1. The World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) held its 186th session from 8 to 11 March 2022 , 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): Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burundi, Canada, China, Congo, Czech Republic, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, , Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Senegal, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America. 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 for Emissions Control by Catalyst (AECC), Consumers International (CI), European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA/MEMA/JAPIA) , European Garage Equipment Association (EGEA), Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA), 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), European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA/MEMA/JAPIA), European Tyre and Rim Technical Association (ETRTO), SAE International and Towards Zero Foundation (TZF). 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: Kenya Auto Bazaar Association and Tongmyong University.

2. The Chair of WP.29, Mr. A. Erario (Italy) welcomed delegates to the 186th session of WP.29 and opened the meeting. He recalled the exceptional circumstances of this session due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

3. The representatives of France, Japan, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America and the European Commission read out statements related to their country’s position on the Ukraine/Russian crisis. The statements are reproduced in Annex VII of this report. Australia supported these statements via chat.

4. The representative of the Russian Federation highlighted in his intervention that political statements are not following with the WP.29 mandate. In accordance of Term of reference the WP.29 should address technical issues. The statement of the Russian Federation are reproduced in Annex VII of the session report.

5. The World Forum welcomed, Mr M. Nicklas, the new Head of Delegation to WP.29 of the European Commission.

6. WP.29 took note of the special procedures during COVID-19 period, which had been adopted under silence procedure on 25 February 2022 and was informed about the written voting procedures, which took place from 1 to 4 March 2022, for AC.1 and AC.3 items envisaged for voting in accordance with the agenda of the 186th 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 9 March 2022.

7. WP.29 adopted the annotated provisional agenda (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1163 and Add.1 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1163/Rev.1 and WP.29-186-04 and the running order of the 186th session (WP.29-186-03).

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

9. The 138th session of WP.29/AC.2 (7 March 2022) 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.2) by the Chairs of GRBP (France), GRE (Finland), GRPE (Netherlands), GRSG (Italy), GRSP (United States of America), GRVA (Germany), 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 Chair of the 1997 Agreement Administrative Committee (AC.4) (Russian Federation), the Vice-Chair of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) (Russian Federation) and by the representatives of the European Union.

10. Prior to its scheduled meeting on 7 March 2022, AC.2 held an ad-hoc virtual informal meetings on 2 and 18 February related to the special procedures during COVID-19 period in order to enable business continuity for WP.29 and its subsidiary bodies.

11. AC.2 resumed consideration related to potential breach of copyrights and/or intellectual property rights based on a document prepared by the secretariat. AC.2 received also a presentation by the European Commission on a potential intellectual property rights policy suitable for WP.29 and its subsidiary bodies. Both documents are still under scrutiny by AC.2 members and are intended to be consulted with WP.29 members at its June 2022 session.

12. AC.2 reviewed the draft programme of work for 2022, which was based on the input provided by the GRs and introduced final amendments (see WP.29-186-14) and recommended it to WP.29 for adoption. AC.2 welcomed the updated list of priorities for 2023 that could form the basis for the next programme of work.

13. AC2 discussed the coordination of work on Automated Driving Systems (ADS). AC.2, for the sake of global harmonization, decided tasking:

1. First, GRVA and Informal Working Group (IWG) on Functional Requirements for Automated Vehicles (FRAV) were tasked to determine the conditions, if any, under which an ADS external lighting signal should be activated and recommendations to GRE on technicalities of such devices; GRVA and FRAV were to report to AC.2 in November 2022 ;
2. Following AC.2 consideration and recommendation in November 2022, GRE and Task Force on Autonomous Vehicle Signalling Requirements (AVSR) or an IWG to harmonize performance requirements for an Automated Driving Systems (ADS) light signal accordingly. GRE will specify the requirements for ADS light signal and their installation if needed, in cooperation with GRVA and the IWG on FRAV by November 2023;
3. GRE and GRVA (and their respective IWG) to align the proposal on ADS light signal, if any. March 2024;
4. GRVA will inform the Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety, WP.1, and its Group of Experts, GE.3, of the activities on ADS light signal.

14. AC.2 reviewed the consolidated agenda for the 186th Session (WP.29-186-04), noting the withdrawal of items 4.6.2 and 4.6.9 as requested by GRBP, and the draft agenda for the 187th session, June 2022.

15. AC.2 approved participation by the Clean Air Association to WP.29 and subsidiary bodies under Rule 1(d) for the next two years.

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

17. The Secretary of WP.29 introduced the list of Working Parties, Informal Working Groups and Chairs (WP.29-186-01-Rev.1), the calendar of meetings of the World Forum for 2022 (WP.29-186-02) and invited delegates of WP.29 to review Informal document: WP.29-186-01-Rev.1 and report any objection or contributions to the secretariat.

18. The secretariat informed WP.29 that for the period 2022, based on the current situation there will be a continuation of hybrid meetings with interpretation provided for both the morning and the afternoon sessions. The secretariat informed of the changes to the calendar of meetings for 2022, highlighting the GRSG meeting which will be held on 28 March – 1 April 2022, GRVA will be held on 23 – 27 May 2022, GRPE will be held on 30 May – 2nd June 2022. The 188th session of WP.29 was also moved a week earlier to 14 November – 16 November 2022 as requested by delegations (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1161, para. 24).

19. The Secretary of WP.29 also presented the revised Programme of Work (PoW) based on agreed priorities following levels of discussions at GRs, AC.2 and previous sessions of WP.29 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2022/1) as amended by WP.29-186-14, reproduced in Annex VI. He highlighted that the PoW contained a strategic introduction on the main priorities of the WP.29 work, which were related to the implementation of the Agenda 2030 focusing on Sustainable Development Goals No. 3, 7, 9, 11,13, as well as to the implementation of the ITC strategy 2030 and among others, to vehicle automation and environmental protection. (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2022/1).

20. WP.29 adopted the Programme of Work for 2022.

21. The representative of China requested the secretariat to confirm the final date of the next GRVA session, and to avoid the Chinese New Year week in 2023 for the organization of the fifteenth session of GRVA.

22. The secretariat recalled the purpose of WP.29-186-08 drafted by the IWG on FRAV and WP.29-186-09 drafted by the IWG on Validation Methods for Automated Driving (VMAD), that were mandated under the framework document on automated vehicles (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/34/Rev.2 as amended by ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/151). The Chair of GRVA detailed the content of the two documents and their purpose. He explained that both documents were guidelines that would be suitable for the contracting parties of the 1998 and 1958 Agreements.

23. The representative of the European Commission stated his full support for these informal documents and added that the contained concepts were also taken into consideration for developing the European Union legislation for ADS.

24. The representative of the United States of America clarified that WP.29-186-08 was not mature enough and recommended not to issue it as an official document for the next session.

25. The representative of OICA stated the importance of the work done by GRVA and its informal working groups under the framework document. He welcomed the progress done on the drafting of guidelines for ADS safety. He explained that OICA would welcome proposals from Contracting Parties for ADS regulations based on the guidelines prepared by GRVA.

26. The representative of OICA advised to initiate a review of the UN Regulations and UN GTRs with regards to their fitness for ADS, including driverless systems, as these regulations might refer to drivers.

27. The Chair of GRVA explained that AC.2 discussed the need to review the UN Regulations and UN GTRs and was in the process of setting a coordinated approach.

28. The representative of the European Commission fully recognized the need to review the Vehicle Regulations, which were linked to drivers, to accommodate for automated/autonomous driving.

29. The representative of the United States of America advised that this task could require a phased approach, one phase being the identification of UN Regulations and UN GTRs of relevance and a second phase being the evaluation of the provisions and test requirements that might be linked to drivers.

30. WP.29 requested all GRs to perform a screening of the UN Regulations and UN GTRs of relevance until March 2023 and agreed to resume consideration of a coordinated approach for reporting to AC.2 and WP.29.

31. The representative of the United Kingdom, Co-chair of the IWG on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), reported on the activities performed under this group, namely the three webinars organized by the Secretariat and co-hosted by the 3 Co-Chairs of the IWG on ITS. He highlighted a high number of participants at the webinars and explained that the three webinars addressed actions of the revised UNECE roadmap on ITS adopted in February 2021 by ITC. He also congratulated the secretariat for the successful side event organized during the Inland Transport Committee seventy-fifth anniversary celebration. He recalled that WP.29 and the secretariat were involved in the organization of session 1 of the annual, International Telecommunication Union / UNECE symposium on the Future Networked Car scheduled for 22 March 2022.

32. The Secretary provided details about the side event, the exhibition during the ITC week and the video prepared by an ITC sponsor on automated and connected vehicles as well as E-mobility.

33. The secretariat briefed WP.29 on the outcomes of the eighty-fourth session of the Inland Transport Committee (ITC). This session celebrated the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Inland Transport Committee and during this session the ITC discussed the critical role of Road Transport on Climate Action. ITC invited all WPs to submit any ongoing communications and plans as it relates to Climate Action by October 2022.

34. He highlighted the following ITC decisions with relevance to WP.29:

35. On request by France, the secretariat informed WP.29 of the two side events organized by the section back-to-back with the seventy-fifth Anniversary of ITC. He introduced the topics of the side event on “Used Cars for Africa” held on 21 February and “Automation, Connectivity and E-Mobility held on 23 February 2022. Explaining the side event on “Used Cars for Africa” he stated that it comprised of two sections, the first covered progress report on the UNRSF project of “Safer and Cleaner Used Vehicles for Africa” and recent developments in Africa and it included presentations from the project partners, (UNEP, UNECE, CITA and FIA) with project updates, recent developments and proposed future activities. He further explained that the second half of this event was a round table discussion of experts with a focus on moving towards a harmonized framework for safe new and used vehicles for Africa.

36. The second side event on Automation, Connectivity and E-mobility, consisted of two expert round tables, highlighting the transformations that would form the future of mobility, in terms of performance, use and ownership as well as impact on the society and climate. The expert roundtables also explored the role of industries, their achievements and future contributions towards circularity in E-mobility. The secretariat also hosted an exhibition and a demonstration which show-cased activities of institutions related to the theme of the side event on Automation, Connectivity and E-mobility.

37. The secretariat informed WP.29 that ITC report would provide details on the outcomes of the side events in its annex and all the presentations would be provided on the dedicated websites of each side event.

38. The World Forum approved the report of the Chair of GRBP at its seventy-fourth session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRBP/72).

39. The World Forum approved the report of the Chair of GRVA on its eleventh session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/11).

40. The World Forum approved the report of the Chair of GRSG on its 122nd session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/101).

41. The World Forum approved the report of the Chair of GRE on its eighty-fifth session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/85).

42. The World Forum approved the report of the Chair of GRPE on its eighty-fourth session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/84).

43. The Chair of GRSP informed WP.29 about the results achieved by his group during its seventieth session (for details see the session report ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/70), which took place virtually on December 6-10, 2021.

44. On UN GTR 13 (hydrogen and fuel-cell vehicles), the Chair reported that GRSP agreed with the IWG request for an extension of the mandate until December 2022, pending AC.3 endorsement.

45. In regard to the concern raised by Sweden over the poor representation of adult female by existing dummies, the Chair reported that GRSP would fulfil the mandate given by WP.29 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1159, paras. 22 and 58), i.e., continue to collect and review data to determine if there is a merit to Sweden’s claim.

46. On priority of work the Chair reported that it did not need substantive updates until the next submission of priorities in December 2022, since this reflects plans for work on priorities through 2022.

47. The World Forum noted the re-election of Mr. M. Koubek (United States of America) as Chair and Mr. H.G. Kim (Republic of Korea) as Vice-Chair for the sessions of GRSP scheduled in the year 2022.

48. The Chair of GRPE (Netherlands) reported to WP.29 on the results achieved by GRPE during its eighty-fifth session (for more details see the report of the session ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/85).

49. GRPE adopted revisions to the 02 and 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 154 (WLTP) to be adopted during this March 2022 session of WP.29.

50. GRPE adopted a proposal for a new UN GTR on durability of pollution-control devices for two- and three-wheelers, and a new amendment to UN GTR No.2 and proposal for new supplements to UN Regulations Nos. 24 (Visible pollutants, measurement of power of C.I. engines (Diesel smoke)), 49 (Emissions of compression ignition and positive ignition (LPG and CNG) engines) and 85 (Measurement of the net power and the 30 min. power). GRPE finally adopted a proposal for a new Consolidated Resolution concerning Exhaust Ultra-Fine Particle Number Measurement For Heavy Duty Engines.

51. GRPE agreed to revise terms of references and rules of procedure for the IWG on EVE.

52. GRPE agreed to host a one day workshop on Life Cycle Assessments for wheeled vehicles during the June 2022 session of GRPE.

53. The GRVA Chair reported on the results achieved by GRVA during its twelfth session (for details, see the reports of the sessions ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/12).

54. He reported on the progress of the GRVA working groups on automation with the objective to submit proposals for guidelines for automated/autonomous vehicles in 2022.

55. WP.29 noted the organization of a GRVA workshop on Artificial Intelligence in the context of vehicle regulations.

56. WP.29 thanked Japan and the secretariat for continuing to convene workshops on the implementation of UN Regulation No. 155. WP.29 noted that the provisions in para. 5.3. of UN Regulation No. 155 were applied, supported by the workshops organized.

57. WP.29 noted that two documents from GRVA for consideration in June 2022 were subject to final review by GRVA in May 2022. WP.29 invited delegations to be prepared to consider amendments to official documents issued after the May 2022 session of GRVA.

58. The Chairman of GRBP reported on the results of the seventy-fifth session of GRBP (for details, see the report in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRBP/73).

59. In particular, he mentioned that GRBP had adopted a draft new UN Regulation on reverse warning which would apply to:

1. Approval of audible reverse warning devices which are intended for fitting to motor vehicles of categories M2 (M > 3500 kg), N2, N3 and M3;
2. Approval of such motor vehicles with regard to fitting of audible reverse warning devices automatically activated when reverse gear is selected and the propulsion system is on.

60. He requested WP.29 and AC.1 to postpone to the June 2022 session consideration of amendments in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2022/4 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2022/11 (agenda items 4.6.2 and 4.6.9, respectively) for the sake of being combined with further amendments to the same UN Regulations Nos. 51 and 117 that had been adopted at the seventy-fifth session of GRBP. WP.29 concurred with this request.

61. The GRBP Chair also requested WP.29 to extend the mandates of the two IWGs on Measurement Uncertainties (MU) and on Wet Grip Performance for Tyres in a Worn State until September 2023 and January 2024, respectively.WP.29 gave its consent.

62. He pointed out that, based on the outcome of the IWG MU work, GRBP had endorsed a general approach how to handle measurement uncertainties which could apply not only to UN Regulations under GRBP, but also to all other UN Regulations. To acquaint all WP.29 experts with the concept, he suggested that IWG MU deliver a presentation at one of WP.29 meetings. WP.29 supported this initiative.

63. Finally, he informed WP.29 that GRBP, in close cooperation with GRPE, had established a Task Force on tyres’ abrasion under the Co-Chairmanship of France and the European Commission.

64. 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.30. WP.29 noted that contracting parties should notify the secretariat about any amendments needed to Add.1 to the status document via the online data base 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.

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

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

67. The Chair of GRVA recalled the purpose of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2022/55, proposing amendments to the Interpretation document on UN Regulation No. 155 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/59).

68. WP.29 adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2022/55.

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.

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

72. The representative from Germany, Chair of the IWG on DETA, presented (WP.29-186-12) the report to the World Forum related to the use of DETA and also updating WP.29 on the work of the IWG at its forty-third session, held on 3 March 2022. He laid out the current state of play, noting the number of approvals uploaded as well as the geographical distribution of their origin. He underlined that Germany was able to continue hosting DETA until a long-term solution for its hosting, potentially at UNECE, is identified. He reported on the developments of DETA: the contracting of the Unique Identifier (UI) function, the mass upload functionality and the two-factor authentication. He added that, concerning the DETA scope extension, the IWG on DETA discussed the potential access to cyber security related information by the contracting parties of the 1998 Agreement and the access in the course of Periodic Technical Inspection (by the contracting parties of the 1997 Agreement). He reported that, following the consultation of the GRs concerning UI and the proposal for a “summary document” stored in DETA, the group discussed that the GRs would probably need to draft provisions, in the relevant UN Regulations, with the markings without UI and the markings with UI.

73. WP.29 requested the secretariat to distribute WP.29-185-13 with an official symbol at the next WP.29 session.

74. The representative of CITA invited the IWG on DETA and WP.29 to consider the PTI needs related to UI.

75. The representative of UK enquired whether DETA would provide the necessary confidentiality that would permit to open the access of DETA to the PTI stakeholders.

76. WP.29 did not oppose to provide in the near future access to DETA to the PTI stakeholders. It required the IWG on DETA to provide, at the June 2022 session, assurance to WP.29 that the necessary confidentiality would be warranted so that such access could be granted.

77. WP.29 invited GRVA to resume discussion on cyber security and DETA and then to advice the IWG on DETA.

78. The World Forum considered the draft amendments under agenda items 4.6.1, 4.6.3, 4.6.4 and 4.6.6 to 4.6.8. and recommended their submission to AC.1 for voting.

79. The World Forum recalled that it had accepted the request of the GRBP Chair to postpone to the June 2022 session consideration of the draft amendments under agenda items 4.6.2 and 4.6.9 (see para 60. above).

80. The representative of ETRTO proposed a modification to the draft amendments in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2022/7 under agenda item 4.6.5 (WP.29-186-07). The representatives of the European Commission and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland commented on the ETRTO proposal. Based on the received comments, the World Forum requested ETRTO to revise WP.29-186-07 and decided to postpone consideration of the draft amendments in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2022/7 to the June 2022 session. In the interim, the World Forum requested the secretariat to arrange a written consultation of GRBP experts on the ETRTO proposal.

81. The World Forum considered draft amendments under agenda items 4.7.1 to 4.7.12 and recommended their submission to AC.1 for voting, including the latest modifications to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2022/18, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2022/19 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2022/20 (agenda items 4.7.7., 4.7.8 and 4.7.9.) adopted by GRVA at its January 2022 session, proposed in WP.29-186-05 and reproduced in Annex V of the session report.

82. The World Forum considered draft amendments under agenda items 4.8.1 and 4.8.14, corrected in the title of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2022/22 the number of the supplement to “5” and recommended their submission to AC.1 for voting.

83. The World Forum considered draft amendments under agenda items 4.9.1 to 4.9.6. and recommended their submission to AC.1 for voting.

84. The World Forum considered draft corrigenda under agenda items 410.1 to 4.10.2. and recommended their submission to AC.1 for voting.

85. The World Forum considered the draft amendments under agenda items 4.11.1 to 4.11.2 and recommended their submission to AC.1 for voting.

86. The Chair of GRBP presented a draft new UN Regulation on studded tyres. The World Forum considered the draft and recommended its submission to AC.1 for voting. The representative of Japan pointed out that their delegation would abstain and has intention not to apply the draft new UN Regulation, as studded tyres are prohibited in Japan.

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

88. WP.29 considered and adopted the draft amendment to the Consolidated Resolution on the common specification of light source categories (R.E.5) under agenda item 4.14.1.

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

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

91. The Chair of WP.29 recalled the discussions on this topic and the adoption of document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2022/55 by WP.29 under agenda item 4.2.3. (see paras. 67-68 above).

92. 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.

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

94. 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 twenty-fifth and twenty-sixth sessions, held in a virtual format. He informed WP.29 that the work of the IWG had focused on for areas:

1. In-service compliance assessment;
2. Measures to detect tampering;
3. Draft Rule on Accident Emergency Call Systems;
4. Access to DETA.

95. 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.

96. The representative of France, Chair of GRBP, reported on the related discussions in his group. The highlighted the need to define the right interface between vehicle approval (including Conformity of Inspection, In-service Conformity and Market surveillance in some markets) and periodic technical inspection. He stated the importance of making sure that reference tests performed within the framework of type approval would need to be adequately used in PTI and road side inspection.

97. The representative from the UK recalled the inclusion of penalties for non-compliance was mentioned by the IWG on PTI, which predominantly exist in national legislation. He requested the view from WP.29 about the role of 1997 agreement to make recommendations on penalties, and shared his view that this was probably the prerogatives of each contracting parties. The Chair agreed with the UK statement, and added that contributing to roadworthiness tests was a useful added value of the 1997 Agreement deliverables.

98. The representative from Sweden supported the statement from the UK and highlighted the importance to carry on activities to reveal tampering in PTI and roadside tests and invited the IWG on PTI to continue and expand their activities on that matter.

99. The representative from CITA agreed that WP.29 was not mandated to defining penalties, and thanked the UK and Sweden for the constructive feedback.

100. The secretariat on behalf of GRPE Chair supported the approach described by the Co-Chair of the IWG on PTI, and informed GRPE will be seeking active implication from GRPE stakeholders during its June 2022 session.

101. The representative of France commented on the envisaged access to DETA for the purpose of PTI. He highlighted the importance of considering appropriate uniform data structure stored in DETA that could be used of PTI.

102. The representative of CITA explained that the current developments of UI could create serious issues in the course of PTI inspections and therefore would need to be properly developed to accommodate sovereign tasks and needs such as PTI.

103. WP.29 acknowledged that some regions already developed provisions related to data for PTI and that such matter could be discussed in this forum. OICA commented that those markets require information exchange on the basis of Vehicle Identification Numbers while DETA was structured based on Approval numbers and vehicle types.

104. 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.

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

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

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

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

109. The World Forum noted that the proposal for a framework document on vehicle whole-life compliance would still need to be reviewed by three GRs and therefore agreed to keep ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/148 on the agenda for the next session.

110. WP.29 discussed whether there was a need to keep this item on the agenda, as no contributions were received for the last seven years.

111. The representative of the United States of America agreed to delete it, if it could be brought up on a case-by-case basis.

112. WP.29 agreed to delete the agenda item temporarily and to reintroduce it to the agenda if needed.

113. The Chair of GRVA informed WP.29 of his invitation from the WP.1 Chair to the WP.1 to discuss the coordination of a public joint event of WP.1 and WP.29. He stated that he would report on the global activities under the framework document, the progress made on UN Regulation No. 157, the collaboration and work of WP.29 on light signalling for Automated Vehicles (AVs) and the corresponding schedule and asked WP.29 for further guidance, in particular regarding the coordination of the joint event.

114. WP.29 supported a joint event in general but agreed that a public event this year would be too premature, as certain steps needed to be conducted, for instance defining the objectives of the joint event, especially the cooperation and collaboration with WP.1. WP.29 preferred to conduct this event informally.

115. The Chair of GRVA participated in the WP.1 session, organized in the same week as WP.29, and reported there on WP.29 position regarding a joint public event.

116. The Chair of GRVA informed WP.29 of the results of his meeting with WP.1. He reported that that the Chair of WP.1 expressed her disappointment of not having a joint public event this year and that her objective for the joint event would have been to give information about the activities performed in each working party, rather than informing about their collaboration. He reported that there were questions regarding the meaning of “guidelines”, which were submitted by FRAV and VMAD to the WP.29 meeting in March 2022 for information. He stated that he had explained to WP.1 that these guidelines were no type of legal instrument but rather a guidance for Contracting Parties, who would like to start rule making and that these guidelines were still under development. He reported that there were questions about the extension of ALKS and that he explained that the system would comply to the national traffic laws without any need for user input.

117. WP.29 agreed to continue the discussions regarding a joint event with WP.1 at the June 2022 session of AC.2.

118. WP.29 noted the actions taken in the framework of the responsibilities of the World Forum regarding the global plan for the decade of action for road safety 2021-2030 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1095, para. 97).

119. The secretariat informed WP.29 of the most recent activities of the UNRSF project with a focus on the side event on “Used Cars for Africa” organized by UNECE at the 75th Anniversary celebration of ITC. She further explained the impact of the side event on the UNRSF project. Following her presentation, the Chair of WP.29 recalled the decision of the World Forum to establish an Informal Working Group “IWG” on “Safer and Cleaner Used and New Vehicles” and invited WP.29 to participate in activities of this IWG.

120. The representative of the United States sought guidance from WP.29 related to the terms of reference for the IWG on “Safer and Cleaner Used and New Vehicles” to ensure that in the work of the informal working group, there are no technical barriers to trade imposed as a result of the establishment of the requirements for the import and export of vehicles.

121. The Secretariat noted that letters were sent to all the missions in Geneva to ensure that the group is inclusive in its establishment. He also highlighted that the starting points for discussions will be the international regulatory framework established under the three vehicle Agreements. However, reference to equivalent national standards would be provided for items not yet covered under the above mentioned agreements in order to be inclusive as much as possible.

122. The representative of the Netherlands intervened to suggest that for the first meeting of the IWG, that the objective when setting up the terms of reference should be to establish manageable goals which are not overly complex and would have a negative impact on the industry while meeting the established objectives of the IWG.

123. The representative of the UK recalled that with Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement provisions were included providing for the issuing of approvals in accordance to earlier versions of UN Regulations to facilitate an entry level for countries in different economic situation.

124. The representative of CITA stated that the provisions should be realistic and economically sustainable.

125. WP.29 agreed to discuss further the details of the terms of reference at the first session of the IWG on “Safer and Cleaner Used and New Vehicles” taking into account the suggestions made by delegates.

126. WP.29 noted that the informal document WP.29-186-15 provided information on the proposals for 62 amendments and one corrigendum to existing UN Regulations, that have been adopted by AC.1 in the November 2021 session of WP.29. They further noted that the document also included the envisaged dates of entry into force, being the 22 June 2022 for the amendments if no objections had been received, and the 24 November 2021 for the corrigendum.

127. The Secretary invited the delegates of WP.29 to take leaflets and brochures regarding safety belts, cost-benefits methodology for harmonization of vehicle regulations, and automated vehicles, which were produced on a regularly basis and their availability in different language versions on the UNECE website for free download.

128. The World Forum adopted the report on its 186th session and its annexes based on a draft prepared by the secretariat under COVID-19 special procedures. The report included sections related to the Eightieth session of the Administrative Committee (AC.1) of the 1958 Agreement, to the Sixty-third session of the Executive Committee (AC.3) of the 1998 Agreement and the fourteenth session of the Administrative Committee of the 1997 Agreement (AC.4).

129. 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 25 February 2022. The written procedure, had been initiated on 1 March 2022 12:00h CET and had lasted for 72 hours, ending on 5 March 2022 12:00h CET. The eightieth, hybrid session of AC.1 was held on 9 March 2022.

130. Of the 56 contracting parties to the agreement, 39 were represented by taking part in the written procedure and at the hybrid AC.1 session, its seventy-ninth session, on 9 March 2022.

131. AC.1 invited the Chair of WP.29 to chair the hybrid session.

132. 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, can be found under the “Adopted Texts” item above.

133. The sixty-third session of the Executive Committee (AC.3) was held on 9 March 2022 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 25 February 2022. 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, Norway, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, South Africa, Tunisia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and United States of America.

134. AC.3 noted the information, as of March 2022, on the status of the Agreement of the Global Registry and of the Compendium of Candidates (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1073/Rev.32), the status of the priorities of the 1998 Agreement (based on WP.29-186-06 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.

135. 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 only administrative but also relevant to the effectiveness of the Agreement.

136. Submitted for consideration and vote, the proposal for a new UN GTR on In-vehicle battery durability for electrified vehicles (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2022/45 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2022/46) was adopted on 9 March 2022 by consensus vote of the following contracting parties present and voting: Australia, Canada, China, European Union (representing Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden), India, Japan, Malaysia, Norway, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, South Africa, Tunisia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and United States of America.

137. The Chair emphasized the importance of the proposal for a new UN GTR on In-vehicle Battery Durability for Electrified Vehicles and invited the Chair of GRPE to provide a brief introduction to the proposal.

138. The Chair of GRPE underlined the relevance of the proposal to AC.3, and acknowledged the cooperation of all parties involved in the development of the UN GTR proposal and for the great achievement on this key issue for future attractiveness of electrified powertrains. He also underlined the importance of the proposal to help decarbonization of the transport sector and thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

139. He highlighted the consistent engagement by experts from Canada, China, Japan, Korea, the United States of America, the European Union and other key stakeholders for the seamless collaboration in developing the harmonized proposal submitted to AC.3 vote. He finalized by adding that the minimum performance requirements were included in the proposal for battery energy content and that driving range as well as extension of the scope to heavier vehicles categories were part of forthcoming activities.

140. The representative from Korea insisted on the importance of providing robust electrified vehicles to the market, given the sharp increase of electric vehicle registrations in recent months. He added that consumer acceptance needed continuous consideration for safe and environmentally friendly deployment of electrified vehicles, as provided by this UN GTR proposal. He concluded by confirming that Korea would continue supporting all activities on that topic.

141. Re-submitted for consideration and vote, the request (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/155/Rev.1) of United States of America to list in the Compendium of Candidates for UN GTRs, the United States of America’s Durability Driving Enforcement Procedure for two-wheeled vehicles, was adopted on 9 March 2022 by consensus vote of Australia, Canada, China, European Union (representing Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden), India, Japan, Malaysia, Norway, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, South Africa, Tunisia, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and United States of America.

142. Re-submitted for consideration and vote, the request (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2021/158) of China to list in the Compendium of Candidates for UN GTRs, China’s Durability Driving Enforcement Procedure for two-wheeled vehicles, was adopted on 9 March 2022 by consensus vote of Australia, Canada, China, European Union (representing Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden), India, Japan, Malaysia, Norway, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, South Africa, Tunisia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and United States of America.

143. AC.3 expressed appreciation to the effort of the Representative of China for having provided full official translation in English (one of the three official languages of UNECE) of the two Chinese domestic standards that will be appended in the Compendium of Candidates for UN GTRs. AC.3 acknowledged the value of such efforts for the sake of transparency and support of global harmonization.

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

145. The Co-Chair of the IWG on Environmental and Propulsion Performance Requirements (EPPR), introduced the latest progress of the IWG on the recent development on UN GTR No. 2. He indicated the IWG had been working on a new amendment 5 to UN GTR No. 2 proposal to be submitted to the June 2022 session of AC.3,

1. to correct and clarify existing provisions in UN GTR No. 2;
2. to align some provisions with UN GTR No. 15;
3. to update to technical progress and
4. to include 3-wheeled vehicles into the scope covered by the UN GTR.

146. The representative of Italy requested the authorization to develop amendment 4 to the UN GTR No. 3 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2022/47). He explained that, after having submitted the proposal to AC.3 in December 2021, Italy informed GRVA in January 2022 of their intention to propose an amendment to the UN GTR to harmonize it with UN Regulation No. 78. The proposal would include requirements for stop lamp activation under regenerative braking and the updating of the references to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards for the determination of the Peak Braking Coefficient (PBC). He clarified that, following informal consultations with GRVA and contracting parties, the work plan contained in the document may be updated to take into account relevant GRVA developments and amendments related to stop lamp activation. AC.3 requested the secretariat to keep the document on its agenda for the June 2022 session.

147. The representative of the Republic of Korea updated AC.3 on recent activities concerning the developments of a draft amendment to UN GTR No. 8, sponsored by his country, aimed at modifying provisions for accommodating innovative steering with significant lower steering gear ratio. He mentioned exchanges between Canada and Korea that led to the drafting of two amendment proposals. He informed AC.3 that both amendment proposals were withdrawn at the January 2022 session of GRVA. He reported that the representative of the United States of America had encouraged the delegations to share data and technical information that could support the process and that the representative of OICA had agreed to provide such material. He concluded his intervention by stating that the stakeholders involved would resume activities after having reviewed information provided by the industry.

148. The representative of the United States of America provided a brief overview on the status of the discussions on Amendment 3 (head-form impact areas) and on amendment 4 (Deployable Pedestrian Protection Systems (DPPS)) of the UN GTR. He clarified that at the December 2021 session of GRSP, the experts from Germany and from the United States of America reported on the results of the meetings of the informal Task Force, which had not reached an agreement by the time of that session of GRSP, yet. Therefore, GRSP was not able to recommend amendment 3 to the Executive Committee of the 1998 Agreement (AC.3) at its March 2022 session. It was further noted that the work of the informal Task Force was suspended and that once the informal working group on deployable pedestrian protection system (IWG-DPPS) would finalize its work, another IWG should be established to solve the remaining issues of the UN GTR.

149. On amendment 4 on DPPS, he explained that the IWG Phase 1 would include numerical simulation for head impact time (HIT) against the vehicle in case of deployable systems and a marker in the preamble for generic approach to be developed in the next phase. He also informed that the expert from Japan had proposed a sentence about an equivalent method (physical or alternative numerical simulation) to the numerical simulation to be agreed by Contracting Parties. He clarified that the request by Japan to allow optional alternatives could be temporarily resolved by including the statement in the preamble (Part A) in brackets. He concluded that not yet completely listed remaining issues would be eventually discussed in a Phase 2 of the work on DPPS. The representative from Korea, Chair of DPPS-IWG, complemented the above-mentioned information, clarifying that a draft proposal of Amendment 4 would be discussed at the May 2022 session of GRSP.

150. The Chair of AC.3 expressed concern about the finalization of Amendment 3 to the UN GTR, since the original proposal submitted to vote at the March 2021 session of AC.3 (see ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1157, paras. 143-148) was returned to GRSP for urgent review, and the expectation that the issues could be resolved quickly. The representative of the United States of America stated that exchange of information among informal Task Force members and GRSP experts was ongoing and hopefully a full agreement would be reached on few remaining issues by the end of 2022.

151. The representative of the United States of America, Chair of the IWG HFCV – Phase 2 informed AC.3 that his previous report on the progress of work of the group did not need update since the IWG will resume its work next week. However, he reported that GRSP at its December 2021 session endorsed his request of an extension of the mandate of the IWG of six months. He also informed AC.3 that an informal proposal of amendment would be submitted at the May 2022 session of GRSP. Finally, AC.3 agreed to extend the mandate of the IWG until December 2022.

152. The secretariat informed AC.3 that, in the absence of sponsor to continue the development of UN GTR No. 15, the maintenance and further development of UN GTR No.15 was nevertheless still being examined by GRPE. Following the improvements adopted in UN Regulation No. 154 in this session of AC.1, some Contracting Parties had shown interest to reflect those in a forthcoming proposal for an Amendment 7 to UN GTR No. 15. He added that a formal proposal to AC.3 was expected in forthcoming sessions of AC.3.

153. The Chair of GRBP indicated that the work on Phase 3 of UN GTR No. 16 would start in 2022-2023.

154. No new information was provided under this agenda item. AC.3 agreed to remove this item from the agenda of the June 2022 session.

155. The representative of the United States of America, Chair of the IWG on EVS, reported that similarly to UN GTR No. 13, his previous report on the progress of work of the group did not need update since the IWG will re-convene last week of March.

156. The representative from the United States of America informed that activities on UN GTR No. 21 were idled while the UN GTR on in-vehicle battery durability was developed by the IWG on Electric Vehicle and the Environment (EVE). He added that the IWG resumed activities to take stock of the lessons learned from the application of UN GTR No. 21 by stakeholders to potentially improve and clarify some provisions in the forthcoming months.

157. The representative of the United States of America, Chair of IWG QRTV GTR, reported that the IWG activities had been put on hold, pending consideration of petitions in the framework of national rulemaking. The Chair of GRBP recalled that the mandate of IWG QRTV GTR had been extended until December 2023. He also pointed out that GRBP would continue working on QRTV under the 1958 Agreement within a newly established task force, also with a view to identifying possibilities of harmonization between UN Regulation No. 138 and respective Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). AC.3 suggested to come back to this item in November 2022.

158. The representative from the EU informed that no progress had been made on the development of the UN GTR on GRDE since the revised authorization was adopted last November 2021 by AC.3. He added the resources of the IWG on GRDE were mostly allocated to finalizing the UN Regulation on RDE, as described during the GRPE highlights by the GRPE Chair.

159. No further updates were provided to AC.3 as the draft UN GTR had been adopted under agenda item 14.

160. The Co-Chair of EPPR informed AC.3 on the main objectives of the draft new UN GTR, which were to harmonize provisions on pollution control devices of two- and three-wheeled vehicles taking into consideration the regional, national legislation that were existing and included in the compendium. He added that a draft proposal had been endorsed by GRPE in the January 2022 session and a proposal was expected to be submitted to vote at the June 2022 AC.3 session.

161. The representative from the EU updated AC.3 on the development of the new UN GTR on brake particulate emissions, informing that a series of meetings had been held by the IWG on Particulate Measurement Programme (PMP) took place in 2021 to develop the proposal, that focused on the development of the brake particle emissions method, including inter-laboratory studies, the inclusion of regenerative braking concept method, and drafting of the proposal. He informed that a draft UN GTR was expected to be available for consideration by GRPE in January 2023, with a final proposal ready for AC.3 consideration foreseen for the June 2023 session of AC.3.

1. Side impact dummies (agenda item 18.1 (a))

162. No subject was raised under this agenda item and it was agreed to remove it from the agenda of the next session.

2. Pole side impact (agenda item 18.1 (b))

163. No subject was raised under this agenda item and it was agreed to remove it from the agenda of the next session.

164. No subject was raised under this agenda item and it was agreed to remove it from the agenda of the next session.

165. No subject was raised under this agenda item.

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

167. The Administrative Committee (AC.4) did not convene, as recommended by AC.2 during its 138th session.

168. No subject was raised under this agenda item.

169. No subject was raised under this agenda item.

170. No subject was raised under this agenda item.