1. The Working Party on Noise and Tyres (GRBP) held its seventy-first session from 28 to 31 January 2020 in Geneva. The meeting was chaired by Mr. S. Ficheux (France). Experts from the following countries participated in the work following Rule 1(a) of the Rules of Procedure of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) (TRANS/WP.29/710/Rev.1): Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and United States of America. An expert from the European Commission (EC) participated. Experts from the following non-governmental organizations also participated: Association of European Wheel Manufacturers (EUWA), Bureau International Permanent des Associations de Vendeurs et Rechapeurs de pneumatiques (BIPAVER), International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee (CITA), European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA), European Tyre and Rim Technical Organization (ETRTO), Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (IMMA), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Imported Tyre Manufacturers Association (ITMA), International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) and US Tire Manufacturers Association.

2. GRBP considered and adopted the agenda (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRBP/2020/1, as amended by GRBP-71-01). GRBP noted the running order proposed by the Chair (GRBP-71-02-Rev.1). The list of informal documents is contained in Annex I of the session report. The list of GRBP informal groups is reproduced in Annex VIII.

GRBP/2020/1 | GRBP: Annotated provisional agenda for the 71st session (January 2020)

3. The expert from IMMA presented a revised proposal which aims to minimize a proliferation of approval numbers (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRBP/2019/25/Rev.1 and GRBP-71-18-Rev.2). Following an in-depth discussion, GRBP adopted the proposal, as laid down in Annex II. GRBP requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and the Administrative Committee (AC.1) for consideration and vote at their June 2020 sessions as a draft Supplement 8 to the 04 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 41, together with ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRBP/2019/24 adopted at the previous session.

GRBP-71-18/Rev.2 | UN R41: Proposal for amendments to Supplement 6 to the 04 series of amendments The text was prepared by the expert from the International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (IMMA) to amend Supplement 6 to 04 series of amendments, aiming to minimize proliferation of approval numbers

GRBP/2019/24 | UN R41: Proposal for a Supplement to the 04 series of amendments Proposal is to correct an omission regarding the compensating resevoir fill time thereby aligning UN R41 with the other noise UN Regulations Nos. 9, 51 and 63.

GRBP/2019/25/Rev.1 | UN R41: Proposal for a Supplement to the 04 series of amendments Proposal to minimize proliferation of approval numbers from models with differences in vehicle exhaust and silencing systems.

4. The expert from IMMA proposed to clarify the specifications of the test site in Annex 4, following the end of the transitional period in paragraph 12.9. (GRBP-71-09). The experts from Germany, ISO and OICA raised questions on the purpose of the proposal. GRBP invited IMMA to discuss the issue with these experts and to prepare a revised proposal for the next session.

GRBP-71-09 | UN R41 Proposal for amendments to the 04 series of amendments The text prepared by the expert from the International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (IMMA) to amend UN Regulation No. 41-04 (up to Supplement 7), in order to clarify the implications of footnote one on the requirements specified in Annex 4.

5. The expert from IMMA proposed to modify the microphone position for measuring stationary noise in the case of several exhaust outlets (GRBP-71-10). GRBP adopted the proposal, as contained in Annex III, and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their June 2020 sessions as part of a draft Supplement 8 to the 04 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 41.

GRBP-71-10 | UN R41: Proposal for amendments to the 04 series of amendments Proposal for amendment by IMMA to address the issue of stationary noise measurements on a single sided dual exhaust system.

6. On behalf of the Informal Working Group on Additional Sound Emission Provisions (IWG ASEP), the expert from Germany reported on the IWG ASEP activities (GRBP-71-25). He also introduced in detail the future revision of ASEP in UN Regulation No. 51, based on the concept of real driving and sound expectation model (GRBP-71-24).

GRBP-71-24 | UN R51 : Proposal for revision of ASEP as a future concept of real driving Text by IWG ASEP for revision of ASEP as a future concept of real driving

GRBP-71-25 | UN R51 : ASEP II informal group status report Text submitted by chair of IWG ASEP for the status report

7. The expert from IMMA pointed out the differences in applying the concept of real driving between UN Regulation Nos. 41 and 51 (GRBP-71-19-Rev.1) and introduced draft revised ASEP provisions in UN Regulation No. 41 (GRBP-71-17). The Chair invited IMMA to continue working on this proposal in the framework of IWG ASEP with the aim to submit a formal document to the next session of GRBP.

GRBP-71-17 | UN R41 Proposal for a new series of amendments The text was prepared by the expert from the International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (IMMA) to amend the ASEP requirements

GRBP-71-19/Rev.1 | UN R41: Presentation supporting the proposal to amend ASEP Presentation by the expert of IMMA supporting the proposed amendment to ASEP (GRBP-71-17)

8. The expert of EC informed GRBP about a study on the sound level limits of M- and N-category vehicles which had started in December 2019 and was expected to be completed by June 2021 (GRBP-71-11). The aim of the study was to propose improved sound level limits for next phases of Regulation No. 540/2014 of the European Union in the coming years. The experts from Germany, ETRTO and OICA encouraged the study contractor to follow a holistic approach and to take into account various factors that contribute to sound emissions. GRBP invited those experts to send their comments to the contractor and requested the expert of EC to regularly inform GRBP about the study progress. The expert from Japan pointed out that his country would launch soon a similar study and that the recommendations of both studies should be harmonized internationally.

GRBP-71-11 | UN R51: EC Study on sound level limits of M- and N- category vehicles Text submitted by the expert of EC to update on the study and investigate the sound level limits of M- and N-category vehicles in Europe.

9. The expert from OICA reported on the progress of the Task Force on Measurement Uncertainties (TF MU) (GRBP-71-04) and presented a strategy on how to handle measurement uncertainties in UN Regulations (GRBP-71-21). GRBP noted that the suggested approach could first apply to UN Regulations Nos. 51 and 117 and, at a later stage, to other UN Regulations as well.

10. Given the importance of this topic, GRBP decided to convert TF MU into an Informal Working Group on Measurement Uncertainties (IWG MU) and approved its Terms of Reference (GRBP-71-05, GRBP-71-31-Rev.1), as laid down in Annex IV. GRBP noted that IWG MU would be chaired by Norway, while OICA would act as secretary.

GRBP-71-04 | UN R51, UN R117 TF Measurement Uncertainties (MU): Status report GRBP to note the report from the TF MU on its aim to harmonize measures for evaluating systematic errors and random errors to improve the test procedures.

GRBP-71-05 | UN R51 : Task Force Measurement Uncertainties (TF MU) guidelines to the objectives and rules of procedure The text proposed by the Chairman of TFMU for the guidelines on the objectives and rules of procedure of the task force.

GRBP-71-21 | UN R51: TF Measurement Uncertainties update on the strategic approach to handle uncertainties Update by the Chair of Task Force Measurement Uncertainty (TF MU) on the strategic approach to handle measurement uncertainties in UN Regulations

GRBP-71-31/Rev.1 | UN R51: Draft Terms of Reference TF Measurement Uncertainties (MU) The text submitted by the Chairman of TF MU for the draft terms of reference

11. The expert from Poland proposed to allow surfaces other than ISO 10844 for measurements in standstill condition (GRBP-71-28-Rev.1). GRBP adopted the proposal, as contained in Annex V, and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their June 2020 sessions as a draft Supplement 2 to the 01 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 138.

GRBP-71-28/Rev.1 | UN R138 : Proposal for Supplement 2 to the 01 series of amendments Proposal to clarify that it is not necessary to require an ISO 10844 asphalt track surface in cases where the vehicle is at a standstill provided that the surface is dense and without substantial absorption characteristics.

12. The expert from ETRTO introduced a new Supplement to UN Regulation No. 30 and an accompanying transitional provision (paragraph 11.4.) that would delay for three months the mandatory application of the Supplement (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRBP/2020/3). In particular, he proposed excluding tyres with radial and run flat structure from the dimensional requirements after the load speed endurance test (GRBP-71-07). Various experts commented on the proposal and suggested modifications (GRBP-71-30). Finally, GRBP adopted the proposal, as contained in Annex VI, and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their June 2020 sessions as Supplement 22 to the 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 30.

13. GRBP noted that the adopted transitional provision 11.4. does not contradict the WP.29 Guidelines for regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1044/Rev.2). At the same time, several GRBP experts expressed concerns about the rationale given by ETRTO for this provision which was the delays in issuance by the United Nations Office for Legal Affairs (OLA) of depository notifications about the entry into force of amendments to UN Regulations. GRBP was of the view that this is a general problem that affects all UN Regulations and other WP.29 Working Parties as well. Therefore, GRBP requested the Chair to raise this issue at the next session of the Administrative Committee for Coordination of Work (AC.2).

GRBP-71-07 | UN R30, R54, R75 Report on study to amend the Dimensional Requirements for tyres with radial or run flat structure ETRTO report on the study on the Dimensional Requirements for tyres with radial or run flat structure after having performed the load speed endurance test. ETRTO proposes to amend the UN Regulations No 30, 54 [and 75] by removing the requirements for tyres with radial and run flat structure.

GRBP-71-30 | UN R30 : Proposal for amendments Changes to the proposal to align definitions across tyre regulations and align the regulations with technological progress, correct an editorial error, and clarify that the ply rating is not applicable to T-type temporary use tyres.

GRBP/2020/3 | UN R30: Proposal for amendments Proposal to align definitions across tyre regulations and align the regulations with technological progress (see document GRRF-82-21), correct an editorial error, and clarify that the ply rating is not applicable to T-type temporary use tyres.

14. The expert from ETRTO proposed amending the tyre marking method in the UN Regulations (GRBP-71-08). Following a brief discussion, the Chair invited ETRTO to submit an official document to the next session.

GRBP-71-08 | UN R30 Proposals for amending tyre marking method in the UN regulations ETRTO proposal for amending tyre marking method by the removal of the use of wording “moulded” in the marking clause as this is only one of the various technical solutions currently available.

15. GRBP reverted to the postponed proposal on retreaded tyres to be tested and marked with the three-mountain-peak snow-flake (3PMSF) symbol, which was submitted by the experts of BIPAVER. GRBP adopted the document and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their June 2020 sessions as Supplement 5 to UN Regulation No. 108.

GRBP/2019/16 | UN R108: Proposal for amendment Proposal to align the provisions for retreaded tyres to be tested and marked with the three-peak-mountain snow-flake (3PMSF) symbol with the amendment proposals to UN R117 (document GRBP/2019/19).

16. The expert of BIPAVER proposed to restore several sentences which had been deleted by mistake in documents ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRRF/2016/40 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/9 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRBP/2020/4). GRBP adopted the correction and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their June 2020 sessions as Supplement 10 to UN Regulation No. 109.

GRBP/2020/4 | UN R109: Correction to the text In document GRRF/2016/40, an ellipsis “…”, indicating that the remainder of the sentence was to be retained, was omitted in the proposed amendment to paragraph 3.2.1. As a result, the remaining text was unintentionally removed following adoption of the proposal. A similar error resulted from the adoption of document WP.29/2017/9 regarding paragraph 4.9.2. This proposal also reintroduces the unintentionally deleted text.

17. The expert from BIPAVER presented a proposal that aligns the provisions for retreaded tyres marked with the three-peak-mountain snow-flake (3PMSF) symbol with the previously adopted amendment proposals to UN Regulation No. 117 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRBP/2020/5). GRBP adopted the document and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their June 2020 sessions as part of Supplement 10 to UN Regulation No. 109.

GRBP/2020/5 | UN R109: Proposal for an amendment Proposal to align the provisions for retreaded tyres marked using the three-peak-mountain snow-flake (3PMSF) symbol with the amendment proposals to UN R117 (GRBP/2019/19) and to complement GRBP/2019/17.

18. The expert from ETRTO reported that, in 2020-2021, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) would be phasing out the Standard Reference Test Tyre SRTT14 (ASTM E1136) which was referenced in UN Regulations Nos. 108 and 117 (GRBP-71-06). Therefore, these references would need to be replaced by SRTT16 (ASTM F2493) tyre, and the test procedure should be amended accordingly. The Chair invited ETRTO to submit an official document with draft amendments to UN Regulation No. 117 for consideration at the next session. The expert from BIPAVER volunteered to cooperate with ETRTO with the aim to prepare similar amendments to UN Regulation No. 108.

GRBP-71-06 | UN R117 Standard Reference Test Tyre replacement ETRTO proposal for the replacement of the current Standard Reference Test Tyre as it is being phased out as production will stop mid of 2020. Snow performance test in R117 currently requires SRTT14 as a reference tyre. SRTT14 needs to be replaced and test procedure amended.

19. On behalf of the Group Of Interested Experts on snow tyre provisions (GOIE), the expert from Germany reported on their progress (GRBP-71-20). In particular, he proposed establishing a new task force on studded tyres with the objective to draft a new UN Regulation on the approval of studded tyres regarding their snow performance. GRBP endorsed this proposal and noted that the duties of the Chair and Secretary of the task force would be performed by the experts from Finland and ETRTO, respectively.

20. With additional explanations of GOIE (GRBP-71-26), GRBP resumed discussion on the new class of special use tyres intended for use under severe snow conditions (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRBP/2019/14). GRBP noted that the proposed new class would provide for better road safety characteristics under severe snow conditions, but with a small increase in the rolling noise. The experts from Germany, Netherlands and Russian Federation supported the proposal. The expert from EC was not in position to agree to the proposal, due to the envisaged higher noise limits which would require modifications of European Union legislation. GRBP decided to revert to this issue at the next session.

GRBP-71-20 | UN R117/108/R109 Status report by the group of interested experts (GOIE ) on snow tyre provisions The status report submitted by the group of interested experts (GOIE) from Finland, Germany, Japan, Norway, Russian Federation, BIPAVER, ETRTO and OICA

GRBP-71-26 | UN R117: Justification for document GRBP/2019/14 Supporting information regarding the proposal for the type approval of special-use tyres designed for severe snow conditions.

GRBP/2019/14 | UN R117: Proposal for a Supplement to the 02 series of amendments Proposal from the group of interested experts to allow for the type approval of special-use tyres designed for severe snow conditions.

21. The expert from Japan introduced an amendment which addressed unique light trucks available on the Japanese market (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/2020/6). The expert of ETRTO proposed a slight modification (GRBP-71-29). GRBP adopted the proposal, as contained in Annex VII, and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their June 2020 sessions Supplement 12 to the 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 117.

GRBP-71-29 | UN R117 : Proposal to amend the Supplement to the 02 series of amendments The text submitted by the experts from the European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation (ETRTO) to amend the Japanese proposal for a Supplement to the 02 series of amendments (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRBP/2020/6)

GRBP/2020/6 | UN R117: Proposal for a Supplement to the 02 series of amendments Proposal to adapt the rolling-sound measurement procedures to accommodate special C2 tyres presenting a section width wider than 200 mm, aspect ratio lower than 55, rim diameter code lower than 15 and without any dual fitting indication (i.e. the front size 175/75R15 LT and the rear size 235/50R14 LT or the front size 175/75R15 LT and the rear size 265/50R14 LT).

22. The expert from France, Chair of the IWG on Wet Grip Performance of Tyres in a Worn State (IWG WGWT), reported on their progress (GRBP-71-23). She pointed out that the IWG WGWT objectives were to present an informal document to the seventy-second session of GRBP in September 2020 and to submit a formal paper to the seventy-third session of GRBP in January 2021.

GRBP-71-23 | Working Group on Worn Tyres: Status report

23. On behalf of the Task Force on Reverse Warning (TF RW), the expert from Japan reported on the progress of TF RW (GRBP-71-27-Rev.1) and on the ongoing cooperation with the Working Party on General Safety (GRSG), thanks to the expert from Switzerland in his capacity as GRBP Ambassador to GRSG. GRBP noted that the next meeting of TF RW would be convened in Brussels from 25 to 27 May 2020.

GRBP-71-27/Rev1 | Reversing Warning Systems Task Force: Status report Status report

24. The expert from the United States of America reported that, in December 2019, the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) had issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking in which it had sought comments on matters related to the existing strength test, the bead unseating resistance test, and the tyre endurance test. In addition, NHTSA had sought comments on the current use and relevance of some tyre marking regulations and other matters related to new tyre technologies. The deadline for comments was set on 18 February 2020.

25. GRBP noted that WP.29, at its November 2019 session, had agreed to the GRBP conclusions on the Draft Resolution on Road Surface Labelling (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1149, paras. 43 and 44).

26. No issues were considered under this item.

27. GRBP noted that, in November 2019, AC.1 had adopted Supplements to the 00 and 01 series amendments, as well as the new 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 0 (International Whole Vehicle Type Approval).

28. GRBP was informed about the progress of the electronic Database for the Exchange of Type Approval documentation (DETA) (GRBP-71-03). GRBP agreed to consider, at its next session, whether the Unique Identifier (UI) may replace the traditional E markings in the UN Regulations under the auspices of GRBP.

GRBP-71-03 | Status report on DETA

29. The secretariat reported on the highlights of the November 2019 session of WP.29 (GRBP-71-14). GRBP took note of this information.

GRBP-71-14 | General information and WP.29 highlights Presentation by the Secretariat giving the general information and WP.29 highlights

30. The Chair introduced an updated list of priorities and recurrent items (GRBP-71-22-Rev.1). GRBP noted that AC.2, at its next meeting in March 2020, would consider such lists prepared by various Working Parties (GRs) with the aim to prepare the WP.29 programme of work for 2020.

GRBP-71-22/Rev.1 | GRBP priorities and recurrent work items

31. The expert from EC presented a set of amendments to UN Regulation No. 141 (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)) with the aim to extend its scope, for the purpose of implementing the TPMS requirements in Regulation 2019/2144 of the European Union (GRBP-71-15). Several GRBP experts expressed concerns about the tight schedule in the European Union Regulation and the volume of the proposed amendments. To speed up the work, GRBP decided to establish a task force under the leadership of the expert from EC. All GRBP experts were invited to send him their comments on GRBP-71-15.

32. Similarly, the expert from EC introduced draft amendments to UN Regulation No. 142 (Installation of tyres) aimed at extending its scope, for the purpose of implementing the tyre installation requirements in Regulation 2019/2144 of the European Union (GRBP-71-16). GRBP requested the newly established task force (see para. 31) to consider this document as well.

GRBP-71-15 | UN R141: Proposal for Amendment In line with Regulation (EU) 2019/2144, proposal to expand the scope of UN R142 to establish requirements for tyre-pressure monitoring systems for category M₂, M₃, N₂, N₃, O₃ and O₄ vehicles.

GRBP-71-16 | UN R142: Proposal for amendment Proposal to introduce tyre-pressure monitoring system tyre installation requirements for all vehicle categories in Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 following the requirements in UNECE Regulation No. 142.

33. The expert from France proposed to add a reference to UN Regulation No. 141 (TPMS) to the communication form in Annex II to UN Regulation No. 142 (GRBP-71-12). GRBP supported the proposal and invited the expert from France to prepare an official document for the next session. In this context, the expert from the Russian Federation recalled the pending editorial amendments to UN Regulation No. 142 that had been agreed on by the former Working Party on Braking and Running Gear (GRRF) (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRRF/2016/43).

GRBP-71-12 | UN R142 Proposal for amendment to Supplement 1 Proposal from expert from France for amendment to Supplement 1. Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) could refer to UN R64 (till 02 series of amendment) and/or R141. R64 series 02 concerns temporary use spare unit, run-flat tyres and/or a run-flat system and/or a tyre pressure monitoring system for M1 or N1 category vehicles. R141 is dedicated M1-category vehicles approved for their TPMS

34. The expert from France presented a draft 2020 schedule of meetings that was of interest to GRBP experts (GRBP-71-13-Rev.1). GRBP welcomed this document as a useful planning tool and invited its IWGs and TFs to provide updates to the expert from France, with the aim to issue a revised schedule on the GRBP website.

GRBP-71-13/Rev.1 | 2020 schedule of meetings of interest to GRBP experts Information from Chair on 2020 schedule of meetings of interest to GRBP experts

35. For its seventy-third session, scheduled to be held in Geneva from 7 (p.m.) to 9 September 2020, GRBP decided to keep the same structure for the provisional agenda. GRBP noted that the deadline for the submission of official documents to the secretariat would be 15 June 2020, twelve weeks prior to the session.