1. The Working Party on Passive Safety (GRSP) met from 20 to 23 July 2020 online and without interpretation (informal in lieu of its sixty-seventh), hosted from Geneva. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Martin Koubek (United States of America). 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) (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/690/Rev.1): Canada, China, Czechia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America and Viet Nam. The European Commission (EC) participated. Experts from the following non-governmental organizations participated: Consumers International (CI), European Association for the Coordination of Consumer Representation in Standardization (ANEC), European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA), Federation International de l’Automobile (FIA), Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP), International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (IMMA), International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) and World Bicycle Industry Association (WBIA).

2. Annex I of the report lists the informal documents distributed during the session.

3. GRSP considered and adopted the agenda (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2020/Rev.1) proposed for the sixty-seventh session, the running order (GRSP-67-01-Rev.3), virtual meeting guidelines (GRSP-67-02), memo on proceedings (GRSP-67-03) and the annotations (GRSP-67-26-Rev.1). GRSP informal working groups are listed in Annex XI of the session report.

GRSP-67-01/Rev.3 | Running order of the 67th (July 2020) GRSP session

GRSP-67-02 | GRSP virtual meeting guidelines

GRSP-67-03 | Note on special procedures for the 67th GRSP session

GRSP-67-26/Rev.1 | GRSP-67: Consolidated revised annotated provisional agenda for the sixty-seventh session

GRSP/2020/1/Rev.1 | Revised annotated agenda for the 67th (July 2020) GRSP session

4. The expert from Germany reiterated his intention to find a solution (GRSP-65-17) to represent worst case scenarios, due to, for example, different heights of the vehicle from adjustable suspension systems. He also indicated that a concrete proposal had been submitted under agenda item 11 on UN Regulation No. 127. GRSP agreed to defer discussion to its December 2020 session, pending consideration of the Executive Committee of the 1998 Agreement (AC.3) at its November 2020 session.

GRSP-65-17 | GTR 9: Proposal for Amendment 3 Proposal to ensure pedestrian safety across the vehicle height variations that may be produced by active suspensions.

5. Referring to the AC.3 decision at its March 2020 session (see ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1151, para. 158), GRSP reiterated its intention to finalise the work on harmonizing UN GTR No. 9 with UN Regulation No. 127, which already incorporates the proposed Amendment 3 to the UN GTR for the headform test (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/5 as amended by GRSP-67-13). However, the expert from the United States of America suggested that, due to the postponement of this current GRSP session from May to July, AC.3 had not received the results of the discussions and should first be informed of the process at its next session in November 2020 before vote on the proposed Amendment 3 at its March 2021 session.

Therefore, GRSP recommended: (a) Amendment 3 to UN GTR No. 9 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2014/5), as amended by Annex II to the session report, (b) the final progress report (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2012/2) as amended by Annex II to the session report and (c) the authorization to develop the work (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/AC.3/31), for consideration and vote at the March 2021 sessions of WP.29 and AC.3.

GRSP-67-13 | GTR 9: Proposal for Amendment 3 Proposal to clarify provisions, especially regarding the head-form tests.

GRSP/2012/2 | Final progress report on the proposal to develop amendment 2 to GTR 9 Review of the work behind the proposal to clarify GTR 9, in particular concerning the definition of the headform testing/contact area for measurement purposes.

GRSP/2014/5 | Proposal for amendment to draft Phase 2 to global technical regulation No. 9 (Pedestrian safety) Proposal to clarify provisions of the headform tests of UN GTR No. 9.

6. No new information was provided under this agenda item.

7. The expert from the United States of America, on behalf of the co-sponsors (Japan, Republic of Korea and European Union) informed GRSP about the work progress of IWG on Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Vehicles (HFCV) UN GTR No. 13, Phase 2 (GRSP-67-38). He informed GRSP that the last IWG meeting of UN GTR on HFCV Phase 2 had been held in November 2019. He added that since then, IWG held only limited virtual meetings through WebEx and that the most recent meeting of co-sponsors was on 4 June 2020, which included experts from the contracting parties and some representatives from the industry and standards-setting organizations. He clarified that the main purpose was to assess the current status, to inform each other of any developments in the domestic regulatory or research side and to advance, to the extent possible, the work in the task forces who were the main actors in developing the amendment, as complemented with the test and research results. He clarified some of the recent technical issues in IWG work: (a) the sled test criteria for heavy duty vehicles, (b) direction of the thermo-pressure release valve, © the fuelling receptacle and (d) reduction of NWP from 225 per cent to 200 per cent. Moreover, he added that given the constraints, IWG had progressed and had begun a Drafting Task Force to formulate the text of the amendments to the UN GTR. He had estimated back in November 2019 that additional time might be needed to complete the task beyond the current mandate, but that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) had led most government and industry labs, and test facilities to close for a significant amount of time – and that the need for an extension of the mandate was inevitable. He concluded by informing GRSP that IWG had planned its next virtual meeting for the end of August or beginning of September 2020.

8. The expert from the United States of America, on behalf of the co-sponsors (China, Japan, European Union and the members of IWG GTR No. 20, Phase 2) reported on the progress of the IWG meeting of Electric Vehicle Safety (EVS) – GTR, Phase 2. GRSP was informed that the last session had been held in December 2019 and that since then, IWG had held one virtual meeting on WebEx. He clarified that the meeting of co-sponsors on 25 June 2020 had been attended by delegates from the contracting parties, including the EC Joint Research Office, which hosted the meeting. He added that the main purpose was to inform IWG participants of any regulatory and research developments. He pointed out that since the outbreak of COVID-19 had slowed or stopped most of the activities by governments and the industry, an extension of the mandate may be needed. However, he said that it was very encouraging, that from information of the last meeting, manufacturers and labs were resuming their work. Moreover, he clarified that some of the outstanding technical issues that still need research and validation tests, including the methods for initiation of the thermal runaway propagation, and that the IWG was evaluating proposals from Canada and Japan. He also informed GRSP that IWG was evaluating an OICA proposal concerning in-use (during driving mode) low energy criteria and studying the sled test, because the acceleration values were too low and deemed inappropriate for heavy-duty vehicles. Moreover, he explained that the United States of America was sharing research reports that had been published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on cover battery diagnostics, battery thermal runaway triggering techniques, and management of stranded energy in a Rechargeable Electric Energy Storage System (REESS). He also added that China had informed IWG of its new national mandatory standard that was expected to be fully in force in January 2021, which covered functional requirements for acceleration and deceleration, and battery safety. He concluded that given the constraints, IWG had made good progress but most likely would need additional time and that the next virtual meeting was scheduled for September or early October 2020, where IWG plans were to discuss the mandate extension.

9. The expert from OICA introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2020/2 amended by GRSP-67-35, on the requirements for safety-belt reminders in some particular vehicle designs and on clarifying the current text of the transitional provisions. GRSP adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2020/2, as amended by Annex III to the session report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as draft Supplement 6 to the 07 series of amendment and as supplement 2 to the 08 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 16, for consideration and vote at the November 2020 sessions of WP.29 and the Administrative Committee of the 1958 Agreement (AC.1).

GRSP-67-35 | UN R16: Proposal for Supplement 6 to the 07 series of amendments and for Supplement 2 to the 08 series of amendments Proposal to address requirements for Safety Belt Reminders in some particular vehicle designs and clarify the continued validity of an exemption in the transitional provisions.

GRSP/2020/2 | UN R16: Proposal for Supplement 6 to the 07 series of amendments and for Supplement 2 to the 08 series of amendments Proposal to clarify seat-belt reminder requirements for adjustable rear seats and the transitional provisions.

10. GRSP agreed to defer discussion on the subject of an alternative (at the choice of the manufacturer) airbag switch-off for frontal airbags in combination with rearward-facing child restraint systems in the rear seat at its December 2020 session and requested the secretariat to keep GRSP-66-14 as an informal document.

GRSP-66-14 | UN R16: Proposal to amend document GRSP/2019/15 (Supplement 6 to the 07 series and Supplement 1 to 08 series of amendments) Proposal to clarify the test procedures and the different ECRS to be tested for the assessment of the system.

11. Finally, GRSP agreed to defer discussion (GRSP-66-08) on the possibility to have three-point safety-belts in M2 and M3 categories of vehicles, to its December 2020 session.

GRSP-66-08 | Equipping bus seats with three point belt according to UN Regulation No. 16 Finnish Safety Investigation Authority has given recommendation to equip the seats of category M₂ and M<sub>3</<ub> vehicles with lap and shoulder belt type seat belts, i.e. three-point seat belts.

12. The expert from Japan introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2020/8 in a presentation (GRSP-67-17) on behalf of the Task Force on aligning UN Regulation No. 17 with UN GTR No. 7, Phase 2 provisions. The expert from Italy requested a delay on transitional provision for all new vehicles (paragraphs. 13.13.2 and 13.13.3). Finally, GRSP adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2020/8, as amended by Annex IV to the session report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as the draft 10 series of amendment to UN Regulation No. 17, for consideration and vote at the November 2020 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1. At the same time, the expert from CLEPA withdrew ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2019/9.

GRSP-67-17 | Alignment of GTR No. 7 head restraints With UN Regulation No. 17

GRSP/2019/9 | UN R17: Proposal for the 10 series of amendments Proposal to clarify the application of GTR 7 Phase 2 static alternative provisions and to modify the allowed range of tolerances under the backset retention and energy dissipations test. The proposal would re-introduce certain paragraphs in the 09 series of amendments removed by the draft 10 series (GRSP/2018/34). In addition, the proposals adds the area where the gap measurement procedure by the sphere is appropriate per the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 202a (i.e. only gaps in the area over 540 mm).

GRSP/2020/8 | UN R17: Proposal for the 10 series of amendments Proposal to transpose provisions of UN Global Technical Regulation No. 7, Phase 2 (GTR7-PH2) into UN Regulation No. 17.

13. Moreover, the expert from OICA introduced GRSP-67-28, to clarify the test procedure for the height of head restraints in the case of vehicles of low roof construction. The expert from EC requested a study reservation. Finally, the secretariat was requested to distribute GRSP-67-28 with an official symbol at its December 2020 session.

GRSP-67-28 | UN R17: Proposal for amendments Proposal to modify document GRSP/2020/8 in order to clarify the test procedure for the height of head restraints in the case of vehicles having a low roof construction.

14. The expert from Israel introduced a presentation (GRSP-67-09-Rev.1) explaining the point of view of the “motorcycle helmet communication” industry on the 06 series of amendments to the UN Regulation adopted by WP.29 at its June 2020 session. He clarified that the industry supports a UN Regulation which ensures motorbike rider safety. However, he argued that it should be implemented in a practical manner since the revised paragraph 7.3.1.3.5. of the UN Regulation requires that only accessories tested during the type approval procedure of the helmet could keep the type approval validity. He clarified that this requirement would create major trade barriers for the motorcycle helmet communication systems commonly used by motorbike riders. He therefore asked that the motorcycle helmet communication industry be included in the process of developing type approval requirements to overcome the trade barrier issue by: (a) specific tests for helmets ready for accessories, b) particular tests for communication accessories. Finally, he offered his expertise to develop amendments to consider aftermarket accessories. The expert from Italy, Chair of the IWG on Protective Helmets (IWG-PH), clarified in a presentation (GRSP-67-25) that the activities of the group were open to all stakeholders. Moreover, he added that UN Regulation No. 22 refers specifically to type approval of helmets and that the helmet manufacturer (type approval holder of a type protective helmet) is responsible for the conformity of the product and for the maintenance of the safety requirements tested during the type approval. He explained that the possible non-conformity of helmets, caused by installation of untested aftermarket products, would introduce liability issues.

15. GRSP noted that the IWG activities were suspended due to the lack of research results that would allow Phase 2 of the UN Regulation to begin. Therefore, GRSP endorsed the recommendation of the Chair of the IWG to provide a proposal of amendments addressing aftermarket accessories by the December 2020 session of GRSP. Finally, GRSP noted the offer of the expert of the United States of America to provide research results from NHTSA to the IWG once NHTSA had resumed its activities.

GRSP-67-09/Rev.1 | UN R22: Motorcycle helmet communication industry views Comments submitted by Israel on behalf of an association of motorcycle helmet communications equipment manufacturers.

GRSP-67-25 | UN R22: Proposal for the 06 series of amendments

16. GRSP resumed discussion on the proposal (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2020/4) that had been tabled by the experts from Japan and the European Commission on behalf of the Task Force to amend the requirements concerning post-crash electrical safety in the event of frontal collision, which aimed to transpose GTR No. 20, Phase 1 into the framework of the 1958 Agreement (see ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/66, paragraph 32). The expert from Japan introduced GRSP-67-20-Rev.1 amending the definition of REESS. At the same time, the expert from OICA introduced GRSP-67-27 to amend transitional provisions.

17. GRSP adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2020/4, as amended by Annex VI to the session report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as the draft 04 series of amendment to UN Regulation No. 94, for consideration and vote at the November 2020 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1. Finally, GRSP also agreed to start discussion on similar amendments for UN Regulations Nos. 12 (Steering mechanism) and 135 (Pole side impact (PSI)) on the basis of proposals to be tabled by the experts of the Netherlands and other concerned parties.

GRSP-67-20/Rev.1 | UN R94: Proposal for the 04 series of amendments Proposal to align the definition of REESS with that adopted under UN R100.

GRSP-67-27 | UN R94: Proposal for the 04 series of amendments Proposal to clarify the transitional provisions in document GRSP/2020/4.

GRSP/2020/4 | UN R94 : Proposal for amendment to the 04 series of amendments Proposal from the experts from Japan and the European Commission on behalf of the Task Force to amend the requirements concerning post-crash electrical safety in the event of frontal collision and aligns with those of UN Global Technical Regulation No.20

18. GRSP resumed discussion on the proposal (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2020/5) that had been tabled by the experts from Japan and the European Commission on behalf of the Task Force to amend the requirements for post-crash electrical safety in the event of lateral collision (see paragraph 16). The expert from Japan introduced GRSP-67-21-Rev.1 amending the definition of REESS. GRSP adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2020/5, as amended by Annex VII to the session report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as the draft 05 series of amendment to UN Regulation No. 95, for consideration and vote at the November 2020 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1.

GRSP/2020/5 | UN R95 : Proposal for the amendment to the 05 series of amendment Proposal prepared by the experts from Japan and the European Commission on behalf of the Task Force to amend the requirements concerning post-crash electrical safety in the event of lateral collision.

19. GRSP resumed discussion on the proposal (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2020/6) that had been tabled by the experts from Japan and the European Commission on behalf of the Task Force aimed at transposing UN GTR No. 20, Phase 1 into the framework of the 1958 Agreement (see paragraphs 16 and 18). The expert from Japan introduced GRSP-67-22-Rev.1 which amends the definition of REESS, clarifies the scope and fully aligns with UN GTR 20, Phase I. GRSP adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2020/6, as amended by Annex VIII to the session report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as the draft 03 series of amendment to UN Regulation No. 100, for consideration and vote at the November 2020 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1.

GRSP-67-22/Rev.1 | UN R100: Proposal for the 03 series of amendments Proposal to modify document GRSP/2020/6 in order to resolve the pending issue of the definition of REESS as well as to clarify the transitional provisions.

GRSP/2020/6 | UN R100 : Proposal for 03 series of amendments Proposal prepared by the experts from Japan and the European Commission on behalf of the Task Force to amend the requirements concerning specific requirements for the electric power train.

20. The expert from Germany reiterated his proposal (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2019/18) and referred to agenda item 3(a) (see paragraph 4). The expert from OICA introduced GRSP-67-07 as a counterproposal, aimed at clarifying the issue that vehicle height has an influence on the test results of headform and legform tests, and consequentially all possible vehicle heights up to a driving speed of 11.1 m/s (40 km/h) should be considered to be relevant for impact with a pedestrian. Germany stated its agreement, in general, with the OICA proposal but suggested further clarifications. GRSP agreed to resume discussion at its December 2020 session on the basis of a potentially revised proposal from the experts of Germany, the United Kingdom and OICA.

GRSP-67-07 | UN R127: Proposal for the 03 series of amendments Counter-proposal to document GRSP/2019/18 to address pedestrian safety and active suspensions (a system which could change the vehicle height while driving (up to a defined driving speed, e.g. up to 39 km/h)). Since the vehicle height has an influence on the headform test area (WAD) and on the test results for legform tests, all possible vehicle heights up to a driving speed of 11.1 m/s (40 km/h) should be considered to be relevant for impact with a pedestrian.

GRSP/2019/18 | UN R127: Proposal for Supplement 2 the 00 series of amendments, Supplement 2 to the 01 series of amendments and Supplement 1 to the 02 series of amendments Proposal to ensure pedestrian protection across the vehicle height variations that may be produced by an active suspension system.

21. GRSP noted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2020/9, prepared by the experts of the Drafting Task Force to align the UN Regulation with the revised General Safety Regulation of the European Union that would enlarge the head impact zone to include the windscreen area, and would introduce adaptations and clarifications to the existing requirements as well as appropriate transitional provisions. The expert from the Republic of Korea introduced a presentation (GRSP-67-11), showing test results from simulation and from which, he would propose different test requirements. GRSP agreed to resume consideration on this subject on the basis of a revised text to be prepared by the experts of the Drafting Task Force.

GRSP-67-11 | UN R127: Comments on the amendment proposal GRSP/2020/9 Republic of Korea views on the amendment contents based on research regarding definition of the head test area.

GRSP/2020/9 | UN R127 : Proposal for 03 series of amendments Proposal by the expert from EC on behalf of the Drafting Task Force to align the UN Regulation with the revised General Safety Regulation of the European Union – appropriate transitional provisions, and minor adaptations and clarifications to the existing requirements. This proposal will allow contracting parties to apply an enlarged head impact zone for regulatory compliance testing.

22. The expert from CLEPA reiterated a proposal (GRSP-67-33) (superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2020/3 and GRSP-67-16) and a presentation (GRSP-67-34) aimed at: (a) providing instructions to consumers in a digital form, (b) recording essential measurement information in the type approval system and (c) improving the procedure for assessing the external dimensions of Enhanced Child Restraint Systems (ECRS). The expert from Japan raised a study reservation on instructions to consumers in a digital form; consumers without access to internet should receive the same information in paper copies. GRSP agreed to resume discussion on this subject at its May 2020 session and requested the secretariat to distribute GRSP-67-33 with an official symbol.

GRSP-67-16 | UN R129: Supplement 5 to the 03 series of amendments Proposal to clarify aspects of document GRSP/2020/03, which is based on documents GRSP-66-11 (Digital User Guide) and GRSP-66-12 (Test Report Template) introduced during the 66th GRSP session. The proposed amendments are based on feedback received from stakeholders.

GRSP-67-33 | UN R129: Proposal for Supplement 5 to the 03 series of amendments Consolidated proposal based on document GRSP/2020/3 to clarify aspects the current procedure, formalize the assessment practice and improve the transparency and consistency of Type Approval testing results. The document incorporates proposals for Digital User Guide and Test Report Template pursuant to discussions on document GRSP-67-16.

GRSP/2020/3 | UN R129 : Proposal for Supplement 5 to the 03 series of amendments The proposal was prepared by the expert from the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) to clarify aspects the current procedure, formalises the assessment practice and aims to improve the transparency and consistency of Type Approval testing results.

23. GRSP resumed discussion of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2019/19 on limit values on the chest vertical acceleration of Q-dummies during the dynamic testing of ECRS, as agreed at its December 2019 session (see ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/67, paragraph 41). The expert from CLEPA recalled to GRSP that this decision aimed to allow the collection and analysis of data monitoring. The expert from CLEPA clarified (see GRSP-67-23) that data were subsequently provided by the Type-Approval Authority and the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) of the United Kingdom. He added that these were supplemented with a sample from CLEPA, in order to derive the proposed limits for tension force, Fz and flexion moment. He then introduced a proposal (see GRSP-67-24) of amendments to the injury assessment criteria for frontal and rear impact to specify limit values for tension force and flexion moment measured in the upper neck of the Q0, Q1 and Q1.5 dummies. However, he recommended that other contracting parties also provide monitoring data to support this analysis and confirm the proposed limits. GRSP endorsed the request of the expert from CLEPA and agreed to resume discussion at its December 2020 session based on a revised official proposal. Moreover, the experts from the Global NCAP and ANEC on behalf of CI withdrew ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2019/19. GRSP agreed to defer consideration of GRSP-66-28 to the December 2020 session, due to the lack of time.

GRSP-66-28 | UN R129: Proposal for Supplement 3 to 03 Series of amendments Proposal based on document GRSP/2019/19 to define the introduction of limit values for chest vertical acceleration of Q-dummies during dynamic testing of Enhanced Child Restraint Systems (ECRS).

GRSP-67-23 | UN R129: Explanatory presentation to CLEPA neck load limits proposal

GRSP-67-24 | UN R129: Proposal for the 04 series of amendments Proposal for amendments to the injury assessment criteria for frontal and rear impact to specify limit values for tension force and flexion moment measured in the upper neck of the Q0, Q1 and Q1.5 dummies.

GRSP/2019/19 | UN R129: Proposal for Supplement 3 the 03 series of amendments Proposal to introduce limit values for the chest vertical acceleration (Az) of Q dummies during dynamic testing of Enhanced Child Restraint Systems (ECRS) until such time as upper neck tension Force (Fz) and upper neck flexion moment (My) criteria can be established.

24. GRSP resumed consideration on a proposal (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2020/10 and amendment GRSP-67-12) tabled by the expert from the Netherlands aimed at identifying hydrogen-fuelled buses which would be consistent with already existing regulated identification for Liquid Petroleum Gas, Compressed Natural Gas and Liquid Natural Gas fuelled buses. The expert from OICA introduced GRSP-67-29 amending, among others, the proposed transitional provisions. GRSP agreed to resume discussion of this subject at its December 2020 session based on a revised proposal tabled by the expert from the Netherlands in cooperation with the expert from OICA.

GRSP-67-12 | UN R134: Proposal for the 01 series of amendments Proposal to update the draft 01 series proposal (GRSP/2020/10) to include recommendations with regard to place and dimensions of the labels on vehicles.

GRSP-67-29 | UN R134: Proposal for the 01 series of amendments Proposal to modify the informal document GRSP-67-12 from the Netherlands regarding labeling provisions.

GRSP/2020/10 | UN R134 : Proposal for 01 series of amendments Proposal by the expert from the Netherlands, aiming to achieve an identification of hydrogen-fuelled buses and trucks which is consistent with already existing regulated identification for Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) fuelled buses. The background for the additional labelling would help emergency services to determine how to approach these vehicles in case of a fire. This proposal extends the scope to N2/N3 vehicles due to the wider use and introduces consistency for the installation of labels

25. GRSP resumed discussion on a proposal (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2020/7) that had been tabled by the experts from Japan and the European Commission on behalf of the Task Force to amend the requirements on post-crash electrical safety in the event of full frontal impact (see paragraphs 16, 18 and 19). The expert from Japan introduced GRSP-67-18-Rev.1 on amendment to the definition of REESS. GRSP adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2020/7, as amended by Annex IX to the session report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as the draft 02 series of amendment to UN Regulation No. 137, for consideration and vote at the November 2020 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1.

GRSP-67-18/Rev.1 | UN R137: Proposal for the 02 series of amendments Proposal to align the definition of REESS with that adopted under UN R100.

GRSP/2020/7 | UN R137: Proposal for amendments to 02 series of amendments Proposal prepared by the experts from Japan and the European Commission on behalf of the Task Force to amend the requirements concerning post-crash electrical safety in the event of frontal collision. It aligns the technical provisions with post-crash electrical safety in global technical regulation (UN GTR) No. 20.

26. GRSP resumed discussion on including L7 categories of vehicles into the scope of UN Regulation No. 137. The expert from IMMA recalled his presentation introduced at the December 2019 session of GRSP (GRSP-66-20) which proposed a three-steps approach for the harmonization of (passive) safety requirements of bodied, heavy quadricycles (L7), and in which the third step involved a proposal to update UN Regulation No. 137. He explained that in line with the first step, IMMA had introduced a proposal (GRSG-118-18) at the July 2020 session of the Working Party on General Safety (GRSG) with a clear definition of bodied L7-vehicles in the Consolidated Resolution on the Construction of Vehicles (R.E.3.), and which had been positively received. Moreover, he added that his organization hoped to conclude the first step with an official document for the October 2020 session of GRSG. He concluded that further discussion on, with regards to the interest of contracting parties to develop a proposal for inclusion of L7 categories in UN Regulation No. 137 was found to be premature pending conclusion of the first (and second) steps.

GRSG-118-18 | RE3 : Proposal to introduce bodied L7 vehicles

GRSP-66-20 | Un R137: Three-step approach for Harmonisation of (passive) safety requirements under GRSP of bodied, heavy quadricycles (L7) Proposal for an approach to address the need for crash safety of car-like passenger quadricycles (L7) through UN Regulation No. 137. The proposal is to first to separate the passenger and goods L7 quadricycles and then harmonising the definition in Consolidated Resolution RE3.

27. The expert from Spain, on behalf of IWG on safer transport of children in buses and coaches informed GRSP about the progress of the group (GRSP-67-08). She explained that IWG met three times and had defined tasks and a road map for completing a proposal for submission to GRSP by 2022. She added that IWG needed to meet in person for better interaction and that a fourth meeting had been postponed due to COVID-19. GRSP agreed to resume discussion on this subject at its December 2020 session.

GRSP-67-08 | Safer Transport of Children informal group status report

28. The representative of the United States of America reminded GRSP about the framework document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/34/Rev.2, endorsed by the World Forum, on priority topics for automated and connected vehicles. He reiterated that crashworthiness remained relevant and that the framework document would be implemented by related topics stemming from the activities of GRSP. The expert from Germany also reiterated the need of developing a document showing passive safety priority topics. GRSP agreed to resume discussion on this subject based on a proposal to be developed by the expert from Germany with the experts from OICA and other concerned parties.

WP.29/2019/34/Rev.2 | Revised Framework document on automated/autonomous vehicles

29. The Secretary reported on the highlights (GRSP-67-04) of the 180th and 181st sessions of WP.29 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1151 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1153).

GRSP-67-04 | GRSP-relevant highlights from the March and June 2020 WP.29 sessions

30. The expert from Poland requested deferral of discussion on the belt-guide, that was type approved by the authority of her country, to the December 2020 session of GRSP due to the research test results on the belt-guide, which had not yet been made available by the expert of EC. The experts from the Netherlands and ANEC/CI argued that discussion was needed on this subject since they considered this type of CRS as dangerous. The expert from the Netherlands introduced GRSP-67-05 explaining that the belt-guide was not in the scope of the UN Regulation and could not be type approved; as such, the type approval should be withdrawn. Finally, with reference to the procedure of the 1958 Agreement, Revision 3, Articles 4.2., 10.4 and Schedule 6 (paragraphs 2 and 3), he stated that through GRSP-67-05 he sought support from other contracting parties and cooperation from the expert of Poland to avoid starting the arbitration process – according to Schedule 6 of the 1958 Agreement. The expert from ANEC/CI, introduced GRSP-67-10 and GRSP-67-36 showing the high risk of abdominal injuries in both cases due to severe submarining. In anticipation of the above-mentioned test results, the expert from Poland introduced GRSP-67-32, showing some results of tests demonstrating the performance of this belt-guide type under laboratory conditions. She also clarified that the belt-guide was type approved according to Supplement 10 to the 04 series of amendments. However, she added that according to some stakeholder opinions, this belt-guide type should had been tested according to Supplement 11, thus making the device subject to different criteria. However, she stated that in her opinion there was a clear legal basis which demonstrated that the type approval granted under Supplement 10 was the correct one. The expert of the Netherlands responded by stating that, apart from the fact that this device does not comply with several requirements of UN Regulation No. 44, a supplement only clarifies existing requirements or test procedures and does not introduce new requirements. Even when Supplement 10 was in force, it was evident that a belt guide could not be approved as a child restraint.

31. The expert from EC recalled to GRSP, that the group had agreed to his former proposal (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2019/28) to amend the scope of UN Regulation No 44 (Child Restraint Systems) with clarification that a belt-guide cannot be approved under Regulation 44 without being part of a child restraint system (see ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/66, paragraphs 27 and 28). However, he explained that EC had reconsidered the document submission to WP.29, since the interpretation that a “guide strap” and similar devices cannot be separately approved as a child restraint system, had already been endorsed by WP.29 at its March 2012 session (see ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1095, paragraph 35). Therefore, he introduced GRSP-67-31, that was only on the phase out of UN Regulation No. 44.

32. The Chair of GRSP referred to Schedule 6 of the 1958 Agreement, and stressed full consideration of the different opinions of the Type Approval Authorities of the concerned contracting parties, and of contracting parties applying UN Regulation No. 44. Therefore, the experts from France, Germany, Italy, Russian Federation, Spain, Switzerland and United Kingdom explicitly endorsed the request of the expert from the Netherlands to withdraw the type approval granted by Poland on the belt-guide, while none of the other present delegates indicated abstention or disagreement. The experts also noted that the Chair encouraged the expert of the Netherlands to continue discussions with the Type Approval Authority of Poland to seek cooperation with Poland in the aim to avoid the arbitration process according to Schedule 6 of the 1958 Agreement, which would start in the November 2020 session of WP.29.

33. GRSP also considered GRSP-67-14, tabled by the expert from France to correct a date in transitional provisions. Finally, GRSP adopted GRSP-67-14 and GRSP-67-31, as reproduced in Annex V to the session report. The secretariat was requested to submit the two proposals as draft Supplement 18 to the 04 series of amendment to UN Regulation No. 44, for consideration and vote at the November 2020 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1.

GRSP-67-05 | Reservation over Type Approval E20 44R 04 4013 – Braxx Smart Kid Belt

GRSP-67-10 | Media release: Restrain our kids – and safely! Call for support for the draft Supplement 18 to UN R44 intended to clarify that certain belt-guides and straps can be eligible for type-approval only as a part of a Child Restraint System and not as a free-standing Child Restraint System.

GRSP-67-14 | UN R44: Proposal Supplement 19 to the 04 series of amendments Proposal to amend the transitional provisions: Extensions can be granted to CRS of group 2/3 and group 2 until 1 September 2023 according to paragraph 17.19. However, according to paragraph 17.21, no extensions shall be granted to CRS other than Group 3. In order to align these paragraphs and avoid misinterpretation, the document proposes that the date in paragraph 17.21 should be amended to 1 September 2023.

GRSP-67-31 | UN R44: Proposal Supplement 18 to the 04 series of amendments At the December 2019 GRSP session, the Commission proposed to amend the scope of UN R44 to clarify that a belt guide cannot be approved without being part of a child restraint system (paragraph 1.2). The amendment was agreed by the GRSP and sent to WP.29 together with the proposal from IC/ANEC on the phase out of the R44 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2019/28) for consideration at its June 2020 session. Upon further examination, the Commission identified that its proposed amendment was not in line with the General Guidelines for UN regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations. In reconsidering the drafting, the Commission concluded that <i>de jure</i>, a ‘guide strap’ and similar devices cannot be separately approved as a child restraint system under the current wording of UN R44. For that reason, the Commission proposes to withdraw its initial draft amendment. The Commission underlines that the withdrawal of its draft amendment does not change its understanding of paragraph 2.8.8. of Regulation 44 that approvals granted to guide straps that are not part of a child restraints systems are not valid.

GRSP-67-32 | Approval of Smart Kid child restraint belt

GRSP-67-36 | Belt Guides in UN Regulation No. 44 and in Realistic Test Environment

34. GRSP noted a revised list of priorities (GRSP-67-06) of the activities presented to the March and June sessions of the Administrative Committee for the Coordination of Work (WP.29/AC.2). Referring to the realignment of WP.29 activities on autonomous vehicles and to the framework document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/34/Rev.2 (see paragraph 28 above), the expert from the United States of America explained that the original list of priorities had been reshuffled (GRSP-66-39-Rev.5). However, he added that a further prioritization would be needed to identify three main priorities mainly stemming from the framework document. GRSP considered the suggestion from the expert from CLEPA (GRSP-67-15) which identified three main priorities that were integrated in GRSP-67-06-Rev.1: crashworthiness, occupant protection and electric vehicle safety. GRSP also noted that the previous list of ongoing activities on items of high-interest to contracting parties remains valid. Therefore, GRSP adopted GRSP-67-06-Rev.1 as a live document for revision at its December 2020 session.

GRSP-67-06/Rev.1 | List of GRSP priorities

GRSP-67-15 | Proposal for the GRSP list of priorities Proposals for "tasks and deliverables" with regard to enhanced child restraint systems and alternative seating configurations enabled by automated driving.

35. GRSP considered a proposal (GRSP-67-19-Rev.1) tabled by the experts from Japan to amend the definition of REESS (see paragraphs 16, 18 19 and 25). GRSP adopted the proposal, as reproduced by Annex X to the session report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as draft Supplement 1 to the original version of the new UN Regulation (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2020/76) on the approval of vehicles with regard to fuel system integrity and safety of electric power train in the event of a rear-end collision, for consideration and vote at the November 2020 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1. However, the Chair of GRSP was requested to seek guidance from WP.29 to recommend the above Supplement as binding from the date of its adoption by AC.1, in advance of its entry into force, in order to have a consistent application of the UN Regulation by all contracting parties to the Agreement.

GRSP-67-19/Rev.1 | UN R153: Proposal for Corrigendum 1 Proposal to align the REESS definition in the new UN Regulation of fuel system integrity and electric power train safety in the event of a rear-end collision with the definition adopted under UN R100.

WP.29/2020/76 | Proposal for a new UN Regulation with regard to fuel system integrity and safety of electric power train in the event of a rear-end collision Proposal for a new UN Regulation for the type approval of M1 vehicles with a total permissible mass not exceeding 3,500 kg and of N1 with regard to fuel integrity and safety of high voltage systems in case of a rear-end collision. This proposal aligns rear impact (UN R34) and electric vehicle safety (UN R100) requirements with the new EU General Safety Regulation and with GTR 20 on electric vehicle safety.

36. GRSP learned that Mr. H. Ammerlaan (the Netherlands) had passed away on 3 April 2020 and observed a minute of silence. GRSP recalled his last attendance to GRSP at its December 2019 session, reiterated its acknowledgement of his commitment and valuable contributions to the improvement of vehicle safety during his many years of participation in the sessions and expressed its condolences and sympathy to his family.