and 2023, which is to be circulated to GRs meeting as of September 2021 in order for experts participating in the work of the GRs to be able to discuss and agree on activities for the 2022 PoW and initiate consideration of 2023 PoW activities. The input from the GRs, that would be meeting before the November 2021 sessions of AC.2 and WP.29, for the PoW for 2022 could then be consolidated by the secretariat and tabled for consideration of AC.2 and subsequently to WP.29 at their November 2021 sessions. WP.29 delegates supported the Chair’s motion based on the proposal by the European Union.

36. Upon consideration of the section of the PoW related to the activities of GRVA, delegates, after failing to agree on the priority areas of work between the regulatory files and soft law, decided to remove the column titled “Priorities”.

37. WP.29 also considered the section related to activities under GRBP based on the EU proposal and highlighted the need to ensure in tyre definitions consistency between UN Regulations and UN GTRs under 1958 and 1998 Agreements respectively.

38. The World Forum endorsed the PoW for 2021 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.1), as amended in session (WP.29-184-16/Rev.1 and WP.29-184-17/Rev.1), with the amended sections related to priorities of GRVA and GRBP, as reproduced in Annex VII of this report.

27. The WP.29 Secretary introduced the list of Working Parties, Informal Working Groups and Chairs (WP.29-184-01), the revised calendar of meetings of the World Forum for 2021 (WP.29-182-02/Rev.3, Annex III), the draft calendar of meetings of the World Forum for 2022 (WP.29-184-02, Annex IV), and presented the revised Programme of Work (PoW) with a strategic introduction on the main priorities of the WP.29 work, which are related to the implementation of the ITC strategy 2030 and among others, to vehicle automation and environmental protection. (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.1).

28. The representatives of Japan and the United States of America requested to change the dates for the November 2022 session of WP.29 to a week earlier as the proposed dates would coincide with national holidays and thus their participation would not be possible. The secretariat, proposed to reflect these new dates in a revised version of the calendar of meetings of the World forum for 2022 (WP.29-184-2/Rev.1).

29. The representative of Germany, Chair of GRVA, recalled WP.29 that the GR had planned to hold three meetings during 2022 and was envisaging to organize two meetings held at venues outside of Geneva, one of which in Asia and the second in North America, to better reflect the global scope of activities within the World Forum. He explained that consultations were going on related to organizational and financing matters.

30. The Chair of WP.29 recalled the discussions on the PoW of the World Forum which took place its March 2021, reminding delegates that while it was provisionally endorsed at the time, additional consultations through WP.29 subsidiary Working Parties (GRs) were deemed necessary and CPs were invited to submit their comments on the document to the Secretariat (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1157, paras. 15-19). The consultations resulted in a revised PoW issued for consideration at the current session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.1).

31. The representative of the European Union introduced document WP.29-184-16 and WP.29-184-17, containing proposals for amendments to the PoW (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.1) by the European Commission. He also called on establishing a procedure for the development of annual PoWs that would ensure their finalization and endorsement prior to the year that they are addressing.

32. The representative of the United States of America expressed concern regarding delays in endorsement of the PoW for 2021. She stated that consultations on additional amendments to the document since the March 2021 session of WP.29 should have been held at GR level rather than through tabling of proposals for its amendment by CPs at the ongoing session of WP.29 and proposed its adoption as document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.1, without further amendments. In addition, she emphasised the PoW should reflect priorities in the development of activities within the scope of the 1998 Agreement on an equal footing as those addressing the further development of UN Regulations under the 1958 Agreement.

33. The representative of Canada supported the position expressed by the delegate from the United States of America.

34. The Representative of the European Union also called for a timelier adoption of the PoW, before the end of the current year for the upcoming year, and for putting in place a mechanism to ensure the realization of this principle moving forward. He recommended the consultations on the future PoW be started at the level of GRs well in advance (e.g., second half of 2021 for 2023 PoW) and on that basis the CPs would be in a position to submit their priorities on time (e.g. between January and March 2022 for 2023 PoW) for the adoption of PoW ahead of the upcoming year (November 2022 for 2023 PoW).

35. The Chair of WP.29 requested the secretariat to prepare a draft PoW with activities for 2022 and 2023, which is to be circulated to GRs meeting as of September 2021 in order for experts participating in the work of the GRs to be able to discuss and agree on activities for the 2022 PoW and initiate consideration of 2023 PoW activities. The input from the GRs, that would be meeting before the November 2021 sessions of AC.2 and WP.29, for the PoW for 2022 could then be consolidated by the secretariat and tabled for consideration of AC.2 and subsequently to WP.29 at their November 2021 sessions. WP.29 delegates supported the Chair’s motion based on the proposal by the European Union.

36. Upon consideration of the section of the PoW related to the activities of GRVA, delegates, after failing to agree on the priority areas of work between the regulatory files and soft law, decided to remove the column titled “Priorities”.

37. WP.29 also considered the section related to activities under GRBP based on the EU proposal and highlighted the need to ensure in tyre definitions consistency between UN Regulations and UN GTRs under 1958 and 1998 Agreements respectively.

38. The World Forum endorsed the PoW for 2021 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.1), as amended in session (WP.29-184-16/Rev.1 and WP.29-184-17/Rev.1), with the amended sections related to priorities of GRVA and GRBP, as reproduced in Annex VII of this report.

39. The secretariat introduced WP.29-184-15 proposing updates to Table 1 of the Framework document on automated/autonomous vehicles (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/34/Rev.2). He explained that the document was developed by AC.2, and that it had been reviewed and completed by GRVA at its tenth session and that it included the last-minute amendments proposed by the IWGs on Validation Method for Automated Driving (VMAD) and Event Data Recorder / Data Storage System for Automated Driving (EDR/DSSAD).

40. The representative of the European Union introduced document WP.29-184-18 tabling proposed changes to the rows on DSSAD and EDR in WP.29-184-15.

41. The World Forum discussed and endorsed the revised Framework document on automated/autonomous vehicles (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/34/Rev.2), as amended by WP.29-184-15 and the EDR/DSSAD related amendments in WP.29-184-18, with deadlines for submission of EDR related deliverables to WP.29 reflected in its Table 1 remaining in square brackets. WP.29 requested the secretariat to distribute the revised document with an official symbol for final consideration in November 2021.

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Proposal to expand and improve the current definition of a radial structure while ensuring the radial tyres key features (mechanical decoupling between the tread and the bead).

15. The experts from France and EC introduced an updated proposal for the new definition of “radial tyre” (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRBP/2021/9). The same definition was also proposed for UN Regulations Nos. 54, 75, 106, 108 and 109 ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRBP/2021/10. The experts from Canada and the United States of America raised a number of questions on the proposal (GRBP-74-07) and pointed out that they had started consultations with the authors. GRBP invited the stakeholders, in liaison with ETRTO, to continue discussions and agreed to come back to the proposal at the next session.

16. The expert from ETRTO reported on their ongoing assessment (GRBP-75-22) of the new definition of “radial tyre” that had been proposed by the experts from France and EC at the previous session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRBP/2021/9). GRBP looked forward to the outcome of the ETRTO activities and expected that a final proposal would be submitted to the next session. The experts from the Netherlands and Russian Federation pointed out that the radial tyre definition may not necessarily cover new types of tyre structures and that adding a new subgroup of tyres with their own definition should be considered as an alternative.

Proposal to amend the definition of “radial tyre” in UN Regulations No. 54, 75, 106, 108 and 109 based on the proposal for UN Regulation No. 30 in document GRBP/2021/9.

15. The experts from France and EC introduced an updated proposal for the new definition of “radial tyre” (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRBP/2021/9). The same definition was also proposed for UN Regulations Nos. 54, 75, 106, 108 and 109 ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRBP/2021/10. The experts from Canada and the United States of America raised a number of questions on the proposal (GRBP-74-07) and pointed out that they had started consultations with the authors. GRBP invited the stakeholders, in liaison with ETRTO, to continue discussions and agreed to come back to the proposal at the next session.

38. The expert from EC provided an update on the ongoing study of the impact assessment of Euro 5 sound emissions level limits for L-category vehicles (GRBP-74-36).

Proposals regarding DSSAD provisions.

Proposal to introduce particle number requirements and limits for Level 1B. The proposal also aligns the particulate measurement procedures with changes introduced in GTR No 15 Amendment 6 and other adaptations to technical progress.

15. The representatives of Japan, the EU and OICA introduced GRPE-84-08, summarizing the amendments proposed to UN Regulation No. 154. They informed about the proposed modifications leading to proposals to new 02 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2021/21 and GRPE-84-06 as amended by Addendum 2) and 03 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2021/22 and GRPE-84-07 as amended by Addendum 3) series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154.

16. GRPE adopted the proposals and requested the secretariat to submit Addendum 2 and Addendum 3 to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their March 2022 sessions as draft 02 and 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154 respectively.

17. The representative from OICA added that OICA was expected to submit proposals to amend the original version and 01 series of amendment to UN Regulation No. 154 to reflect some of the improvement made in the 02 and 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154 once those proposals adopted by GRPE.

Proposal to ensure that Level 2 is the latest version of this Regulation and is therefore subject to mutual recognition under the 1958 Agreement, given that there is a concurrent proposal to for an 02 series of amendments which introduces particle number requirements and limits for Level 1B. This proposal for a 03 series of amendments also aligns the particulate measurement procedures with changes introduced in GTR No 15 Amendment 6 as well as other adaptations to technical progress.

15. The representatives of Japan, the EU and OICA introduced GRPE-84-08, summarizing the amendments proposed to UN Regulation No. 154. They informed about the proposed modifications leading to proposals to new 02 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2021/21 and GRPE-84-06 as amended by Addendum 2) and 03 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2021/22 and GRPE-84-07 as amended by Addendum 3) series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154.

16. GRPE adopted the proposals and requested the secretariat to submit Addendum 2 and Addendum 3 to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their March 2022 sessions as draft 02 and 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154 respectively.

17. The representative from OICA added that OICA was expected to submit proposals to amend the original version and 01 series of amendment to UN Regulation No. 154 to reflect some of the improvement made in the 02 and 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154 once those proposals adopted by GRPE.

27. The WP.29 Secretary introduced the list of Working Parties, Informal Working Groups and Chairs (WP.29-184-01), the revised calendar of meetings of the World Forum for 2021 (WP.29-182-02/Rev.3, Annex III), the draft calendar of meetings of the World Forum for 2022 (WP.29-184-02, Annex IV), and presented the revised Programme of Work (PoW) with a strategic introduction on the main priorities of the WP.29 work, which are related to the implementation of the ITC strategy 2030 and among others, to vehicle automation and environmental protection. (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.1).

28. The representatives of Japan and the United States of America requested to change the dates for the November 2022 session of WP.29 to a week earlier as the proposed dates would coincide with national holidays and thus their participation would not be possible. The secretariat, proposed to reflect these new dates in a revised version of the calendar of meetings of the World forum for 2022 (WP.29-184-2/Rev.1).

29. The representative of Germany, Chair of GRVA, recalled WP.29 that the GR had planned to hold three meetings during 2022 and was envisaging to organize two meetings held at venues outside of Geneva, one of which in Asia and the second in North America, to better reflect the global scope of activities within the World Forum. He explained that consultations were going on related to organizational and financing matters.

30. The Chair of WP.29 recalled the discussions on the PoW of the World Forum which took place its March 2021, reminding delegates that while it was provisionally endorsed at the time, additional consultations through WP.29 subsidiary Working Parties (GRs) were deemed necessary and CPs were invited to submit their comments on the document to the Secretariat (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1157, paras. 15-19). The consultations resulted in a revised PoW issued for consideration at the current session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.1).

31. The representative of the European Union introduced document WP.29-184-16 and WP.29-184-17, containing proposals for amendments to the PoW (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.1) by the European Commission. He also called on establishing a procedure for the development of annual PoWs that would ensure their finalization and endorsement prior to the year that they are addressing.

32. The representative of the United States of America expressed concern regarding delays in endorsement of the PoW for 2021. She stated that consultations on additional amendments to the document since the March 2021 session of WP.29 should have been held at GR level rather than through tabling of proposals for its amendment by CPs at the ongoing session of WP.29 and proposed its adoption as document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.1, without further amendments. In addition, she emphasised the PoW should reflect priorities in the development of activities within the scope of the 1998 Agreement on an equal footing as those addressing the further development of UN Regulations under the 1958 Agreement.

33. The representative of Canada supported the position expressed by the delegate from the United States of America.

34. The Representative of the European Union also called for a timelier adoption of the PoW, before the end of the current year for the upcoming year, and for putting in place a mechanism to ensure the realization of this principle moving forward. He recommended the consultations on the future PoW be started at the level of GRs well in advance (e.g., second half of 2021 for 2023 PoW) and on that basis the CPs would be in a position to submit their priorities on time (e.g. between January and March 2022 for 2023 PoW) for the adoption of PoW ahead of the upcoming year (November 2022 for 2023 PoW).

35. The Chair of WP.29 requested the secretariat to prepare a draft PoW with activities for 2022 and 2023, which is to be circulated to GRs meeting as of September 2021 in order for experts participating in the work of the GRs to be able to discuss and agree on activities for the 2022 PoW and initiate consideration of 2023 PoW activities. The input from the GRs, that would be meeting before the November 2021 sessions of AC.2 and WP.29, for the PoW for 2022 could then be consolidated by the secretariat and tabled for consideration of AC.2 and subsequently to WP.29 at their November 2021 sessions. WP.29 delegates supported the Chair’s motion based on the proposal by the European Union.

36. Upon consideration of the section of the PoW related to the activities of GRVA, delegates, after failing to agree on the priority areas of work between the regulatory files and soft law, decided to remove the column titled “Priorities”.

37. WP.29 also considered the section related to activities under GRBP based on the EU proposal and highlighted the need to ensure in tyre definitions consistency between UN Regulations and UN GTRs under 1958 and 1998 Agreements respectively.

38. The World Forum endorsed the PoW for 2021 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.1), as amended in session (WP.29-184-16/Rev.1 and WP.29-184-17/Rev.1), with the amended sections related to priorities of GRVA and GRBP, as reproduced in Annex VII of this report.

27. The WP.29 Secretary introduced the list of Working Parties, Informal Working Groups and Chairs (WP.29-184-01), the revised calendar of meetings of the World Forum for 2021 (WP.29-182-02/Rev.3, Annex III), the draft calendar of meetings of the World Forum for 2022 (WP.29-184-02, Annex IV), and presented the revised Programme of Work (PoW) with a strategic introduction on the main priorities of the WP.29 work, which are related to the implementation of the ITC strategy 2030 and among others, to vehicle automation and environmental protection. (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.1).

28. The representatives of Japan and the United States of America requested to change the dates for the November 2022 session of WP.29 to a week earlier as the proposed dates would coincide with national holidays and thus their participation would not be possible. The secretariat, proposed to reflect these new dates in a revised version of the calendar of meetings of the World forum for 2022 (WP.29-184-2/Rev.1).

29. The representative of Germany, Chair of GRVA, recalled WP.29 that the GR had planned to hold three meetings during 2022 and was envisaging to organize two meetings held at venues outside of Geneva, one of which in Asia and the second in North America, to better reflect the global scope of activities within the World Forum. He explained that consultations were going on related to organizational and financing matters.

30. The Chair of WP.29 recalled the discussions on the PoW of the World Forum which took place its March 2021, reminding delegates that while it was provisionally endorsed at the time, additional consultations through WP.29 subsidiary Working Parties (GRs) were deemed necessary and CPs were invited to submit their comments on the document to the Secretariat (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1157, paras. 15-19). The consultations resulted in a revised PoW issued for consideration at the current session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.1).

31. The representative of the European Union introduced document WP.29-184-16 and WP.29-184-17, containing proposals for amendments to the PoW (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.1) by the European Commission. He also called on establishing a procedure for the development of annual PoWs that would ensure their finalization and endorsement prior to the year that they are addressing.

32. The representative of the United States of America expressed concern regarding delays in endorsement of the PoW for 2021. She stated that consultations on additional amendments to the document since the March 2021 session of WP.29 should have been held at GR level rather than through tabling of proposals for its amendment by CPs at the ongoing session of WP.29 and proposed its adoption as document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.1, without further amendments. In addition, she emphasised the PoW should reflect priorities in the development of activities within the scope of the 1998 Agreement on an equal footing as those addressing the further development of UN Regulations under the 1958 Agreement.

33. The representative of Canada supported the position expressed by the delegate from the United States of America.

34. The Representative of the European Union also called for a timelier adoption of the PoW, before the end of the current year for the upcoming year, and for putting in place a mechanism to ensure the realization of this principle moving forward. He recommended the consultations on the future PoW be started at the level of GRs well in advance (e.g., second half of 2021 for 2023 PoW) and on that basis the CPs would be in a position to submit their priorities on time (e.g. between January and March 2022 for 2023 PoW) for the adoption of PoW ahead of the upcoming year (November 2022 for 2023 PoW).

35. The Chair of WP.29 requested the secretariat to prepare a draft PoW with activities for 2022 and 2023, which is to be circulated to GRs meeting as of September 2021 in order for experts participating in the work of the GRs to be able to discuss and agree on activities for the 2022 PoW and initiate consideration of 2023 PoW activities. The input from the GRs, that would be meeting before the November 2021 sessions of AC.2 and WP.29, for the PoW for 2022 could then be consolidated by the secretariat and tabled for consideration of AC.2 and subsequently to WP.29 at their November 2021 sessions. WP.29 delegates supported the Chair’s motion based on the proposal by the European Union.

36. Upon consideration of the section of the PoW related to the activities of GRVA, delegates, after failing to agree on the priority areas of work between the regulatory files and soft law, decided to remove the column titled “Priorities”.

37. WP.29 also considered the section related to activities under GRBP based on the EU proposal and highlighted the need to ensure in tyre definitions consistency between UN Regulations and UN GTRs under 1958 and 1998 Agreements respectively.

38. The World Forum endorsed the PoW for 2021 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.1), as amended in session (WP.29-184-16/Rev.1 and WP.29-184-17/Rev.1), with the amended sections related to priorities of GRVA and GRBP, as reproduced in Annex VII of this report.

Proposal to align UN R127 with provisions set out in the revised General Safety Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 that will apply in the European Union in accordance with the proposed transitional provisions. The proposal also covers a specific provision on optional monitoring of headform contact with A-pillars, windscreen header and cowl and proposes inconsequential adaptations and clarifications to the existing requirements

18. The expert from EC on behalf of the of the drafting Task Force withdrew GRSP-70-12 and GRSP-70-13 and introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/28. He explained that the proposal aimed to introduce specific provisions in the UN Regulation that were aligned with the new provisions set out in the revised General Safety Regulation (EU) 2019/2144. He also introduced GRSP-70-20 as a consolidated revision of the proposal and GRSP-70-21-Rev.1, which included only the amendments to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/28. GRSP adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/28 as amended by annex V to the report (GRSP-70-21-Rev.1). The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as draft 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 127 (Pedestrian safety) for consideration and vote at the June 2022 sessions of WP.29 and to the AC.1.

Revised ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/28

18. The expert from EC on behalf of the of the drafting Task Force withdrew GRSP-70-12 and GRSP-70-13 and introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/28. He explained that the proposal aimed to introduce specific provisions in the UN Regulation that were aligned with the new provisions set out in the revised General Safety Regulation (EU) 2019/2144. He also introduced GRSP-70-20 as a consolidated revision of the proposal and GRSP-70-21-Rev.1, which included only the amendments to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/28. GRSP adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/28 as amended by annex V to the report (GRSP-70-21-Rev.1). The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as draft 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 127 (Pedestrian safety) for consideration and vote at the June 2022 sessions of WP.29 and to the AC.1.

18. The expert from EC on behalf of the of the drafting Task Force withdrew GRSP-70-12 and GRSP-70-13 and introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/28. He explained that the proposal aimed to introduce specific provisions in the UN Regulation that were aligned with the new provisions set out in the revised General Safety Regulation (EU) 2019/2144. He also introduced GRSP-70-20 as a consolidated revision of the proposal and GRSP-70-21-Rev.1, which included only the amendments to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/28. GRSP adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2021/28 as amended by annex V to the report (GRSP-70-21-Rev.1). The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as draft 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 127 (Pedestrian safety) for consideration and vote at the June 2022 sessions of WP.29 and to the AC.1.

37. The expert from EC introduced a study (GRSP-70-23) to review and assess the appropriateness of crash pulses found in the current European Union legislation. Therefore, he stated that it would be needed to identify potential amendments to regulations and assess the potential benefits as well as any (unintended) consequences. He informed that accident data are limited and real-world issue could therefore not defined. At this stage, there is lack of concrete cost-effective data and EC will not follow up the modification of pulses for the time being. He clarified that the European Commission was obliged to evaluate vehicle safety by July 2027 (Article 14 of General Safety Regulation (EU) 2019/2144) and would take this research into account at that time. GRSP suggested sharing the same presentation with the Working Party on General Safety (GRSG). Notably, the expert from EC recommended ensured consistency of UN Regulation No 67 (LPG) and 110 (CNG) as covered by this research, with UN Regulation No 134 / GTR No 13 (hydrogen safety).

44. GRSP noted through informal document GRSP-70-29 that since 1999, over 2,300 lateral impact barriers produced (used by Technical Services for type approval testing) had a parameter (front plate elongation break requirement) not in compliance with the requirement requested by UN Regulation No. 95. GRSP requested its experts to investigate and report to its May 2022 session on the consequences of non-compliance of the barriers which may have led to non-compliance to UN Regulation No. 95 of 20 years of vehicle production.

18. The expert from the Netherlands introduced GRSP-71-17 to GRSP which decided to collect more information on the barriers that have been used for type approval testing of lateral impact and on their compliance or not with UN Regulation No. 95. For the time being, GRSP agreed to resume discussion at the December 2022 session until more information would be made available to make sure that barriers used for type approval testing are fully compliant.

29. The representative of the EC introduced GRPE-84-16 providing the EC comments to the latest priority list. The Chair proposed to work during the session on an updated list of priorities (GRPE-84-17, as published as a post-session document) to have GRPE agree on an updated list of priorities to be shared with WP.29 and AC.2.

Proposal to amend the transitional provisions of GRE/2021/13 (R148) , GRE/2021/14 (R149) and GRE /2021/15 (R150)

10. The expert from EC held the view that contracting parties should not be obliged to indefinitely accept type approvals issued to the preceding series of amendments. To introduce a deadline for such acceptance, he proposed an alternative transitional provision (GRE-85-30). Some GRE experts pointed out that the installation UN Regulations Nos. 48, 53, 74 and 86 would be more appropriate for that purpose, rather than the device UN Regulations Nos. 148, 149 and 150. GRE requested IWG SLR to consider the issue and to report back to GRE at its next session in April 2022.

12. The expert from IWG SLR introduced a proposal for a new series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 149 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2021/14, GRE-85-04 and GRE-85-14). The expert from IEC proposed updating the references to standard IEC 60809 (GRE-85-09). GRE adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2021/14, as amended by GRE-85-09 and GRE-85-14, and requested the secretariat to submit it for consideration and vote at the June 2022 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1 as draft 01 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 149.

13. For reasons mentioned at the previous session (GRE-84-28), the expert from Poland was not in a position to support the IWG SLR proposal. GRE also recalled the alternative transitional provision in GRE-85-30 and requested IWG SLR to consider it and to report back to GRE at its next session in April 2022 (see paragraph 10 above).

15. GRE addressed a proposal for a new 01 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 150 that was prepared by IWG SLR ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2021/15 and GRE-85-05). GRE adopted the proposal, as amended by GRE-85-15, and requested the secretariat to submit it for consideration and vote at the June 2022 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1 as draft 01 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 150. GRE recalled the alternative transitional provision in GRE-85-30 and requested IWG SLR to consider it and to report back to GRE at its next session in April 2022 (see paragraph 10 above).

21. The expert from EC recalled the earlier discussion reflected in paragraph 10 above and requested that a draft transitional provision to UN Regulation No. 48 be developed, which would introduce a deadline for acceptance of type approvals issued to the preceding series of amendments.

9. GRE recalled that, at its previous session, it had requested IWG SLR to consider an alternative transitional provision for the preceding series of amendments to allow for the phasing out of outdated lamps/devices (GRE-85-30). GRE noted that IWG SLR had agreed to specify in paragraph 6 “Individual specifications” of UN Regulation No. 48 (starting from the 09 series of amendments) which series of amendments of lamps/devices are required to be installed on vehicles for new type approvals, to enable phasing out of the installation of devices approved according to the previous series of amendments. While generally supporting this approach, GRE requested IWG SLR to take measures that would avoid a proliferation of new series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 48.