23. The Secretary of WP.29 introduced the list of Working Parties, Informal Working Groups and Chairs (WP.29-185-01), the calendar of meetings of the World Forum for 2022 (WP.29-185-02) and presented the revised Programme of Work (PoW) with a strategic introduction on the main priorities of the WP.29 work, which are related to the implementation of the ITC strategy 2030 and among others, to vehicle automation and environmental protection. (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.2).

24. The representatives of the United States of America and Japan expressed concern with the dates and timing of the November 2022 session of the World Forum and requested that these dates be re-adjusted to enable their full participation at that session. The representative of Japan also expressed concern with the time of WP.29 and GRs sessions in 2022 and requested that timing is decided taking into account world-wide time zones so that most participants attending remotely can attend at suitable hours without extra burden. The Chair of GRVA expressed concerns about the non-confirmed session of GRVA in May 2022. He recalled the importance for GRVA to hold a third session in the year prior to the June 2022 session of WP.29.

25. The secretariat introduced informal document WP.29-185-06, which will form the basis for the 2022 Programme of Work of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations and its Subsidiary Bodies. WP.29 noted that the updated list of priorities for GRSP would be provided following the December 2021 session. WP.29 was informed on a scheduled ad-hoc session of AC.2 for final review before the adoption at the March 2022 session of WP.29.

26. The representative of the European Commission introduced informal document WP.29-185-17, proposing a list of priorities from the European Union covering safety and automated/connected vehicles as well as emissions.

27. WP.29 endorsed the revised programme of work as introduced in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.2.

23. The Secretary of WP.29 introduced the list of Working Parties, Informal Working Groups and Chairs (WP.29-185-01), the calendar of meetings of the World Forum for 2022 (WP.29-185-02) and presented the revised Programme of Work (PoW) with a strategic introduction on the main priorities of the WP.29 work, which are related to the implementation of the ITC strategy 2030 and among others, to vehicle automation and environmental protection. (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.2).

24. The representatives of the United States of America and Japan expressed concern with the dates and timing of the November 2022 session of the World Forum and requested that these dates be re-adjusted to enable their full participation at that session. The representative of Japan also expressed concern with the time of WP.29 and GRs sessions in 2022 and requested that timing is decided taking into account world-wide time zones so that most participants attending remotely can attend at suitable hours without extra burden. The Chair of GRVA expressed concerns about the non-confirmed session of GRVA in May 2022. He recalled the importance for GRVA to hold a third session in the year prior to the June 2022 session of WP.29.

25. The secretariat introduced informal document WP.29-185-06, which will form the basis for the 2022 Programme of Work of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations and its Subsidiary Bodies. WP.29 noted that the updated list of priorities for GRSP would be provided following the December 2021 session. WP.29 was informed on a scheduled ad-hoc session of AC.2 for final review before the adoption at the March 2022 session of WP.29.

26. The representative of the European Commission introduced informal document WP.29-185-17, proposing a list of priorities from the European Union covering safety and automated/connected vehicles as well as emissions.

27. WP.29 endorsed the revised programme of work as introduced in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.2.

6. WP.29 took note of the special procedures during COVID-19 period, which had been adopted under silence procedure on 12 November 2021 and was informed about the written voting procedures, which took place from 16 to 19 November 2021, for AC.1 and AC.3 agenda items envisaged for voting in accordance with the agenda of the 185th 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 23 and 24 November 2021.

7. WP.29 adopted the annotated provisional agenda (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1160 and Add.1), WP.29-185-04 and the running order of the 185th session (WP.29-185-03).

6. WP.29 took note of the special procedures during COVID-19 period, which had been adopted under silence procedure on 12 November 2021 and was informed about the written voting procedures, which took place from 16 to 19 November 2021, for AC.1 and AC.3 agenda items envisaged for voting in accordance with the agenda of the 185th 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 23 and 24 November 2021.

7. WP.29 adopted the annotated provisional agenda (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1160 and Add.1), WP.29-185-04 and the running order of the 185th session (WP.29-185-03).

79. The Chair of GRE presented the documents for agenda items 4.6.1 – 4.6.4.

80. The World Forum considered the draft amendments under agenda items 4.6.1 and 4.6.3. – 4.6.12. and recommended their submission to AC.1 for voting.

81. For agenda item 4.6.2, the World Forum noted informal document WP.29-185-05 submitted by the representative of OICA.

82. WP.29 agreed to submit ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/86 to AC.1 for voting, with the following amendment:
In para. 12.7.2. (twice) and 12.7.3 (once), for “1 September 2023” read “1 September 2024”.

23. The Secretary of WP.29 introduced the list of Working Parties, Informal Working Groups and Chairs (WP.29-185-01), the calendar of meetings of the World Forum for 2022 (WP.29-185-02) and presented the revised Programme of Work (PoW) with a strategic introduction on the main priorities of the WP.29 work, which are related to the implementation of the ITC strategy 2030 and among others, to vehicle automation and environmental protection. (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.2).

24. The representatives of the United States of America and Japan expressed concern with the dates and timing of the November 2022 session of the World Forum and requested that these dates be re-adjusted to enable their full participation at that session. The representative of Japan also expressed concern with the time of WP.29 and GRs sessions in 2022 and requested that timing is decided taking into account world-wide time zones so that most participants attending remotely can attend at suitable hours without extra burden. The Chair of GRVA expressed concerns about the non-confirmed session of GRVA in May 2022. He recalled the importance for GRVA to hold a third session in the year prior to the June 2022 session of WP.29.

25. The secretariat introduced informal document WP.29-185-06, which will form the basis for the 2022 Programme of Work of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations and its Subsidiary Bodies. WP.29 noted that the updated list of priorities for GRSP would be provided following the December 2021 session. WP.29 was informed on a scheduled ad-hoc session of AC.2 for final review before the adoption at the March 2022 session of WP.29.

26. The representative of the European Commission introduced informal document WP.29-185-17, proposing a list of priorities from the European Union covering safety and automated/connected vehicles as well as emissions.

27. WP.29 endorsed the revised programme of work as introduced in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.2.

110. WP.29 recalled its request that a document reporting on the progress of safer vehicle in the framework of the global plan for the decade of action for road safety 2021-2030 should be developed and regularly updated for the whole length of the decade (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1155, para. 24). As a follow up of this request the secretariat introduced WP.29-185-07, reproducing the recommended actions of the global plan to ensure vehicle safety and traceability of WP.29 and its subsidiary bodies actions: (a) development of UN Regulations and UN GTRs and UN Rules (b) performance indicators and (c) progress made. WP.29 also noted WP.29-185-09, reproducing the note by the UN Secretary General on improving global road safety and WP.29-185-11, explaining the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for road safety 2021-2030. The World Forum expressed its support to document WP.29-185-07 and requested feedback by its interested parties. The World Forum also noted the extended acknowledgement given by Secretary General to WP.29 achievements in the field of road safety (WP.29-185-09). Finally, the representatives from OICA and IMMA expressed their strong commitment and support to the decade of action for road safety.

111. The representative of IMMA stated strong support to the blueprint principle of the Global Plan towards creation of local, national and regional road safety strategies, considering the context differences in the regions. Noting also the high numbers of Powered Two-Wheelers fatalities, he informed WP.29 on the recent International Motorcyclist’s Safety Workshop initiative as a follow up activity to the Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, delivering global priority actions and recommendations for motorcyclist’s Safety for consideration in the regional road safety plans. For details see: https://www.itf-oecd.org/motorcyclists-safety-workshop-riding-safe-system-closing-plenary.

123. AC.3 noted the information, as of November 2021, on the status of the Agreement of the Global Registry and of the Compendium of Candidates (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1073/Rev.31), the status of the priorities of the 1998 Agreement (based on WP.29-185-08 as reproduced in Annex IV to the session 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.

124. 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 (Articles 7.4 to 7.4.1. of the Agreement) and be provided to the secretariat for each one-year period if action or no action had been taken in the process of transposition of UN GTRs into domestic legislations. AC.3 finally noted that such information would be integrated into the Status of the Agreement document and that such information would be not be only administrative but also relevant to all interested parties, including the industry, to understand the type of vehicle certification needed in the different Contracting Parties.

110. WP.29 recalled its request that a document reporting on the progress of safer vehicle in the framework of the global plan for the decade of action for road safety 2021-2030 should be developed and regularly updated for the whole length of the decade (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1155, para. 24). As a follow up of this request the secretariat introduced WP.29-185-07, reproducing the recommended actions of the global plan to ensure vehicle safety and traceability of WP.29 and its subsidiary bodies actions: (a) development of UN Regulations and UN GTRs and UN Rules (b) performance indicators and (c) progress made. WP.29 also noted WP.29-185-09, reproducing the note by the UN Secretary General on improving global road safety and WP.29-185-11, explaining the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for road safety 2021-2030. The World Forum expressed its support to document WP.29-185-07 and requested feedback by its interested parties. The World Forum also noted the extended acknowledgement given by Secretary General to WP.29 achievements in the field of road safety (WP.29-185-09). Finally, the representatives from OICA and IMMA expressed their strong commitment and support to the decade of action for road safety.

111. The representative of IMMA stated strong support to the blueprint principle of the Global Plan towards creation of local, national and regional road safety strategies, considering the context differences in the regions. Noting also the high numbers of Powered Two-Wheelers fatalities, he informed WP.29 on the recent International Motorcyclist’s Safety Workshop initiative as a follow up activity to the Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, delivering global priority actions and recommendations for motorcyclist’s Safety for consideration in the regional road safety plans. For details see: https://www.itf-oecd.org/motorcyclists-safety-workshop-riding-safe-system-closing-plenary.

63. The representative of Japan, Chair of the IWG on IWVTA, presented a proposal for the 04 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 0 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/84), the regular annual update of the UN Regulation and its Annex 4, Part A, Section I (List of requirements for U-IWVTA). He also introduced an amendment proposal to the document, including an addition of two new paragraphs 12.5. and 12.6. containing transitional provisions. He invited the World Forum to consider both documents for submission to AC.1 for voting.

64. The representative of the European Commission informed the World Forum that the European Union had already cast its vote for ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/84. He explained that he therefore did not have the mandate to vote on behalf of European Union on informal document WP.29-185-10.

65. The World Forum agreed to consider the proposed amendments to document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/84 as a supplement at its March 2022 session.

66. The World Forum considered draft amendments under agenda items 4.3 and recommended ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/84 submission to AC.1 for voting.

69. The Chair of IWG on IWVTA introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2022/2, which contained transitional provisions related to the 04 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 0 on IWVTA. He highlighted that the content of this document had already been agreed in principle at the 185th session in format of informal document WP.29-185-10, however could not be submitted for vote to AC.1 at its seventy-ninth session, November 2021.

70. The World Forum considered the draft amendment under agenda items 4.3. and recommended its submission to AC.1 for voting.

110. WP.29 recalled its request that a document reporting on the progress of safer vehicle in the framework of the global plan for the decade of action for road safety 2021-2030 should be developed and regularly updated for the whole length of the decade (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1155, para. 24). As a follow up of this request the secretariat introduced WP.29-185-07, reproducing the recommended actions of the global plan to ensure vehicle safety and traceability of WP.29 and its subsidiary bodies actions: (a) development of UN Regulations and UN GTRs and UN Rules (b) performance indicators and (c) progress made. WP.29 also noted WP.29-185-09, reproducing the note by the UN Secretary General on improving global road safety and WP.29-185-11, explaining the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for road safety 2021-2030. The World Forum expressed its support to document WP.29-185-07 and requested feedback by its interested parties. The World Forum also noted the extended acknowledgement given by Secretary General to WP.29 achievements in the field of road safety (WP.29-185-09). Finally, the representatives from OICA and IMMA expressed their strong commitment and support to the decade of action for road safety.

111. The representative of IMMA stated strong support to the blueprint principle of the Global Plan towards creation of local, national and regional road safety strategies, considering the context differences in the regions. Noting also the high numbers of Powered Two-Wheelers fatalities, he informed WP.29 on the recent International Motorcyclist’s Safety Workshop initiative as a follow up activity to the Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, delivering global priority actions and recommendations for motorcyclist’s Safety for consideration in the regional road safety plans. For details see: https://www.itf-oecd.org/motorcyclists-safety-workshop-riding-safe-system-closing-plenary.

68. The representative from Germany, Chair of the IWG on DETA, reported (WP.29‑185‑12) on the activities of the group at its last session in November 2021. He explained that: 33 contracting parties notified their DETA Focal Point, about 12400 approvals were uploaded by 13 contracting parties, about 5560 manufacturers were uploaded and could be selected in DETA by the Type-Approval Authority, and that 13 manufacturers were having access to their own approvals in DETA. He explained the situation with regard to contracting new features: the Unique Identifier module, the Mass Upload Functionality and the two-factor authentication to increase the security of the system. He reported on the activities of the group to reflect on possible extension of DETA to increase the attractiveness of the system for the contracting parties of the 1997 and 1998 Agreements and on the state of play with regards to the DETA summary document on UI marking.

69. The representative of OICA clarified that, while the Unique Identifier by default applies to all UN Regulations, the GR working parties should identify those UN Regulations for which the use of the Unique Identifier was not appropriate and should not be used. He also suggested that the draft contract for the UI development be reviewed with the various sponsors and finalised as soon as possible.

70. The representative from Germany, Chair of the IWG on DETA, presented (WP.29-185-13) a proposal for amendments to the ‘specifications and application guideline for the Unique Identifier (UI) module’, document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/77 and (WP.29-185-12). WP.29 agreed to consider this document with an official symbol at its March 2022 session.

71. WP.29 reflected on the proposed potential extensions of DETA. The Delegate form the United States of America requested, and WP.29 agreed, to remove language from the report that suggested the United States of America proposed or supported extension of DETA to Parties of the 1998 Agreement.

72. The representatives of Japan reported on the current status of discussions in the GRVA IWG on VMAD with regards to scenarios catalogues, which was still discussing this item at a high level of abstraction.

73. The representative of the United States of America explained that the IWG on FRAV was still discussing, among others, whether scenarios were needed for the development of ADS or for their performance assessment.

74. The representative of OICA recalled that the DETA database was designed originally for the purpose of type approval data exchange; therefore, it was not appropriate for all types of extensions which in fact would entail a totally new, separate database software.

75. The representative of the Netherlands agreed with the technical comment of the representative of OICA regarding the current function of DETA. He explained that WP.29 would need to reflect on modern ways to exchange information.

76. The Chair of GRVA suggested that the GRVA IWGs could advice whether these functions could be needed. He invited WP.29 to consider whether countries would want a centralized approach to exchange information or a decentralized way that all countries would need to implement.

77. The representative of Switzerland stated that it was premature to consider details. He advised to keep the discussion at a strategic level and focus on principles. He supported this discussion and advised that WP.29 embarked in a modern, flexible and dynamic way to address the technological progress brought by ADS.

78. WP.29 invited the IWG on DETA to further explore options and thanked Germany for continuing hosting DETA.

68. The representative from Germany, Chair of the IWG on DETA, reported (WP.29‑185‑12) on the activities of the group at its last session in November 2021. He explained that: 33 contracting parties notified their DETA Focal Point, about 12400 approvals were uploaded by 13 contracting parties, about 5560 manufacturers were uploaded and could be selected in DETA by the Type-Approval Authority, and that 13 manufacturers were having access to their own approvals in DETA. He explained the situation with regard to contracting new features: the Unique Identifier module, the Mass Upload Functionality and the two-factor authentication to increase the security of the system. He reported on the activities of the group to reflect on possible extension of DETA to increase the attractiveness of the system for the contracting parties of the 1997 and 1998 Agreements and on the state of play with regards to the DETA summary document on UI marking.

69. The representative of OICA clarified that, while the Unique Identifier by default applies to all UN Regulations, the GR working parties should identify those UN Regulations for which the use of the Unique Identifier was not appropriate and should not be used. He also suggested that the draft contract for the UI development be reviewed with the various sponsors and finalised as soon as possible.

70. The representative from Germany, Chair of the IWG on DETA, presented (WP.29-185-13) a proposal for amendments to the ‘specifications and application guideline for the Unique Identifier (UI) module’, document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/77 and (WP.29-185-12). WP.29 agreed to consider this document with an official symbol at its March 2022 session.

71. WP.29 reflected on the proposed potential extensions of DETA. The Delegate form the United States of America requested, and WP.29 agreed, to remove language from the report that suggested the United States of America proposed or supported extension of DETA to Parties of the 1998 Agreement.

72. The representatives of Japan reported on the current status of discussions in the GRVA IWG on VMAD with regards to scenarios catalogues, which was still discussing this item at a high level of abstraction.

73. The representative of the United States of America explained that the IWG on FRAV was still discussing, among others, whether scenarios were needed for the development of ADS or for their performance assessment.

74. The representative of OICA recalled that the DETA database was designed originally for the purpose of type approval data exchange; therefore, it was not appropriate for all types of extensions which in fact would entail a totally new, separate database software.

75. The representative of the Netherlands agreed with the technical comment of the representative of OICA regarding the current function of DETA. He explained that WP.29 would need to reflect on modern ways to exchange information.

76. The Chair of GRVA suggested that the GRVA IWGs could advice whether these functions could be needed. He invited WP.29 to consider whether countries would want a centralized approach to exchange information or a decentralized way that all countries would need to implement.

77. The representative of Switzerland stated that it was premature to consider details. He advised to keep the discussion at a strategic level and focus on principles. He supported this discussion and advised that WP.29 embarked in a modern, flexible and dynamic way to address the technological progress brought by ADS.

78. WP.29 invited the IWG on DETA to further explore options and thanked Germany for continuing hosting DETA.

110. The representative from Germany, Chair of the IWG on DETA, presented
(WP.29-187-27) the report (WP.29-187-26) to the World Forum related to the use of DETA and also updating WP.29 on the work of the IWG at its forty-fourth session, held on 9 June 2022. He laid out the current state of play, noting the number of approvals uploaded. He detailed activities of the IWG related to contracting and implementation of Unique Identifier (UI). He conveyed the question from the IWG to WP.29 whether UI provisions should be introduced in UN Regulations that do not specifically prohibit the use of UI, as per para. 3 of Schedule 5 to the Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement and offered the position of the group regarding opening the access to DETA to technical service performing sovereign tasks on behalf of contracting parties.

111. The representative of OICA proposed to postpone the signature of the contract for the development of the UI module as recent questions arose that would need to be clarified before developing the feature.

112. The representative of European Commission offered tentative views according to which all UN Regulations should include, in line with the provisions of the revision 3 of 1958 Agreement, UI related provisions for supporting uniform applications of the Regulations.

113. The representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland held the view that there could be confusion in the market place, in the absence of provisions supporting uniform implementation of UI.

114. The representative of France recalled that the 1958 Agreement allows the use of UI as an alternative to the approval mark provisions in UN Regulations, unless provision prohibit the use of UI, at the condition that the Approval is uploaded in DETA. He added that, nevertheless, the use of UI could have implications for the contracting parties that would require further guidance and lead-time.

115. The representative of CITA mentioned the potential benefits of UI if details were well considered. He suggested that further work would be performed before making use of UI. Upon invitation by the Chair, he presented WP.29-187-15, showing potential negative impacts of UI if not carefully developed.

116. The representative of OICA stated that there was no intention to hamper sovereign activities and that UI should not replace marking that needs to remain on the products. He added that possibly a horizontal document could be developed to detail the precise UI provisions (e.g. format, size, etc), to which all relevant UN Regulations could refer.

117. The representative of Finland, Chair of GRE recalled the 1958 Agreement provisions related to UI and explained the GRE considerations when introducing UI provisions in UN Regulations Nos. 148, 149 and 150. He recalled that CITA made a presentation at the IWG on SLR and that further discussions would take place in the near term to address concerns raised.

118. The representative of European Commission shared some of the concerns raised by CITA and recalled that:

• the absence of a specific reference to UI in UN Regulations could lead to confusion if the choice of the use of UI or of a traditional marking was left to economic operators;
• IWG on SLR should reflect the inclusion of additional markings to facilitate the periodic checks or roadside verifications;
• if no solution can be found before the UI software become operational, a temporary freeze of UI in the lighting regulations should be considered.

119. The representative of the Republic of South Africa recalled the importance of markings when verifications of vehicles, systems and parts was at stake. He urged WP.29 to make UI and its use user-friendly.

120. The representative of Sweden announced that he would perform an analysis of the situation in his country to evaluate the potential negative impact of DETA as presented by CITA.

121. The representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland mentioned the importance of approval marking, not only for periodic technical inspection and roadside inspections but also in other cases. He mentioned as an example the existing requirements at the point of sale and felt that a large number of national regulations could be impacted by UI and could require amendments.

122. WP.29 agreed that further work was needed within the IWGs on DETA and SLR. WP.29 recalled the use of markings beyond the context of vehicle approval, having importance at all stages of the vehicle lifetimes, from approval to registration and down to decommissioning. WP.29 noted the crucial importance of the access to information and also to consider modern technology such as XML formats as PDF files were no longer state of the art.

123. WP.29 could not provide a final answer to the question raised by the IWG on DETA related to UI but expressed support for further work for the sake of simplification, uniform implementation of UI.

124. WP.29 adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2022/62 (under agenda item 4.5.1).

125. The Secretary proposed to WP.29 to consider marrying the Document of Conformance (DOC) and UI for further benefits to citizens. He mentioned as an example the difficulties experiences by citizens in order to receive e.g. stickers as required in order to enter Low Emission Zones.

126. The Secretary confirmed that there was no new development regarding the budget for hosting DETA at UNECE. WP.29 thanked Germany for hosting DETA for the time being.

68. The representative from Germany, Chair of the IWG on DETA, reported (WP.29‑185‑12) on the activities of the group at its last session in November 2021. He explained that: 33 contracting parties notified their DETA Focal Point, about 12400 approvals were uploaded by 13 contracting parties, about 5560 manufacturers were uploaded and could be selected in DETA by the Type-Approval Authority, and that 13 manufacturers were having access to their own approvals in DETA. He explained the situation with regard to contracting new features: the Unique Identifier module, the Mass Upload Functionality and the two-factor authentication to increase the security of the system. He reported on the activities of the group to reflect on possible extension of DETA to increase the attractiveness of the system for the contracting parties of the 1997 and 1998 Agreements and on the state of play with regards to the DETA summary document on UI marking.

69. The representative of OICA clarified that, while the Unique Identifier by default applies to all UN Regulations, the GR working parties should identify those UN Regulations for which the use of the Unique Identifier was not appropriate and should not be used. He also suggested that the draft contract for the UI development be reviewed with the various sponsors and finalised as soon as possible.

70. The representative from Germany, Chair of the IWG on DETA, presented (WP.29-185-13) a proposal for amendments to the ‘specifications and application guideline for the Unique Identifier (UI) module’, document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/77 and (WP.29-185-12). WP.29 agreed to consider this document with an official symbol at its March 2022 session.

71. WP.29 reflected on the proposed potential extensions of DETA. The Delegate form the United States of America requested, and WP.29 agreed, to remove language from the report that suggested the United States of America proposed or supported extension of DETA to Parties of the 1998 Agreement.

72. The representatives of Japan reported on the current status of discussions in the GRVA IWG on VMAD with regards to scenarios catalogues, which was still discussing this item at a high level of abstraction.

73. The representative of the United States of America explained that the IWG on FRAV was still discussing, among others, whether scenarios were needed for the development of ADS or for their performance assessment.

74. The representative of OICA recalled that the DETA database was designed originally for the purpose of type approval data exchange; therefore, it was not appropriate for all types of extensions which in fact would entail a totally new, separate database software.

75. The representative of the Netherlands agreed with the technical comment of the representative of OICA regarding the current function of DETA. He explained that WP.29 would need to reflect on modern ways to exchange information.

76. The Chair of GRVA suggested that the GRVA IWGs could advice whether these functions could be needed. He invited WP.29 to consider whether countries would want a centralized approach to exchange information or a decentralized way that all countries would need to implement.

77. The representative of Switzerland stated that it was premature to consider details. He advised to keep the discussion at a strategic level and focus on principles. He supported this discussion and advised that WP.29 embarked in a modern, flexible and dynamic way to address the technological progress brought by ADS.

78. WP.29 invited the IWG on DETA to further explore options and thanked Germany for continuing hosting DETA.

99. The representative of CITA, Secretary of the IWG on Periodical Technical Inspections (PTI) reported to WP.29 on the activities of the IWG at its twenty-fourth sessions, which took place in October 2021, in a virtual format. He informed WP.29 that the work of the IWG had focused on proposal for a framework document on vehicle whole-life compliance, under review by GRs. He continued that the group had been informed about development of European Union (EU) legislation on PTI, including updates of EU Roadworthiness Package. He reported that the group discussed recommendation on application of Particulate Numbers measurement methods and decided to include it into Resolution R.E.6. as well as results of studies related to tempering of aftertreatment systems in trucks. He mentioned that the group continued considerations on access to in-vehicle data.

100. He clarified upon request from the secretariat that the group had already discussed PTI for Accident Emergency Call Systems (AECS) in line with the mandate of the group.

101. WP.29 encouraged the group to continue its activities on AECS.

23. The Secretary of WP.29 introduced the list of Working Parties, Informal Working Groups and Chairs (WP.29-185-01), the calendar of meetings of the World Forum for 2022 (WP.29-185-02) and presented the revised Programme of Work (PoW) with a strategic introduction on the main priorities of the WP.29 work, which are related to the implementation of the ITC strategy 2030 and among others, to vehicle automation and environmental protection. (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.2).

24. The representatives of the United States of America and Japan expressed concern with the dates and timing of the November 2022 session of the World Forum and requested that these dates be re-adjusted to enable their full participation at that session. The representative of Japan also expressed concern with the time of WP.29 and GRs sessions in 2022 and requested that timing is decided taking into account world-wide time zones so that most participants attending remotely can attend at suitable hours without extra burden. The Chair of GRVA expressed concerns about the non-confirmed session of GRVA in May 2022. He recalled the importance for GRVA to hold a third session in the year prior to the June 2022 session of WP.29.

25. The secretariat introduced informal document WP.29-185-06, which will form the basis for the 2022 Programme of Work of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations and its Subsidiary Bodies. WP.29 noted that the updated list of priorities for GRSP would be provided following the December 2021 session. WP.29 was informed on a scheduled ad-hoc session of AC.2 for final review before the adoption at the March 2022 session of WP.29.

26. The representative of the European Commission introduced informal document WP.29-185-17, proposing a list of priorities from the European Union covering safety and automated/connected vehicles as well as emissions.

27. WP.29 endorsed the revised programme of work as introduced in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/1/Rev.2.

112. The secretariat presented Informal document WP.29-185-18, activities of the “Safer and Cleaner Used Vehicle for Africa” project to WP.29 and invited the World Forum to consider taking a leading role on vehicle regulatory elements in the area of vehicle safety and environmental protection for regions of low- and middle-income countries by establishing an IWG on this subject. The representatives of The Netherlands and Sweden as well as CITA, FIA, OICA and ETRTO expressed their ad-hoc support for this initiative.

113. WP.29 endorsed in principle, the establishment of an IWG and invited the Secretariat to contact Contracting Parties willing to participate in and contribute to the activities of the group.