The UN IWG on Cyber Security and OTA held its 38th session 29 June–1 July 2026 in London with remote participation. The group adopted the provisional agenda and minutes from the 37th session. Three items from the IWG were presented at the May GRVA meeting: multistage vehicle documents to become working documents for September; RXWIN documents with elements in square brackets to be resolved; and SUMs document returned for further discussion. For R155, the group agreed to forward multistage amendment proposals as working documents to September GRVA. The UK proposal on STU and component approval for R155 was discussed extensively; the UK will draft a proposal for components only. The UK proposal on remote operation for ADS requires further development. The group will review ADS GTR cyber and software provisions. RXWIN proposal documents were adapted; R155 was removed and R89 and R156 sections amended; reviewers may address concerns by 31 July 2026. Germany’s proposal requiring the same Type-Approval Authority for CSMS and vehicle type approval was discussed; a dedicated meeting will be scheduled. The UK proposal on approvals for out-of-scope vehicle types was introduced. Draft Terms of Reference were revised and will be forwarded to GRVA for September approval. The next meeting is scheduled for 3 September 2026, 12:00–15:00 CET.

The document presents vehicle modification use cases categorized into four cases and additional scenarios. Case 1 covers components with negligible risk or cyber-relevant non-automotive devices. Case 2 addresses cyber-relevant automotive devices approved to specific regulatory requirements, requiring installation approval and vehicle type re-approval. Case 3a addresses cyber-relevant devices not approved to specific requirements, requiring component or STU approval. Case 3b covers devices controlling vehicle functions, also requiring component or STU approval. Case 4 encompasses invasive modifications or complex interactions not covered by other cases.

Proposal to insert provisions on software identification and software updates into UN R13, UN R13-H, UN R79, UN R89, UN R130, UN R131, UN R152, UN R156, UN R157, UN R171, UN R175, and UN R178 by adding definitions referencing Consolidated Resolution R.E.3 Annex 7, requiring manufacturers to provide Technical Services with information on hardware and software influencing performance, permitting vehicle manufacturers to apply for new approvals differentiating software versions for registered versus new vehicles, clarifying that production discontinuation does not apply when manufacturers seek approval extensions for software updates of registered vehicles, and amending communication forms to include software identification numbers and related information.

The Informal Working Group on Cyber Security and Software Updates will continue to consider how cyber security and software updates have a bearing on automotive safety and security, and whether any changes are necessary to the Regulations and guidance it has produced under WP.29. In particular, the IWG shall maintain official documents regarding UN R155, UN R156, and Recommendations on uniform provisions concerning cyber security and software updates; develop amendments to relevant documents; develop a proposal to amend UN Regulations under the responsibility of GRVA to record details of an RXSWIN where applicable which have been mandated by the 01 series of UN Regulation No. 156; develop proposals to amend UN Regulation No. 155 and its interpretation document to support application in national/regional frameworks for aspects such as multi-stage manufacturing; consider and develop deliverables regarding software updates after registration potentially creating a proposal for modification to the type approval numbering or a classification of update categories; support and review the application of cyber security and software update provisions across GRs notably for the Global Technical Regulation on Automated Driving Systems; and provide opportunities to participants to share knowledge, experience and ideas from implementation of national regulation/standards regarding CS/OTA as well as UN R155 and R156. The IWG will continue its activities until November 2029.

Amend para. AI to replace the heading “Examples of documents/evidence that could be provided” with “Explanation of the requirement” and insert text stating that Part C of this document provides further guidance on the application of the Regulation to vehicles which have been modified by carrying out a transformation of the vehicle.

CLEPA welcomes questions raised by Japanese experts under doc TFCS-37-06 and identifies points requiring further clarification regarding component and STU type approval scope, technical integration, STU definition, implementation, risk assessment, impact and benefit, and post-market monitoring. CLEPA proposes that components or STUs required for initial vehicle type approval under Part I should not be subject to separate approval under Part II, noting that vehicle cybersecurity depends on vehicle-level system interactions and E/E architecture, the OEM has full visibility of system architecture, and Part I approval ensures integrated assessment.

Proposal to add para. 3.2.3.1. requiring manufacturers to provide additional information on the Cyber Security Management System at request of the Approval Authority when the Certificate of Compliance for CSMS is issued by a different Approval Authority, add para. 5.1.5. allowing the Approval Authority to refuse type approval if insufficient information on the CSMS and its implementation was provided, and add para. 7.4.1.1. requiring all granting Approval Authorities to be included in reporting when different Approval Authorities are used for the Certificate of Compliance for CSMS and type approval of the vehicle type.

The agenda includes review of proposals for amendments to R155 concerning multistage vehicles, separate technical units and component approval, approval-authority requirements for CSMS CoC and vehicle type approval, and remote operation for ADS; review of cyber and software requirements in the ADS Regulation based on WP.29/2022/60 as amended by WP.29/2023/87; discussion of RXWIN application amendments; and consideration of terms of reference renewal ahead of mandate expiration in November 2026.

The document clarifies two interpretation points regarding UN R156-01. First, software updates to registered vehicles require that an RXSWIN be assigned to every Regulation No. X type approval assessed during the update process, unless the manufacturer does not plan software updates for that particular system Regulation. Second, regarding para. 7.2.1.2.2., it is proposed to delete the requirement that software version changes be declared each time they are updated, since software versions are declared for each regulation subject to software updates following amendments to RE.3 Annex 7.

A comprehensive cyber security risk assessment without gaps between Parts I, II, and III is required for component or separate technical unit approval. Risk assessment is difficult for manufacturers alone; contracts are required to share vulnerability information. Identification of realistic installation use cases, information sharing between approval authorities, and clarification of responsibilities are necessary. Components with no communication to the vehicle or only mechanical and power connection do not require new approval. Components sending data to the vehicle or controlling it require Part II approval and joint risk analysis by the original equipment manufacturer and installer.

Vehicles of categories M₁, N, O, R, S and T may fall out of scope of UN R155 or UN R156 if they lack ECUs or do not permit software updates. Approval authorities currently make individual determinations regarding whether vehicles are in or out of scope, and justification for out-of-scope decisions must be recorded to ensure vehicles remain out of scope during the lifetime of whole vehicle approval. UN Regulation No. 10 provides precedent by allowing approvals for vehicles where certain equipment is not relevant. A similar provision could be incorporated into UN R155 and UN R156 by amending the scope and adding provisions to section 5 allowing manufacturers to obtain approvals for vehicles that do not permit software updates, with requirements of paragraph 7 not applying.

Answers to questions on separate technical unit approvals under UN R155 clarify that a base vehicle must already hold an R155 type approval before an ESA can be added at Part III; approval authorities for different parts may differ with mutual recognition applying; the end of support period for an ESA manufacturer must be communicated to the vehicle manufacturer, with implications to be discussed by the IWG; installation of ESAs must follow vehicle manufacturer instructions without necessarily requiring separate agreement; STU data sharing agreements are required; and after ESA installation, a whole vehicle cyber security risk assessment is not necessary, though Part III must consider risks where ESA and base vehicle interactions occur. A working document is planned for submission to GRVA in January 2027. The IWG will explore whether Part II components may include equipment from certificated base vehicles under UN R155 multi-stage categorization and discuss incorporating STU into original approvals.

Questions address whether minimum vehicle architecture approval should be required before Part III can be used for additional devices; whether approved ESAs can be incorporated in original vehicle approval or as an extension to Part I approval; whether different terminology should replace CSMS for Part III approvals; whether second Part III approvals are permissible for vehicles already approved to Parts I and III; and what implications arise from end-of-support by ESA manufacturers.

The CS/OTA Task Force held its thirty-seventh session on 21-22 April 2026 by video conference. The group adopted the provisional agenda and minutes from the thirty-sixth session. Discussions addressed proposals for amendments to UN R155 concerning multi-stage vehicle approvals and separate technical units, for which a subworking group was established. Proposals were also considered on type approval authority responsibility for cyber security management systems and remote operation of automated driving systems. The group reviewed cyber and software requirements in the ADS GTR and WP.29/2022/60 as amended by WP.29/2023/87, and discussed application of RXSWIN to UN Regulations, selecting option 2 for presentation to GRVA with R155, R156, and R89 square bracketed. The IWG mandate renewal was discussed, with potential new items including component and STU approval and software numbering proposals.

Germany proposes that the TAA granting UN R155 or UN R156 type approvals shall be obliged to only use CSMS or SUMS certificates signed by the same TAA. Issues identified include that CSMS and SUMS are Management Systems covering entire manufacturers’ organizations, mandating the same TAA will have huge consequences for OEMs using multiple TAAs, and no such obligation exists for ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. A possible way forward in the short term is to keep text unchanged to allow different TAAs for Management Systems CoC and type approval based on voluntary acceptance and implement wording on information exchange and procedure if different TAAs involved.

Proposal to amend UN R155 by clarifying its scope to exclude certain equipment. The proposal amends paragraph 5.3.2. to require approval authorities to notify others of assessment methods and criteria. New paragraphs 8.2. and 8.3. establish that vehicle manufacturer installation of equipment with negligible intrinsic cyber security risk, or standard domestic, business or industrial equipment connected only for power, shall not require further assessment under paragraph 7, provided specified criteria are justified. Annex I is amended to include any equipment excluded from assessment pursuant to paragraphs 8.2. and 8.3.

The UN IWG on Cyber Security and OTA will meet April 21-22, 2026 via video conference. The agenda includes adoption of the provisional agenda and minutes from the previous session, proposals for amendments to UN R155 and its interpretation document regarding multistage vehicles and type approval authorities, review of cyber and software requirements in the ADS Regulation, discussion of RXSWIN application, renewal of the IWG mandate expiring November 2026, and confirmation of next steps.

Proposal to amend UN R13, 13-H, 79, 89, 130, 131, 139, 140, 152, 155, 156, 157, 171, 175, and 178 by introducing provisions on software identification and software updates. Amendments add new paragraphs referring to Software Identification Number definitions in Consolidated Resolution R.E.3, require manufacturers to provide Technical Services with information on hardware and software influencing performance, permit vehicle manufacturers to apply for new approvals differentiating software versions for registered versus new vehicles while avoiding test duplication, and modify production discontinuation provisions to exclude cases where manufacturers seek approval extensions for software updates of registered vehicles.

UN R155 addresses operator risks in automated driving systems. The ADS Regulation enables operators to offer services using automation and permits remote termination of the ADS. UN R155 mandates that supplier-related risks are managed, but operators are customers, not suppliers, creating downstream risks. An automated vehicle could be susceptible to unauthorised requests from an operator experiencing cyber attack. UN R155 does not define how downstream organisational risks are managed. Manufacturers should identify risks posed by operators and inform Third Party Operators of risks involved and expected minimum-security controls for workstations interfacing with an ADS. This could be achieved via Annex 5.

Proposal to amend Table A1 of Annex 5 to include high level and sub-level descriptions of vulnerability and threat including spoofing of messages, Sybil attacks, communication channels permitting code injection, manipulation, overwrite and erasure of vehicle held data and code, denial of service attacks, unauthorized access to vehicle systems, viruses in communication media, and malicious messages, and amend Table B1 of Annex 5 to provide corresponding mitigation measures. This proposal is a further elaboration of TFCS-35-07.