1. The World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) held its 183rd session from 9 to 11 March 2021, chaired by Mr. A. Erario (Italy). The following countries were represented, following Rule 1 of the Rules of Procedure of WP.29 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/690/Rev.1): Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America and Uzbekistan. Representatives of the European Union participated. The following international organization was represented: International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The following intergovernmental organization was represented: African Organization for Standardization (ARSO). The following non-governmental organizations were also represented: Association Européenne des véhicules électriques a batteries, hybrides et à Piles à combustible, Association for Emissions Control by Catalyst (AECC), Consumers International (CI), European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA/MEMA/JAPIA) , European Federation of Road Traffic Crash Victims, European Garage Equipment Association (EGEA), Fédération Internationale des Grossistes, Importateurs et Exportateurs en Fournitures Automobiles (FIGIEFA), Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP), International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee (CITA), Fédération International de l’Automobile (FIA), International Automotive Lighting and Light Signalling Expert Group (GTB), International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (IMMA), International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), International Road Transport Union (IRU), Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), European Tyre and Rim Technical Association (ETRTO) and SAE International. Other non-governmental organizations were represented following Rule 1(d): American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC), Secure America’s Future Energy (SAFE) and World Bicycle Industry Association (WBIA). Other non-governmental organizations, private sector entities, independent experts and observers were represented: EuroMed Transport Support Project and European Committee for Standardization (CEN).

2. The Chair of WP.29, Mr. A. Erario (Italy) welcomed delegates to the 183rd session of WP.29 and opened the meeting. He recalled the exceptional circumstances of this session due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

3. WP.29 took note of the special procedures during COVID-19 period, which had been adopted under silence procedure on 26 February 2021 and was informed about the written voting procedures, which took place from 2 to 5 March 2021, for WP.29, AC.1 and AC.3 items envisaged for voting in accordance with the agenda of the 183rd session of the World Forum, as well as of the live voting procedure for WP.29, AC.1 and AC.3 items which had been scheduled to take place during online sessions with interpretation on 10 March 2021.

4. WP.29 adopted the annotated provisional agenda (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1156/Rev.1 and WP.29-183-03) and the running order of the 183rd session (WP.29-183-02).

WP.29-183-02 | Running order to the 183rd (March 2021) WP.29 session

WP.29-183-03 | Consolidated and updated agenda for the 183rd (March 2021) WP.29 session

WP.29/1156/Rev.1 | Annotated provisional agenda for the 183rd (March 2021) WP.29 session

5. The list of informal documents is reproduced in Annex I to the session report.

6. The 135th session of WP.29/AC.2 (8 March 2021) was chaired by Mr. A. Erario (Italy), Chair of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29), and was attended**, in accordance to Rule 29 of the terms of reference and rules of procedure of WP.29 (TRANS/WP.29/690/Rev.1) by the Chairs of GRBP (France), GRE (Finland), GRPE (Netherlands), GRSG (Italy), GRSP (United States of America), GRVA (Germany), the Vice-Chairs of GRBP (Russian Federation), GRE (Netherlands), GRPE (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), GRSG (represented by Canada delegate), GRSP (Republic of Korea), GRVA (China and Japan), the Chair and Vice-Chairs of the Executive Committee (AC.3) of the 1998 Agreement (United States of America, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Japan), the Vice-Chair of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) (Russian Federation) and by the representatives of the European Union.
** Remote participation

7. Prior to its scheduled meeting on 8 March 2021, AC.2 held an ad-hoc virtual informal meeting on 19 February related to the special procedures during COVID-19 period in order to enable business continuity for WP.29 and its subsidiary bodies.

8. AC.2 took note of the special procedures during COVID-19 period, which had been adopted under silence procedure on 26 February 2021 and was informed about the results of the written voting procedures, which took place from 2 to 5 March 2021, for WP.29, AC.1 and AC.3 items envisaged for voting in accordance with the agenda of the 183rd session of the World Forum.

9. AC.2 noted the nomination, notwithstanding 2002 arrangements (TRANS/WP.29/885 para. 152), of Mr. I. Yarnold (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) for the Chairmanship of AC.3 and decided to further reflect on and possibly update these arrangements to better reflect in the Chairmanship its global role. AC.2 members welcomed his candidacy.

10. AC.2 reviewed the proposed programme of work of the World Forum, noted comments provided by the European Commission and recommended a review by WP.29.

11. AC.2 approved participation by ETRMA to WP.29 and subsidiary bodies under Rule 1(d) for the next two years.

12. AC.2 discussed possible actions in response to a Resolution on Human Rights considerations related to autonomous vehicles by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. AC.2 recommended GRVA to follow up on this request.

13. AC.2 took note of the discussions at ITC related to financing DETA and recommended to adopt a new approach widening the scope to all agreements serviced by WP.29.

14. AC.2 recommended AC.4 not to convene.

15. The Secretary of WP.29 introduced the list of Working Parties, Informal Working Groups and Chairs (WP.29-183-01), the revised calendar of meetings of the World Forum (WP.29-182-02/Rev.2), 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).

16. The representative of Germany, Chair of GRVA, informed WP.29 that the GR had planned to hold three meetings during 2022 and asked that the secretariat envisages those when setting the calendar for 2022. He proposed that two of those meetings could be held at venues outside Geneva, one of which in Asia and the second in North America to emphasize and promote the global scope of activities within the World Forum and of UNECE.

17. The representative of the European Union introduced document WP.29-183-13, containing proposals for amendments to the PoW (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1) by the European Commission. She invited Contracting Parties to share with the World Forum Subsidiary Bodies their priorities for work for the years 2021 and 2022. She had called on stakeholders to ensure the finalization of the PoW for 2022 before the end of 2021.

18. WP.29 considered the programme of work of WP.29 and Subsidiary Bodies, document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1 and endorsed it provisionally pending final adoption at its June session. Further amendments were expected to be introduced in the 2021 PoW revision for consideration at the June 2021 WP.29 session. Contracting Parties were invited to submit to the secretariat their comments to the PoW by 23 May 2021. WP.29-183-13 is reproduced in Annex V to this report.

19. The European Commission recalled their submitted contribution to the PoW on behalf of the European Union (informal document WP.29-183-13) and urged Contracting Parties to provide inputs to the PoW in timely manner allowing to establish it with sufficient lead time that would provide for preparation and consensus building prior to its adoption.

20. The secretariat introduced the progress report on activities related to Automated Driving Systems and Advanced Driver Assistant Systems (WP.29-183-14).

WP.29-183-05 | New Assessment/Test Method for Automated Driving (NATM) Master Document This document consolidates the work accomplished by the Informal Working Group on Validation Methods for Automated Driving to date to develop the NATM.

WP.29-183-08 | Introduction of the ADS NATM Master Document Presentation of the master working document prepared by the co-chair from Japan of the informal working group on Validation Methods for Automated Driving (VMAD) under its program to develop a New Assessment/Test Method (NATM) for evaluation of Automated Driving System safety.

WP.29-183-09 | Spectrum for Vehicle Communications

WP.29-183-14 | Progress report on activities related to Automated Driving Systems and Advanced Driver Assistant Systems Summary prepared by the WP.29 secretary concerning activities related to ADS and ADAS.

21. The secretariat recalled the adoption of the revised Road Map on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) at the 83rd session of the Inland Transport Committee (23-26 February 2021), congratulating the IWG on ITS Co-Chairs on their leadership in the process. The Chair of WP.29 echoed the compliments.

22. The representative of Japan, Vice-Chair of GRVA and Co-Chair of the IWG on Validation Methods for Automated Driving (VMAD), introduced document WP.29-183-08, Introduction of the Master Document on New Assessment/Test Method (NATM). The document contained a report on the outcome of the work of the IWG on VMAD, specifically the NATM Master Document and the expected next steps, including possible future work. He informed the World Forum that the next meeting of the IWG would take place in March 2021.

23. The representative of Japan, Vice-Chair of GRVA and Co-Chair of the IWG on Validation Methods for Automated Driving (VMAD), introduced document WP.29-183-05, New Assessment/Test Method for Automated Driving (NATM) Master Document. WP.29 took note of the document, recommending that it is considered by GRs and IWGs as a reference document when developing activities in the field of automation and therefore asked the secretariat to issue it as official document for the next session.

24. The expert from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) presented document WP.29-183-09, Spectrum for Vehicle Communications. The document introduced the work of the ITU, with emphasis on its relevance with respect to activities of WP.29 and its stakeholders, particularly in the context of autonomous/automated and connected vehicle enabling technologies (information and communication technologies). He highlighted that shortcoming related to latency, interference and coverage of the network, widely accepted and usual for the telecommunication products, were of concerns to deploy wireless data communications that would be appropriate for the connected vehicle safety. He urged vehicle manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers and tier-1 suppliers to consider ITU membership and participation in the ITU activities, especially on vehicle connectivity. He mentioned some fragmentation in the field of frequency bands allocations and arbitrations that occurred between industries and their use cases that were not in favour of the connected vehicles, having adverse impact in terms of interference. The representative of the ITU called on close cooperation between stakeholders active within telecommunications and vehicle regulations international regulatory fora.

25. The representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland mentioned that this spectrum issue had been already raised a few times, and that WP.29 should keep a watching eye on these developments. He further pointed on discussions that are scheduled during the session 1 of the UNECE/ITU Future Networked Car event on 22 March 2021.

26. The representative of the United States of America welcomed the informative presentation and the insights of the representative of ITU, being important to the work done here at the World Forum.

27. The secretariat presented the list of main decisions adopted at the eighty-third session of ITC (23-26 February 2021). Decisions Nos. 26-28, 47-48 and 50 were emphasized as of particular importance to the work of WP.29.

28. In decision No. 26, the ITC “took note of the status of implementation of the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Road Map that was launched at its seventy-fourth session and encouraged continuation of the work of the … WP.29 on the implementation of the framework document on the safety of automated vehicles … GRVA on regulating autonomous/automated and connected vehicles (incl. Artificial Intelligence) … as fostering regulatory and other activities in these areas would ensure the benefits that ITS could provide in terms of safety, environmental protection, energy efficiency and traffic management”.

29. In decisions Nos. 27 and 28, the ITC noted with satisfaction that the ITS Road Map 2011–2020, which came to its conclusion in 2020, encouraged ITS activities linked to infrastructure and all transport modes and contributed to addressing ITS issues in an integrated approach, and on this basis and considering the importance of ITS in light of global mega trends, technological developments, and the ongoing transformation of the Committee and its Working Parties, welcomed and adopted the updated ITS Road Map for the period 2021–2025 that was developed in line with the Committee’s decision at its eighty-second session and thanked the secretariat for its timely preparation.

30. In decision Nos. 47 and 48, the ITC welcomed the establishment by WP.29 of the first set of UN Regulations on highly automated vehicles prepared by GRVA, and noted the limitation of the session of WP.29 and its subsidiaries as reaction on the COVID-19 impact and the United Nations financial crisis.

31. In decision No. 50, the ITC thanked Germany for the hosting of the DETA and noted the request of several delegations to finance the database through the ECE regular budget, but reaffirmed that due to lack of consensus, financing will continue to be implemented through alternative ways of contributions, pending further consultations.

32. The World Forum approved the report of the Chair of GRBP at its seventy-second session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRBP/70).

GRBP/70 | Report of GRBP on its 72nd (September 2020) session

33. The World Forum approved the report of the Chair of GRVA on its seventh session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/7).

GRVA/07 | Chair's report of the 7th (September 2020) GRVA session Chair's notes on the remote session held under special procedures due to the inability to hold a formal session.

34. The World Forum approved the report of the Chair of GRSG on its 119th session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/98).

GRSG/98 | Report of GRSG on its 119th (October 2020) session

35. The World Forum approved the report of the Chair of GRE on its eighty-third session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/83).

GRE/83 | Chair's report on the 83rd (October 2020) GRE session

36. The representative of the United States of America, Chair of GRSP, informed WP.29 about the results made by his group during its sixty-eighth session (for details see the session report ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/68).

36bis. (Reserved)

37. The World Forum noted that GRSP agreed to establish an Ad Hoc Group to study the impact of the latest series of amendments to the UN Regulation No. 22 (Protective Helmets) on the helmet and helmet accessories industries. The Chair of GRSP explained the GRSP position on the type-approval issued by Poland for a belt-guide device and reported to WP.29 on the outcome of discussion which took place at the sixty-eight session of GRSP.

38. The World Forum noted that Mr. M. Koubek (United States of America) as Chair and Mr. H.G. Kim (Republic of Korea) as Vice-Chair were re-elected for the year 2021.

39. The GRSG Chair reported on the results achieved during the 120th session of GRSG (for more details see the report of the session ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/99).

40. He mentioned that GRSG discussed amendments to the proposal for Guidance on Event Data Recorder (EDR) Performance Elements Appropriate for Adoption in 1958 and 1998 Agreements Resolutions or Regulations, concluding that further discussions on the proposal were warranted at WP.29 level.

41. He explained that GRSG agreed with a two-step approach concerning the new UN Regulation on Event Data Recorder (EDR) under the 1958 Agreement. The approach entailed submission to WP.29 and AC.1, for consideration and vote at their March 2021 sessions, the proposal for a new UN Regulation on Event Data Recorder (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2020/123/Rev.1), and the proposal for 01 series of amendments to the new UN Regulation on Event Data Recorder (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/58).

42. The Chair of GRPE (Netherlands) reported to WP.29 on the results achieved by GRPE during its eighty-second session (for more details see the report of the session ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/82).

43. GRPE endorsed a proposal for a new series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 49 (Emissions of compression ignition and positive ignition (LPG and CNG) engines), along with proposals for Supplements 14, 16 and 13 to the 05, 06 and 07 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 83 (Emissions of M1 and N1 vehicles), Supplement 6 to the 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 24 (Visible pollutants, measurement of power of C.I. engines (Diesel smoke)) and Supplement 10 to the 01 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 101 (CO2 emission/fuel consumption). GRPE also endorsed a proposal for a new Amendment 4 to UN GTR No. 4. Finally, GRPE endorsed a request for authorization to develop a new UN GTR on durability of after treatment devices for two- and three- wheeled motor vehicles.

44. GRPE endorsed the amendments as proposed in WP.29 documents ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/56 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/57 to be adopted during the March 2021 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1.

45. GRPE requested the GRPE ambassador to International Whole vehicle Type Approval (IWVTA) to ask for removal of UN Regulation No.154 and forthcoming UN Regulation No. [XXX] on RDE from the list of candidates for IWVTA Phase 2. GRPE also required the ambassador to seek guidance from the IWG on IWVTA on how to include provision related to Repair and Maintenance Information and On-Board Diagnosis into UN Regulation No. 0.

46. GRPE agreed to upload further clarification document to UN regulation No. 154 under the section for “Documents for reference only” on the GRPE website to assist Contracting Parties willing to apply this UN Regulation.

47. GRPE decided to hold a workshop on future powertrain alternative for heavy duty vehicles during the next session of GRPE in June 2021.

WP.29/2021/56 | UN R154: Proposal for Supplement 1 Proposal to correct errors in the text and to clarify provisions based on Amendment 6 to UN GTR No. 15.

WP.29/2021/57 | UN R154: Proposal for Supplement 1 to the 01 series of amendments Proposal to correct errors in the text and to clarify provisions based on Amendment 6 to UN GTR No. 15.

48. The GRBP Chair reported on the results achieved by GRBP at its seventy-third session (for details, see the report of the session ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRBP/71).

49. He mentioned that GRBP had adopted modifications to the draft 01 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 141 (Tyre pressure monitoring system). He recalled that the draft 01 series of amendments would still be addressed by WP.29 this week (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/10) and encouraged the World Forum to consider instead a revised consolidated proposal ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/10/Rev.1 under agenda item 4.6.9.

50. He also pointed out that GRBP had agreed to update the Terms of Reference of its two IWGs on Measurement Uncertainties (MU) and on Wet Grip Performance for Tyres in a Worn State (WGWT). WP.29 noted that the revised Terms of Reference were annexed to the report of GRBP at its seventy-third session.

51. WP.29 endorsed the updates of the Terms of Reference of the IWG MU and IWG WGWT.

WP.29/2021/10/Rev.1 | UN R141: Revised proposal for the 01 series of amendments Text prepared by the experts of TF TPMSTI in order to align with the provisions of European Union Regulation 2019/2144 and to introduce the TPMS requirements for all vehicle categories, including trailers. The proposal addresses the communication interface protocol of TPMS between towing and towed vehicles of categories N2, N3 and O3, O4, respectively (described in Annex 5 on the basis of the ISO bus requirements) in alignment with UN R13 and ISO updates. The proposal further corrects and clarifies provisions across TPMS, TPRS and CTIS.

52. The GRVA Chair reported on the results achieved by GRVA during its eighth and ninths sessions (for details, see the reports of the sessions ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/8 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/9).

53. The Chair reported on the progress made according to the programme laid down in the Framework Document on Automated Vehicles.

54. The Chair also pointed out that GRVA had endorsed the Terms of Reference of an IWG on Advanced Emergency Braking System for heavy vehicle. WP.29 endorsed this workstream.

55. The GRVA Chair also pointed out that GRVA had agreed to update the Terms of Reference of its Task Force on Advanced Driver Assistance System. WP.29 noted that the Terms of Reference were annexed to the report of GRVA at its ninth session.

56. The chair of GRVA informed WP.29 that the German government has submitted an official request to the UNECE Executive Secretary concerning the initiative to hold two GRVA sessions during 2022 outside of Geneva – one in Asia and one in North America. The Chair of GRVA invited WP.29 to support this initiative. WP.29 supported the initiative of the Chair of GRVA and requested the secretariat to support the process for the organization of the two meetings outside of Geneva.

GRVA/08 | Report of the GRVA on its 8th (December 2020) session

GRVA/09 | Report of the GRVA 9th (February 2021) session

57. The secretariat informed the World Forum about the latest update of the status of the 1958 Agreement, based on ECE/TRANS/WP.29/343/Rev.29. WP.29 noted that contracting parties should notify the secretariat about any amendments needed to Add.1 to the status document via the new established online data base (/343app) only. The secretariat invited those Contracting Parties who had not yet notified their Single Points of Contact, to gain writing permission for the database, to do so as soon as possible.

58. The secretariat introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/55 providing a status report of the activities of the Informal Working Group (IWG) on Particulate Measurement Programme (PMP) on brake emissions measurement procedure, as part of the task force 1 activities that defined an Inertia Dynamometer Protocol to Measure and Characterise Brake Emissions Using the WLTP-Brake Cycle.

59. He explained that SAE International had expressed interest in including part of the procedure developed by the IWG on PMP into an upcoming revision of a standard by SAE International.

60. WP.29 welcomed the report by the IWG on PMP and invited SAE International to refer to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2012/55 for the revised private standard they are developing.

WP.29/2021/55 | Information on PMP brake emissions measurement procedure and inclusion in SAE standard

61. The secretariat introduced the General Guidelines for United Nations regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations (ECE/TRANS/1044/Rev.3). WP.29 adopted the document.

62. The representative of OICA indicated that paragraph V.9bis in section A. Transitional provisions for vehicles, vehicle systems and the installation of equipment and parts in new vehicles of part II. Aide-mémoire of Annex 1 could be renumbered as paragraph V.10. He also indicated that paragraph C.9 in section B. Transitional provisions for equipment and parts, of part II. Aide-mémoire of Annex 1 may too be adapted in the future.

| General Guidelines for United Nations regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations

63. The secretariat introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/59 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/60 based on informal documents WP.29-182-05 and WP.29-182-07, and WP.29-182-06, respectively, endorsed by WP.29 at its November 2020 session. WP.29 thanked the secretariat for providing the official documents with the translations in French and Russian and formally adopted them.

WP.29-182-05 | UN R155: Proposal for an interpretation document to support the cyber security UN Regulation

WP.29-182-06 | RE3: Proposal for an interpretation document to support the UN Regulation on software updates

WP.29-182-07 | Guidelines for the use of DETA with regard to the exchange of information on Cyber Security

WP.29/2021/59 | Proposal for Interpretation Documents for UN Regulation No. 155 (Cyber security and cyber security management system) Proposal for a document to assist with the implementation of the new UN Regulation on cybersecurity management.

WP.29/2021/60 | Proposal for Interpretation Documents for UN Regulation No. 156 on software update and software update management system The purpose of this document is to help clarify the requirements of paragraph 7 and Annex 1 of the UN Regulation on uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regards to software update and software updates management system (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2020/80) and provide information on what may be used to evidence those requirements.

64. The representative of Japan, Chair of the IWG on IWVTA informed WP.29 that the thirty-fifth session of the IWG had taken place on 3 March 2021. He stated that an update on the activities of the IWG on IWVTA would be provided at the June 2021 session of WP.29.

65. The delegate from ETRTO reported on additional documentary requirements that their members had faced in several Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement when importing tyres which had been previously type approved by other Contracting Parties according to UN Regulations (WP.29-183-07). He held the view that such requirements were not in line with the text and spirit of Revision 3 to the 1958 Agreement and requested WP.29 guidance on the issue.

66. The delegates from CLEPA, OICA and IMMA supported the ETRTO concerns over the proper implementation of the 1958 Agreement, but pointed out that their own members had so far not encountered similar problems.

67. WP.29 stressed that, according to Article 3 of the 1958 Agreement, “Contracting Parties applying UN Regulations shall, by mutual recognition, accept for the placement in their markets, and subject to the provisions of Articles 1, 8 and 12 as well as any special provisions within these UN Regulations, type approvals granted pursuant to these UN Regulations, without requiring any further testing, documentation, certification or marking concerning these type approvals”.

68. The World Forum invited Contracting Parties to report on issues which could impede the smooth application of mutual recognition at the national level and decided to revert to this matter at the next session, to assess the need for appropriate actions.

WP.29-183-07 | 1958 Agreement: Request for guidance on Contracting Parties not following rules

WP.29-183-15 | Question related to accession to the 1958 Agreement Inquiry from the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (EUROMED) group of countries. Along with the 27 EU member states, 16 Southern Mediterranean, African and Middle Eastern countries are members: Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, the Palestinian Authority, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey.

69. The expert from the EuroMed programme introduced a presentation concerning question related to accession to the 1958 Agreement (WP.29-183-15), namely with reference to Article 1, paragraph 5 and Article 12, paragraph 4 of Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement, concerning application of UN Regulations under the 1958 Agreement and the issuance of Type Approvals, respectively. He requested the assistance of WP.29 in the interpretation of the two provisions.

70. WP.29 delegates and the WP.29 secretariat clarified that the application of a certain UN Regulation entails mandatory recognition of Type Approvals issued for the latest series of amendments under that UN Regulation in the jurisdiction of the Contracting Party that applies it. That Contracting Party may in addition decide to accept Type Approvals issued for older series of a UN Regulation. In addition, a Contracting Party is entitled to issue Type Approvals for the latest series of amendments of a UN Regulation that it applies, even if it has opted to accept Type Approvals according to older series of amendments of that UN Regulation in its jurisdiction.

71. The representative of OICA, in this context, suggested that countries in the same region should try to coordinate as much as possible the minimum acceptable series of amendments to the UN Regulations, as it would represent a simplification for the industry.

72. The representative from Japan, Chair of the IWG on IWVTA invited the expert from the EuroMed programme to contact the IWG with any questions that the EuroMed may have concerning the application of the 1958 Agreement, informing that the next session of the IWG would be held in June.

73. The representative from Germany, Chair of the IWG on DETA, presented (WP.29-183-10) a report to the World Forum concerning the situation related to the use of DETA and also updating WP.29 on the work of the IWG at its fortieth session, held on 4 March 2021. He sought guidance from WP.29 whether Market Surveillance Authorities (MSA) could be granted, under certain conditions, access to DETA. He also presented the proposal of the IWG on Simplification of Lighting and light signalling Regulations (SLR) concerning the use of DETA in the context of Unique Identifier (UI) and asked WP.29 if the Forum would support that the IWGs on SLR and DETA would develop the proposal. He also invited WP.29 to request the secretariat to convene a meeting regarding DETA financing.

74. The Secretary of WP.29 recalled that ITC noted, at its February 2021 session, the request of several delegations to finance the database through the ECE regular budget, but reaffirmed that due to lack of consensus, financing will continue to be implemented through alternative ways of contributions, pending further consultations. He also recalled the willingness of AC.2 to organize a meeting to discuss the way to make DETA more inclusive for all contracting parties (see para. 13 above).

75. WP.29 agreed with the proposal to provide access to DETA to the MSA, which resulted in the amendment to the former decision of WP.29 in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1145, Annex V:

Explanation: R = read W = read + write + delete
	CERT (communication on type approval)	TR (test report)	IF (information document)	OTHER (other documents)
Approval granting TAA (for granted approval)	W	W	W	W
CP applying the UN Reg. for which the approval was granted**	R	R	R	R
CP applying UN Reg. 0 (access to the approvals of R0 and the annexed UN Regulations)	R	R	R	R
CPs not applying that UN Reg.	-	-	-	-
Manufacturer* (only for own approvals)	R	R	R	R
* Manufacturers get access upon request to the DETA Administrator. ** The DETA focal point may provide access to the Market Surveillance Authority of his/her Country, subject to adherence with para. 91 of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1145.

76. WP.29 invited the IWGs on SLR and DETA to develop the proposal related to the use of DETA in the context of Unique Identifier.

77. WP.29 invited the secretariat to call for an informal meeting at AC.2 level to discuss financing DETA.

78. The World Forum considered draft amendments under agenda items 4.6.1 to 4.6.7. and recommended their submission to AC.1 for voting, subject to the following corrections of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/8 under agenda item 4.6.6 (WP.29-183-06):
In paragraph 4.4.1., replace “markings” with “approval mark”.
In paragraph 9.1., delete from the proposal (i.e. keep the paragraph in its current form).

79. The Chair of GRBP presented draft amendment proposals contained in documents ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/3, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/10 and Rev.1, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/11 under agenda item 4.6.8 to 4.6.10., to amend UN Regulations Nos. 41, 141 and 142. The World Forum recommended their submission to AC.1 for voting.

WP.29-183-06 | UN R117: Proposal to amend document WP.29/2021/8 Proposal to replace "markings" by "approval mark" in paragraph 4.4.1. to clearly specify the intended application of the provision (i.e., to the approval mark, not to all markings).

WP.29/2021/10 | UN R141: Proposal for a new 01 series of amendments Proposal to align with the provisions of European Union Regulation 2019/2144 and to introduce the TPMS requirements for all vehicle categories.

WP.29/2021/10/Rev.1 | UN R141: Revised proposal for the 01 series of amendments Text prepared by the experts of TF TPMSTI in order to align with the provisions of European Union Regulation 2019/2144 and to introduce the TPMS requirements for all vehicle categories, including trailers. The proposal addresses the communication interface protocol of TPMS between towing and towed vehicles of categories N2, N3 and O3, O4, respectively (described in Annex 5 on the basis of the ISO bus requirements) in alignment with UN R13 and ISO updates. The proposal further corrects and clarifies provisions across TPMS, TPRS and CTIS.

WP.29/2021/11 | UN R142: Proposal for a new 01 series of amendments Proposal to align with the provisions of European Union Regulation 2019/2144 and to introduce the tyre installation requirements for all vehicle categories.

WP.29/2021/3 | UN R41: Proposal for a new 05 series of amendments Proposal to clarify UN R41 and introduce provisions to improve testing to be more representative of real-world operation by expanding the scope of test and to align the Regulation with ISO 10844:2014, replacing provisions from ISO 10844:1998 (and proposing a clearer image for Figure 1).

WP.29/2021/8 | UN R117: Proposal for Supplement 13 to the 02 series of amendments Proposal to <ol class="alpha"><li>Improve the reproducibility of the test method (in alignment with ISO 23671)</li><li>Include maximum load and pressure information per ASTM F2493-19</li><li>Update the test report templates accordingly</li><li>Remove the limitation for "moulded" markings</li><li>Transition from SRTT14 to SRTT16</li><li>Align track friction requirements for track characterization per the transition</li><li>Clarify vehicle selection provisions</li><li>Introduce transitional provisions</li></ol>

80. The World Forum considered draft amendments under agenda items 4.7.1 to 4.7.6. and recommended their submission to AC.1 for voting.

WP.29/2021/18 | UN R152: Proposal for the 02 series of amendments Proposal to introduce provisions under a car-to-bicycle test scenario.

81. The Chair of GRVA presented draft amendment proposals contained in document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/18 under agenda item 4.7.7., to amend UN Regulation No. 152. The World Forum recommended its submission to AC.1 for voting.

82. The representative of OICA recalled his statement from the November 2020 session of WP.29, emphasizing the challenge that the provisions of the proposed amendment to UN Regulation No. 152, related to increased stringency, contained in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/18, would impose on existing vehicle types already equipped with AEBS systems not yet meeting the proposed new requirements.

83. The World Forum considered draft amendments under agenda items 4.8.1 to 4.8.4. and recommended their submission to AC.1 for voting.

84. The Chair of GRSG presented draft amendment proposals contained in documents ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/23, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/24, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/25, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/26 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/27, under agenda items 4.8.6 to 4.8.9., to amend UN Regulations Nos. 18, 97, 116, 107 and 118. The World Forum recommended their submission to AC.1 for voting.

WP.29/2021/23 | UN R18: Proposal for supplement 04 to the 03 series of amendments Proposal to ensure the recognition of approvals according to the new regulations created pursuant to the splitting of UN R116 into three new UN Regulations.

WP.29/2021/24 | UN R97: Proposal for Supplement 9 to the 01 series of amendments Proposal to ensure the recognition of the approvals according to the new regulations created by splitting UN R116 into three separate regulations.

WP.29/2021/25 | UN R116: Proposal for Supplement 8 Proposal to ensure the recognition of the approvals according to the new regulations created from splitting UN R116 into three separate regulations.

WP.29/2021/26 | UN R107: Proposal for the 09 series of amendments Proposal to introduce provisions for alarm initiation based on a reference temperature, to amend provisions on the opening of all power-operated doors, to improve safety instructions, and to ensure that the vehicle remains stopped while lifts or ramps are being used.

WP.29/2021/27 | UN R118: Proposal for the 04 series of amendments Proposal to clarify that adhesive agents should not exacerbate the burning behavior of materials or components. The manufacturer should list the adhesives used in construction.

85. The World Forum considered draft amendments under agenda items 4.9.1 to 4.9.20. and recommended their submission to AC.1 for voting, subject to the following modification of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/30 (agenda item 4.9.3) and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/31 (agenda item 4.9.4):
In paragraph 5.7.2.1., replace “2.16.1.” with “2.4.11.1.”.

WP.29/2021/30 | UN R48: Proposal for Supplement 14 to the 06 series of amendments Proposal to add a reference to the installation parameters (illumination levels, maximum gradient value, angles of visibility and light incidence angle) of the licence plate illumination lamps determined during their type approval process, to clarify the height requirements for the installation of the dipped-beam headlamp, reversing lamp and rear fog lamp for vehicles of category G (designed for off-road use), to clarify use of the term "electronic light source control gear”, to correct paragraph numbering, and to re-introduce provisions that were omitted by mistake in previous amendments.

WP.29/2021/31 | UN R48: Proposal for Supplement 1 to the 07 series of amendments Proposal to add a reference to the installation parameters (illumination levels, maximum gradient value, angles of visibility and light incidence angle) of the licence plate illumination lamps determined during their type approval process, to clarify the height requirements for the installation of the dipped-beam headlamp, reversing lamp and rear fog lamp for vehicles of category G (designed for off-road use), to clarify use of the term "electronic light source control gear”, to correct paragraph numbering and to re-introduce provisions that were omitted by mistake in previous amendments.

86. WP.29 noted that no document had been submitted under this agenda item.

87. The representative from the European Union introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/56 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/57 that include clarifications and corrections identified by the IWG on Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) during the development of the Amendment 6 to UN GTR No. 15.

88. The Chair of WP.29 recalled that the Chair of GRPE confirmed under agenda item 3.5.3 (para 44. of this report) that GRPE endorsed those proposals from Japan and the European Union during its last session in January 2021. The representative from OICA highlighted further improvements to UN regulation No. 154 have been identified and are expected to be reviewed by GRPE during its June 2021 session.

89. Draft amendments under agenda items 4.11.1 and 4.11.2 were submitted to AC.1 for voting, subject to the following modification in documents ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/56 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2020/57:
In paragraph 8.2.3.2., Figure 8/1, replace “A8/1” with “8/1”.

WP.29/2021/56 | UN R154: Proposal for Supplement 1 Proposal to correct errors in the text and to clarify provisions based on Amendment 6 to UN GTR No. 15.

WP.29/2021/57 | UN R154: Proposal for Supplement 1 to the 01 series of amendments Proposal to correct errors in the text and to clarify provisions based on Amendment 6 to UN GTR No. 15.

90. The Chair of GRSG presented draft proposals for new UN Regulations contained in documents ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2020/123/Rev.1, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/48, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/49 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/50, under agenda items 4.12.1 to 4.12.4., as well as a proposal for the 01 series of amendments, contained in document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/58, to the draft proposal for the new UN Regulation on Event Data Recorder (EDR) contained in document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2020/123/Rev.1. The World Forum recommended their submission to AC.1 for voting.

WP.29/2020/123/Rev.1 | EDR: Proposal for a new UN Regulation

WP.29/2021/48 | Protection of motor vehicles against unauthorized use: Proposal for a new UN Regulation Proposal to establish a new UN Regulation dedicated to the approval of the fitting of devices against unauthorized use, and of vehicles equipped with devices against unauthorized use, pursuant to splitting UN R116 into three separate regulations.

WP.29/2021/49 | Immobilizers: Proposal for a new UN Regulation Proposal to create a new UN Regulation on uniform technical prescriptions concerning approval of immobilizers and approval of a vehicle with regard to its immobilizer, pursuant to splitting UN R116 into three separate regulations.

WP.29/2021/50 | Vehicle alarm systems: Proposal for a new UN Regulation Proposal to create a new UN Regulation on uniform provisions concerning the approval of a vehicle alarm system and approval of a vehicle with regard to its vehicle alarm system, pursuant to splitting the UN R116 into three separate regulations.

WP.29/2021/58 | EDR: Proposal for the 01 series of amendments to the draft UN Regulation Proposal to add data elements to the Regulation on Event Data Recorders.

91. WP.29 noted that no document had been submitted under this agenda item.

92. WP.29 adopted the proposed amendments to the Consolidated Resolution on the common specification of light source categories (R.E.5) under agenda item 4.14.1.

WP.29/2021/51 | RE5: Proposal for amendment 6 Proposal to clarify and update RE5, including<ol class="alpha"><li>to introduce a new light emitting diode (LED) substitute light source category H11/LED/6 for road illumination applications</li><li>to measure luminous flux and references to the internal shield for applicable filament light source categories</li><li>to add specifications for H7, H8/H8B, H11/H11B, H16/H16B and H18 light source categories with respect to the “g” parameter</li><li>to add a definition for light centre and associated amendment to the specification of the LR4 light source category</li><li>the use restriction for light emitting diode (LED) light source categories LW2, LW3, and LW5</li><li>specifications for Lx3, LR4 and Lx5 light source categories with respect to the cap/holder interface</li><li>specifications for specifications for LR1, LW2, L3, LR4, L5, and L1/6 light source categories with respect to test voltage</li><li>correcting some details of light source category specifications in the Consolidated Resolution on the common specification of light source categories, and</li><li>administrative updates of IEC cap sheet references in light source category specifications.</li></ol>

WP.29/2021/51/Corr.1 | RE5: Proposal for amendment 6 to the Consolidated Resolution on the common specification of light source categories

93. WP.29 noted that no document had been submitted under this agenda item.

94. The representative from Italy, Chair of GRSG presented the proposal for a new Mutual Resolution (M.R.4.) of the 1958 and 1998 Agreements concerning panoramic sunroof glazing (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/52).

95. WP.29 adopted the resolution noting that AC.3 would need to provide its opinion on the proposal.

WP.29/2021/52 | Proposal for a Mutual Resolution No.4 concerning Panoramic Sunroof Glazing (PSG) Proposal for a Mutual Resolution under the 1958 and 1998 Agreements concerning provisions and harmonized test procedures for the maximum measurement of Ceramic Printed Area (CPA) of each single toughened safety glass pane of a Panoramic Sunroof Glazing, which is touchable from inside the passenger area.

96. The World Forum agreed that agenda items 5.2 to 5.5 related to the 1998 Agreement should be considered in detail under agenda items 15 to 20 prepared for the Executive Committee of the 1998 Agreement, WP.29/AC.3.

97. The World Forum agreed to keep this item on its agenda awaiting additional presentations.

98. The representative from the United States of America, Co-Chair of the IWG on EDR/DSSAD recalled the deliverables produced by the group in 2020: the DSSAD part of UN Regulation No. 157 and the work on a new UN Regulation on EDR. She informed WP.29 that the discussions on the document on EDR Performance Elements Appropriate for Adoption under the 1958 and 1998 Agreements related to the additional data-elements to be captured by an EDR had not been concluded by the group. She said the IWG welcomed any
guidance from WP.29 members on the elements in the document that were still in square brackets, but noted that document was not ready for final consideration by WP.29.

99. She requested extension of the mandate for the group until end of 2022. She noted that in 2020, the IWG focused its efforts almost entirely on drafting the UN regulation for EDRs and with that work completed, the group intended to focus on DSSAD as well as phase II of EDR, focusing on the extension of scope to heavy duty vehicles and buses in 2022.

100. The representative of the European Commission supported the extension of the IWG’s mandate and referred to the European Union programme of work that includes EDR related elements such as extension of scope to heavy duty vehicles in addition to DSSAD for automated vehicles.

101. The Chair of GRVA noted the close interlinkage of the activities of the IWG on EDR/DSSAD with IWGs on VMAD and FRAV. He urged the EDR/DSSAD IWG to prioritize the work on data storage systems for the calendar year ahead now that the EDR regulation had been sent to WP.29 and recalled that the mandate extensions for VMAD and FRAV would be addressed during the special session of AC.2 designated to the topic of vehicle automation.

102. WP.29 adopted the extension of the mandate for the IWG on EDR/DSSAD until 2022.

WP.29-183-12 | Status and proposed work plan of the EDR/DSSAD informal group to the WP.29 March 2021 session Report from the US co-chair of the EDR/DSSAD informal working group.

WP.29/2020/100/Rev.1 | Guidance on Event Data Recorder (EDR) Performance Elements Appropriate for Adoption in 1958 and 1998 Agreement Resolutions or Regulations

103. WP.29 noted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1074/Rev.16 on the status of the agreement, including the status of the UN Rules annexed to the agreement, the list of the contracting parties to the agreement and of their administrative departments.

104. The representative of the Russian Federation, Co-Chair of the IWG on Periodical Technical Inspections (PTI) reported to WP.29 on the activities of the IWG at its nineteenth and twentieth sessions, which took place on 4 February and 1 March, 2021, in a virtual format. He informed WP.29 that the work of the IWG had focused on the development of four draft documents: (a) the framework document on in-service compliance assessment of vehicles, including automated/autonomous vehicles and their components; (b) the draft UN Rule on Accident Emergency Call Systems (AECS); © guidance for road-side technical inspections and enforcement; (d) measures for detection of tampering. He explained that the framework document would be further developed by a subgroup of the IWG on PTI.

105. The Co-Chair of the IWG on PTI sought guidance from WP.29 on elements of its activities related to the framework document on in-service compliance which aimed to address market surveillance mechanisms for the robust verification of compliance of the automotive products. He also requested approval from WP.29 for the extension of the mandate of the IWG on PTI.

106. The representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland suggested editorial correction to the subparagraph (iii) on page 1 to avoid confusions on the possible performance level of a vehicle during its lifetime.

107. The representative of the Netherlands, Chair of GRPE, supported the views expressed on the importance of vehicle performance not only at the time of type approval or when the vehicle is new but also during its lifetime. He mentioned topics addressed by GRPE in that sense, such as durability, in service conformity, real driving emissions determination etc.

108. The representative of OICA confirmed the importance of Periodic Technical Inspection to ensure that vehicles, as long as they remain on the road, are as safe and clean as possible. He however could not agree with several statements in inf. doc. WP29-183-18 and sought guidance on the deliveries related to potential activities on in-service compliance. He mentioned that the document was confusing the role of Type Approval/Conformity of Production testing and PTI testing and considered that the activities of IWG-PTI should be focused on the development of requirements for PTI under the 1997 Agreement, without duplicating or contradicting the requirements of the 1958 Agreement. The expert from CITA, Secretary to the IWG on PTI, explained that some concepts presented to date were still in development and therefore not clearly defined, but that the group could deliver definition that would be valuable for WP.29 work.

109. The World Forum took note of the information provided by the Co-Chair of the IWG on PTI. WP.29 provided guidance for drafting the revised terms of reference of the group. WP.29 considered that the IWG on PTI would not be the primarily responsible group that would deliberate considerations related to market surveillance in relation with the 1958 Agreement and the general in-service compliance.

110. WP.29 approved the request for extension of the mandate of the IWG on PTI until March 2022 and invited the IWG to deliver revised Terms of Reference.

WP.29-183-18 | Report to WP.29 about results of the 19th and 20th meetings of the Informal Working Group on Periodical Technical Inspections

111. WP.29 noted that no document had been submitted under this agenda item.

112. WP.29 noted that no document had been submitted under this agenda item.

113. WP.29 noted that no document had been submitted under this agenda item.

114. WP.29 noted that no document had been submitted under this agenda item.

115. WP.29 agreed to defer consideration of this agenda item to the next session.

116. The secretariat explained that WP.1 was meeting in parallel and therefore WP.1 Secretary could not attend WP.29. The secretariat informed WP.29 that according to the WP.1 agenda, the global forum was, beyond the activities on Automated Vehicles, reviewing the consolidated resolution on road traffic R.E.1, which also addressed the element of periodic technical inspections.

117. WP.29 took note of the information provided and requested the secretariat to work in close cooperation with the WP.1 secretariat on the update of R.E.1, and to propose that R.E.1 be kept aligned with the provisions of the 1997 Agreement and the UN Rules annexed to it. WP.29 suggested that R.E.1 refers to the UN Rules under the 1997 Agreement and the related resolution R.E.6. WP.29 also encouraged delegates that take part in WP.1 to promote PTI Rules and the 1997 Agreement in the context of updating the content of R.E.1 to avoid duplications and divergences.

118. The representative of the Russian Federation, Co-Chair of the IWG on PTI volunteered to contribute to the ongoing activities.

119. The representative of OICA welcomes the suggested coordination with WP.1 as it would be desirable.

120. WP.29 recalled the General Assembly Resolution adopted in August 2020 (A/RES/74/299) for the period 2021-2030 and its main objectives relevant to the mandate of work of WP.29:

1. Endorsement of the Stockholm Declaration
2. Proclamation of a Second Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021 – 2030, with a goal to reduce deaths and injuries by 50 per cent by 2030
3. Request for WHO and the UN regional commissions in cooperation with the United Nation Road Safety Coalition (UNRSC) partners and other stakeholders to prepare a plan of action of the Second Decade.
4. Decision to convene a high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly no later than the end of 2022.
5. Invite Member States that have not already done so to consider adopting comprehensive legislation on key risk factors, including the non-use of seat belts, child restraints and helmets, the drinking of alcohol and driving, and speeding;
6. Reaffirms the role and importance of the United Nations legal instruments on road safety, such as the 1958 and 1998 agreements on technical vehicle regulations, the 1997 agreement on periodic technical inspection of vehicles and commends Member States that have acceded to these international legal instruments on road safety;
7. Invites Member States that have not already done so to consider adopting policies and measures to implement United Nations vehicle safety regulations or equivalent national standards to ensure that all new motor vehicles meet applicable minimum regulations for the protection of occupants and other road users, with seat belts, airbags and active safety systems fitted as standard equipment;
8. Encourages Member States that have not yet done so to consider becoming contracting parties to the United Nations legal instruments on road safety and, beyond accession, applying, implementing and promoting their provisions or safety regulations.

121. WP.29 noted the commitment of WP.29 secretariat for the decade 2021-2030 to follow-up the General Assembly resolution decisions and the request of WP.29 stated during the November 2020 session (see ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1155, para. 124). The representative of OICA also offered his help to the WP.29 secretariat.

122. The secretariat informed WP.29 about activities within the United Nations Road Safety Fund project on Safer and Cleaner Used Vehicles for Africa, which aims to improve safety and environmental performance of vehicles that are imported to Africa through a proposed set of minimum requirements. The secretariat informed WP.29 on project stakeholders and timeline, as well as the activities envisaged under its scope.

123. WP.29 took note of the initiative and its activities, recognizing the contribution of project activities towards facilitating enhanced safety and environmental performance of vehicles that are imported to Africa, and invited the secretariat to regularly update WP.29 about the progress of this project. WP.29 also acknowledged the contribution from the UN Road Safety Fund in supporting this activity.

WP.29-183-16 | Safer and Cleaner Used Vehicles for Africa Presentation from the Inland Transport Committee concerning a program support by the UN Road Safety Fund.

124. WP.29 noted the overview of proposals, adopted at the 182nd session, and their envisaged entry into force.

WP.29-183-17 | Proposals adopted during the November 2020 WP.29 session and the status of their entry into force under the 1958 Agreement

125. The representative from Green NCAP introduced WP.29-183-19 presenting the activities and future plans of the Green NCAP partnership.

126. The representative from the United States of America shared the experience in his country, where the “Smart Way” program rated vehicles according to their environmental performance and top performers given more prominent visibility on United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) website. The tool proved to be effective for consumers and consumer organizations, such as the Consumer Reports which has endorsed the procedure developed by US EPA for their own independent environmental tests. He insisted that clear and transparent information are key to the success of such rating programs, as well described by Green NCAP.

127. The representative from the UK congratulated Green NCAP for the presentation and welcomed the introduction of a roadmap to widen the coverage, as some vehicles are already rating the maximum five stars. He insisted it would be important to include non-exhaust particles to be monitored and confirmed the continuous support from the UK in Green NCAP.

128. The representative from the Netherlands, Chair of GRPE, welcomed this Green NCAP presentation at WP.29 and the willingness from Green NCAP to use the legislative tools offered by UNECE in their test protocols. He further asked three questions on (1) non-exhaust particulates emissions on the possibility to use the procedure currently under development at GRPE, (2) the possibility by Green NCAP to look at lifetime compliance issues and environmental performance consistency over the years and (3) if the representative from Green NCAP could elaborate on the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approaches mentioned.

129. The representative from the EU thanked the representative from Green NCAP for the interesting presentation and agreed that existing emission legislation in the EU had a margin for improvement, and reminded that the EU had started the process to develop Euro 7/VII legislation with a proposal to be released by the European Commission by the end of 2021.

130. The representative from Green NCAP answered that indeed non-exhaust particulates are expected to be included in the near future, and that Green NCAP is likely to use the procedure developed by GRPE once released. On the second question, he indicated that even though NCAP means New Car Assessment Program, Green NCAP is investigating durability issues with a view of including those into the rating, looking at different options such as testing aged vehicles from the fleet, using remote sensing or artificially-aged vehicles.

131. Finally, he emphasized that LCA issues are a hot topic in the present time, and could potentially add big value to the rating system. He mentioned that in the near future, Green NCAP was planning to look at including well-to-wheel fuel life cycle into the rating, instead of the present tank-to-wheel perspective. He also announced LCA consumer tool would be introduced in the course of 2022, but insisted that, to be meaningful, the number of vehicles tested would need to be higher. He also said Green NCAP expected the LCA tool to benefit from all the research and new science now being elaborated on the topic, but he saw that as a longer-term element to be included in the rating.

132. He concluded by thanking WP.29 for the interesting exchange and the opportunity to speak.

WP.29-183-19 | Green NCAP: Independent consumer test and rating program-Link to UNECE and next steps

133. The World Forum adopted the report on its 183rd session and its annexes based on a draft prepared by the secretariat under COVID-19 special procedures. The report included sections related to the seventy-seventh session of the Administrative Committee (AC.1) of the 1958 Agreement and to the sixtieth session of the Executive Committee (AC.3) of the 1998 Agreement.

WP.29/1157 | Report of WP.29 on its 183rd (March 2021) session

134. The AC.1 voting followed the special proceedings during COVID-19 period, which had been adopted by all Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement under a silence procedure on 26 February 2021. The written procedure, had been initiated on 2 March 2021 18:00h CET and had lasted for 72 hours, ending on 5 March 2021 18:00h CET. The seventy-seventh, online, session of AC.1 was held on 10 March 2021.

135. Of the 56 contracting parties to the agreement, 39 were represented by taking part in the written procedure and at the online AC.1 session, its seventy-seventh session, on 10 March 2021.

136. AC.1 invited the Chair of WP.29 to chair the online session.

137. The results of the voting on the documents submitted, following the rules of procedure of article 12 and the appendix of Revision 3 to the 1958 Agreement, are listed here.

138. The sixtieth session of the Executive Committee (AC.3) was held on 10 March 2021 and chaired by the representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Decision taking and voting followed the special proceedings during COVID-19 period, which had been adopted by all Contracting Parties to the 1998 Agreement under a silence procedure on 26 February 2021. The representatives of 15 of the 38 contracting parties to the agreement attended: Australia, Canada, China, European Union (representing Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden), India, Japan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Norway, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, South Africa, Tunisia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and United States of America.

139. AC.3 unanimously elected Mr. I. Yarnold, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as Chair, Mr. T. Korenori, Japan, and Mr. J. Sanchez, United States of America, as vice-Chairs for the year 2021.

140. AC.3 noted the information, as of March 2021, on the status of the Agreement of the Global Registry and of the Compendium of Candidates (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1073/Rev.29), the status of the priorities of the 1998 Agreement (based on WP.29-183-04 as reproduced in Annex IV to this report) and items on which the exchange of views should continue. AC.3 noted that notifications and the mandatory reports on the transposition process through their Permanent Missions in Geneva to the secretariat, are publicly accessible at: https://wiki.unece.org/display/TRAN/Home. AC.3 recalled its agreement to always send the above-mentioned reports and notifications through their Permanent Missions in Geneva and directly to the secretariat (email: edoardo.gianotti@un.org) to ensure updating of the status document, which is the monitoring tool of the agreement.

141. AC.3 noted that since March 2020, no status reports or final notifications were submitted. Therefore, AC.3 warmly reiterated its request to its Contracting Parties to send the above-mentioned status report and notifications as one of the main obligations of the 1998 Agreement. Moreover, it was noted that this action would imply that representatives would provide the secretariat with the coordinates of their corresponding focal points to the agreement, appointed in their capitals to draft the reports and notifications to keep them informed in the exchange of information through the above-mentioned website.

142. AC.3 noted that no proposals for a new UN GTR had been submitted.

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.

WP.29/1157/Add.1 | GTR 9: Statement on Amendment 3 decision

WP.29/1157/Add.2 | GTR 9: Statement on Amendment 3 decision

WP.29/2021/53 | GTR 9: Proposal for Amendment 3 Proposal to clarify provisions of the headform tests of UN GTR No. 9.

WP.29/2021/54 | GTR 9: Final progress report on the development of Amendment 3 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.

149. AC.3 noted that no proposals had been submitted under this agenda item.

150. Submitted for consideration and vote, a proposal for draft Mutual Resolution No. ⁴ concerning Panoramic Sunroof Glazing (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/52) was adopted on 10 March 2021 by consensus vote of the following contracting parties present and voting: Australia, Canada, the European Union (representing Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden), India, Japan, Norway, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, South Africa, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and United States of America.

151. China, Malaysia, Nigeria and Tunisia abstained from voting.

WP.29/2021/52 | Proposal for a Mutual Resolution No.4 concerning Panoramic Sunroof Glazing (PSG) Proposal for a Mutual Resolution under the 1958 and 1998 Agreements concerning provisions and harmonized test procedures for the maximum measurement of Ceramic Printed Area (CPA) of each single toughened safety glass pane of a Panoramic Sunroof Glazing, which is touchable from inside the passenger area.

152. AC.3 deferred consideration of agenda items 15 to 20, including respective subitems, to its next session scheduled for June 2021, due to lack of time.