1. The Working Party on Passive Safety (GRSP) held its seventy-fourth session from 4 to 8 December 2023 in Geneva. Chaired by Mr. M. Koubek (United States of America), experts from the following countries participated following Rule 1(a) of the Rules of Procedure of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/690/Rev.1): Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Czechia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America. The European Commission (EC) participated. Experts from the following non-governmental organizations participated: American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC), Consumers International (CI), European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA), International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee (CITA), International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (IMMA), International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) and World Bicycle Industry Association (WBIA).

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

3. GRSP considered and adopted the agenda (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2023/25), the running order (GRSP-74-02) and the annotations (GRSP-74-16-Rev.1). GRSP informal working groups are listed in annex X of the session report.

GRSP-74-02 | GRSP: Running order of the 74th (December 2023) session

GRSP-74-16/Rev 1 | Annotated Provisional Agenda for the Seventy-Fourth Session

GRSP/2023/25 | GRSP: Annotated provisional agenda for the 74th (December 2023) session

4. The expert from the Republic of Korea, Chair of the Informal Working Group on Deployable Pedestrian Protection Systems (IWG DPPS), introduced the final progress report of the Group (GRSP-74-11-Rev.1) and the final proposal for Amendment 3 to the UN GTR (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2023/31 and GRSP-74-22-Rev.1).

5. GRSP recommended the proposal of Amendment 3 to UN GTR No. 9 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2023/31) as amended by annex II of this report, and the final report of the IWG DPPS (GRSP-74-11-Rev.1) as reproduced in annex II to the report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal and the final report as draft Amendment 3 to UN GTR No. 9 for consideration and vote to the Executive Committee of the 1998 Agreement (AC.3) at its June 2024 session.

GRSP-74-11/Rev.1 | GTR 9: Final report on the development of Amendment 3 (DPPS) Final report on the development of provisions for deployable pedestrian protection systems (DPPS).

GRSP-74-22/Rev.1 | UN GTR 9: Proposal for Amendment 3 Proposes provisions on DPPS (Deployable Pedestrian Protection Systems)

GRSP/2023/31 | GTR 9: Proposal for Amendment 3 Proposal for the DPPS informal group to introduce provisions for deployable pedestrian protection systems (DPPS) into the GTR.

6. The expert from OICA, Secretary of IWG GTR13, Phase 2, introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2023/26 and GRSP-74-13 proposing corrections to the Amendment 1 to the UN GTR established by WP.29 and AC.3 at their June 2023 sessions. The GRSP Chair clarified that the corrections aimed to resolve mistakes introduced during the drafting of the amendment and would not affect the proposed use of the regulatory text.

7. GRSP recommended the proposal and requested the secretariat to submit ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2023/26, as amended by annex III to the report as Corrigendum 1 to Amendment 1 to UN GTR No. 13 for consideration and vote at the June 2024 session of AC.3.

GRSP-74-13 | GTR 13: Proposal to amend GRSP/2023/26 Proposal from the Informal Working Group on UN Global Technical Regulation No. 13, Phase 2 to add further editorial corrections to the original proposal for Corrigendum 1.

GRSP/2023/26 | GTR 13: Proposal for Corrigendum 1 to Amendment 1 Proposal from the GTR 13-Phase 2 informal group to correct editorial errors in Amendment 1.

8. The Electric Vehicle Safety (IWG) Chair and Chair of GRSP on behalf of the co-sponsors (China, Japan, United States of America, European Union (EU)) and of the members of IWG GTR No. 20, Phase 2, reported on the progress (GRSP-74-33-Rev.2) of the Group. He concluded that at the twenty-seventh meeting of the EVS IWG in Tokyo, Japan, the IWG attempted to reach consensus on one or a technically appropriate combination of the positions outlined in the progress report and that it was not able to prepare a draft unified proposal for amendment to UN GTR No. 20 to meet its mandate (set to expire December 2023 unless extended).

9. The representative of European Commission, Vice Chair of the EVS IWG, speaking on behalf of the EU Member States, informed GRSP that they would not support the extension of the mandate of the IWG. Moreover, he clarified that they would, with support of other Contracting Parties, focus on finalising the work of EVS IWG Phase 2 within the framework of the 1958 Agreement. He also informed GRSP that an ad-hoc Special Interest Group was to be formally established (GRSP-74-35, terms of reference (ToR)) to develop a model regulation regarding the safety of electric vehicles with a focus on thermal propagation requirements. Moreover, he added that this proposal would amend UN Regulation No. 100 and would equally serve as the basis for different national regulations beyond the framework of the 1958 Agreement. The EU experts present at the GRSP session concurred with the position of the representative from EC. The representative of the United States of America argued that this approach was premature (since the mandate of the EVS IWG was not yet expired) and asked GRSP to suspend any decision on the way forward until December 20, 2023, when the Special session of the Executive Committee of the 1998 Agreement would be convened to decide the future activities of the EVS IWG (extension of the mandate).

10. GRSP Chair suspended the above discussion for lack of agreement awaiting the outcome of results of the above-mentioned Special session of AC.3.

GRSP-74-33/Rev.2 | UN GTR 20: Technical Report on the Development of Amendment 1

11. The expert from Finland introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2023/27 to propose a new series of amendments to UN Regulations Nos. 14 that removes the derogations for the two-point safety belts. The expert from France and Italy requested more information and supporting evidence. While the experts from Norway and Sweden supported the proposal, the expert from the United Kingdom requested further statistical data to support the proposal. The expert from Australia stated that he would like to provide further data to clarify the way forward in view of was insufficiently support for the proposal. On the suggestion of the GRSP Chair, the Group agreed to resume discussion at its May 2024 session based on further statistical data and a cost-benefit analysis, and then to conclude on ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2023/27.

GRSP/2023/27 | UN R14: Proposal for the 10 series of amendments Proposal to enhance the safety of the belted passenger seated behind a seat by removing the two of the derogations for two-point belts in buses and coaches laid down in paragraphs 5.3.5. to 5.3.5.4.

12. The expert from OICA introduced a presentation (GRSP-74-20) to reintroduce a proposal (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2023/28, amended by GRSP-74-19) that allowed occupants to use alternative seating positions only if this was not in conflict with any other UN Regulation. The expert from Germany recommended the need to start studies and to reflect on this subject to introduce a proper amendment. The expert from France agreed. The expert from the Netherland stated that an adoption of the proposal was premature. He added that the topic was relevant and suggested focusing on broader perspectives (e.g. autonomous vehicles and new interior layouts). Finally, GRSP agreed to establish a group of interested experts led by Germany and to organize a workshop (managed by OICA). Experts from contracting parties were invited to join the discussion and to also table concerns.

GRSP-74-19 | UN R14: Proposal for Supplement 03 to the 09 Series of Amendments Also proposal for Supplement 10 to the 07 Series of Amendments and Supplement 02 to the 08 Series of Amendments

GRSP-74-20 | UN R14: Proposal on Alternative Anchorage Positions

GRSP/2023/28 | UN R14: Proposal for Supplement 10 to the 07 Series, Supplement 2 to the 08 Series, and Supplement 3 to the 09 Series of Amendments Proposal to add anchorage positions to enable alternative seating positions (with a higher seatback inclination than today) during driving.

13. GRSP agreed with the conclusions of paragraph 11, in reference to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2023/29 which complements the proposal on safety-belt anchorages and removes derogations for two-point safety-belts on buses and coaches.

GRSP/2023/29 | UN R16: Proposal for the 10 series of amendments Proposal to enhance the safety of the belted passenger seated behind a seat by removing two derogations for buses and coaches for two-point belts.

14. The expert from the Netherlands introduced a presentation (GRSP-74-07) for a proposal (GRSP-74-06) that defines the judgement phase of the dynamic safety-belt component test on the sled. The experts from France and the Republic of Korea asked for a time reservation on the proposal. The expert from Spain stated her intention to participate if a task force on this subject was established. Finally, the expert from the Netherlands announced that he would email interested experts, through the secretariat, to participate in this effort.

GRSP-74-06 | UN R16: Proposal for Supplement 1 to the 09 series of amendments Proposal to define the judgement phase of the dynamic seat belt component test on the sled as limited up to the point where the manikin contacts the seat back during its backward movement after impact.

GRSP-74-07 | Definition of rebound phase in UN R16 dynamic test

15. The expert from the Netherlands informed GRSP about the start of activities of interested experts on restructuring UN Regulation No. 16. The first meeting of the Group was scheduled for 9 and 10 January 2024 in Brussels. He added that this activity aimed solely at splitting the UN Regulation and not at introducing new provisions. He concluded that IWG on International Whole Vehicle Type Approval (IWVTA) had been informed, and that objection had not been raised on this activity (see paragraph 42 of the session report).

16. The expert from the Republic of Korea introduced GRSP-74-14, prepared by the Safety-Belt Reminder (SBR) ad hoc group to address SBR related issues in UN Regulation No. 16. He announced that the ad hoc group would convene on 22 January 2024 to revise GRSP-74-14 and submit an official proposal for the May 2024 session of GRSP.

GRSP-74-14 | UN R16: Proposal for the 10 Series of Amendments Aims to clarify which folding seats are exempt from the SBR requirements. The wording “fitted in the access passages of vehicles of category M2 or M3” means to cover folding seats located in the entry/exit areas of buses and coaches as well as folded/stowed seats for occasional usage in the aisle areas of such vehicles. The wording “fitted to N1 or N2 for the safe ingress and egress of the driver via the front passenger door” means to cover folding seats that can typically be found in delivery vans, and where this front passenger door is frequently used by the driver to safely exit the vehicle (on the vehicle side away from traffic).

17. The expert from Germany introduced GRSP-74-31 to clarify how to conduct the buckle-opening test in paragraph 7.8. of the UN Regulation. He added that he aimed to collect comments from GRSP experts on his proposal and to introduce a revised version at the May 2024 session of GRSP. GRSP also noted that if a new replacement proposal was not received by the secretariat, GRSP-74-31 should be confirmed for submission as an official document before the deadline.

GRSP-74-31 | UN R16: Proposal for Supplement 1 to the [09] series of amendments Proposal to clarify how to perform the buckle-opening test under point 7.8. of the regulation.

18. The expert from Japan introduced GRSP-74-24-Rev.5 amending ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2023/32 to prevent the negative effects of slack from the buckle of the safety belt on vehicle occupants. GRSP adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2023/32 as amended by annex IV of the session report. However, since the work on splitting the UN Regulation was on hold, the secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as the draft 10 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 16 to the next appropriate WP.29 and AC.1 sessions, indicated by the group of experts on restructuring the UN Regulation.

GRSP-74-24/Rev.5 | UN R16: Proposal for the 10 series of amendments

GRSP/2023/32 | UN R16: Proposal for a 10 series of amendments Proposal n to limit slack of the safety-belt buckle in rear seats to improve occupant safety.

19. GRSP note that WP.29 at its November 2023 session had returned ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2023/115 to GRSP for further revision (see ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1175, paragraph 106). The expert from OICA, explained that the proposal of Supplement 1 to the 10 series of amendments had already been incorporated in the 11 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 17 that had been adopted at the November 2023 session of WP.29. He further explained that this supplement would imply a new provision that would enter into force immediately creating problems to manufacturers. Therefore, he suggested that the proposal be withdrawn. The expert from Germany, author of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2023/115, insisted that the proposal was still needed. He offered to revise the proposal for further discussion at the May 2024 session of GRSP.

WP.29/2023/115 | UN R17: Proposal for Supplement 1 to the 10 series of amendments Proposal to enable approval of all vehicles and seating positions with regard to the strength of seats and their anchorages and with regard to their head restraints (in addition to M₁ and N₁) under UN R17. <i>(Note: WP.29 deferred a decision on adoption of this proposal during the November 2023 session.)</i>

WP.29/2023/115/Corr.1 | UN R17: Correction to document WP.29/2023/115 (Supplement 1 to the 10 series)

20. New information was not provided.

21. New information was not provided.

22. The expert from the Netherlands reiterated a proposal (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2023/35 and amendment GRSP-74-38) that: (a) identifies heavy duty vehicles equipped with an electric drivetrain and (b) confirms that additional labelling would support emergency services to determine how to approach these vehicles in case of a fire. The expert from the Russian Federation introduced GRSP-74-34 to reintroduce his proposal (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2023/36) that extends the identification of vehicles to categories M and N with an electric drivetrain. The expert from OICA argued that both proposals were challenging. He invited experts to look for solutions other than labelling to provide information (e.g. rescue sheets available on internet). The expert from the Russian Federation also insisted that the identification of passenger cars with electric power train would be needed due to the low number of electric vehicles in traffic. The expert from Australia suggested merging the proposals as he agreed on the need for labelling all electric vehicles in this transitional phase. The expert from France informed GRSP that the Euro New Car Assessment Programme (EuroNCAP) had confirmed that rescue sheets were also available offline. The expert from the Netherlands noted that it was not possible to link any single vehicle to rescue sheets. The expert from EC suggested keeping this proposal on hold until the amendment on UN Regulation No. 100 on thermal propagation was finalized, so as to submit an amendment as a complete package. The expert from the Netherlands clarified that the proposal would be needed without any further delays. Finally, GRSP adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2023/35 as amended by annex V to the session report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as draft 04 Series of Amendments to UN Regulation No. 100 for consideration and vote at the June 2024 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1.

GRSP-74-34 | UN R100: xEV identification

GRSP-74-38 | UN R100: Proposal for the 04 series of amendments Proposal to enable identification of buses and trucks equipped with an electric drivetrain.

GRSP/2023/35 | UN R100: Proposal for the 04 series of amendments Proposal to introduce provisions for identification of buses and trucks equipped with an electric drivetrain consistent with existing regulated identification for Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) and Compressed Hydrogen (H2) fueled trucks and buses.

GRSP/2023/36 | UN R100: Proposal for the 04 series of amendments Proposal to introduce provisions for identification of buses and trucks equipped with an electric drivetrain in a manner consistent with existing regulated identification for Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) and Compressed Hydrogen (H2) fueled trucks and buses.

23. The expert from OICA introduced GRSP-74-21 to amend Supplement 1 to the 04 series of amendments (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2023/50), adopted at the June 2023 session of WP.29, by clarifying the definition of the “third of windscreen”. He requested GRSP experts to provide comments on the proposal by the end of February 2024 for the submission of an official, revised version at the May 2024 session of GRSP. GRSP noted that if a new replacement proposal was not received by the secretariat, GRSP-74-21 should be confirmed for submission as an official document before the deadline.

GRSP-74-21 | UN R127: Proposal for Supplement 2 to the 04 series of amendments also applicable to Supplement 3 to the 03 series of amendments

WP.29/2023/50 | UN R127: Proposal for Supplement 1 to the 04 series of amendments Proposal for clarifications to the text (subsequent to documents WP.29/2022/70, WP.29/2022/129 and WP.29/2022/130), especially relating to the definitions of the cowl monitoring, the windscreen, and the jerk areas.

24. The expert from CLEPA introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2023/38 with a presentation (GRSP-74-36): to reinstate the reference to the one-belt route for installation of boosters (paragraph 6.1.3.4. of the UN Regulation) and to clarify the choice of the dynamic test on a vehicle body shell or on the test bench. The expert from the Netherlands fully supported the proposal which clarified and solved grey areas, so as to provide a full understanding of testing procedure for technical services. GRSP adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2023/38 not amended. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as draft Supplement 11 to the 03 series of amendments and Supplement 1 to the 04 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 129 to the June 2024 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1.

GRSP-74-36 | UN R129: Explanatory presentation for the Supplement to 03 / 04 series of amendments Explanatory presentation to .../GRSP/2023/38 – Clarification of test bench vs. bodyshell testing

GRSP/2023/38 | UN R129: Proposal for Supplement 11 to the 03 series and Supplement 1 to the 04 series of amendments Proposal to clarify the conditions under which Enhanced Child Restraint Systems must be tested in a vehicle body shell.

25. The expert from CLEPA introduced GRSP-74-03 that sets strict design requirements to reduce misuse of type-approved Child Restraint Systems (CRS) already on market that had features that were not allowed by UN Regulation No. 129. He requested feedback from the experts on what can and should be done. The expert from Finland informed GRSP that when a situation of this kind occurred in his country, market surveillance intervened to withdraw the product from the market. GRSP agreed to keep GRSP-74-03 on the agenda of the May 2024 session of GRSP for further consideration.

GRSP-74-03 | Ensuring CRS compliance with UN R129

26. The expert from the Netherlands introduced GRSP-74-10 which requests guidance on Supplement 10 to the 03 series to UN Regulation No. 129 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2023/120). He explained that the proposal had been adopted by WP.29 at its November 2023 session to clarify the existing requirement on “one-belt route”. He recalled to GRSP that the proposal aimed for a better understanding of Type Approval Authorities to guarantee a prevention of misuse by end-users of the product. He added that introducing clarification through the supplement would lead to uncertainty on previous type approvals granted in the same series of amendments but based on different interpretations. He added that the same uncertainty would be reiterated for extensions of these type approvals preceding the supplement. He therefore requested experts to provide feedback for discussion to Type Approval Authority Meetings (TAAM). The expert from CLEPA confirmed the relevance of this issue for GRSP. GRSP recommended its experts to be increasingly vigilant on this type of matters. The Chair of GRSP was requested to highlight this issue in his intervention at the March 2024 session of WP.29.

GRSP-74-10 | UN R129: Guidance concerning Supplement 10 to the 03 series of amendments Explanations and clarifications concerning the "one belt route" provisions.

27. The expert from France introduced GRSP-74-29-Rev.1, based on a presentation introduced at the May 2023 session of GRSP (GRSP-73-53). She recalled that the proposal would allow installation of a headrest on the bench in the dynamic frontal test of a universal booster cushion with a Q10 dummy. She clarified that this would allow testing of the universal booster cushion, without damaging the neck of the dummy. GRSP adopted GRSP-74-29-Rev.1 as reproduced by annex VI to the report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as part of (paragraph 23) draft Supplement 11 to the 03 Series of amendments and as part of draft Supplement 1 to the 04 Series of Amendments to UN Regulation No. 129 for consideration and vote at the November 2023 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1.

GRSP-74-29/Rev.1 | UN R129: Proposal for Supplement 1 to the 04 series of amendments Proposal to allow installation of a dummy protective device on the UN R129 bench in the dynamic frontal test with a universal booster cushion. (Also proposed as Supplement 11 to the 03 series of amendments).

28. The expert of the Task Force to transpose Amendment 1 of UN GTR No. 13 into UN Regulation No. 134 introduced GRSP-74-12, correcting UN Regulation No. 134 (Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles). GRSP adopted GRSP-74-12, as reproduced by annex VII to the session report. The secretariat was requested to submit the proposal as corrigendum 1 to the original version of UN Regulation No. 134 for consideration and vote to the June 2024 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1.

GRSP-74-12 | UN R134: Proposal for a corrigendum 1 to the original series of amendments and to the 01 series of amendments Proposal from the task force on the Transposition of GTR 13 Phase 2 amendments into UN R134.

29. The expert from Japan reiterated a proposal (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2023/34) on amending the requirement of the Thorax Compression Criterion (ThCC) of the 5th female dummy in vehicles of category N1 with a maximum permissible mass not exceeding 2,800 kg. The expert from Italy expressed concerns that the amendment would impact on the market of this vehicle category that was widely used for goods delivery. The expert from the Republic Korea informed GRSP that the proposal had received negative feedback in his country. The expert from OICA underlined that the proposal focused mainly on a national situation and not on those of other countries. The expert from the Netherlands proposed the possibility of establishing a two-step approach for implementing the proposed requirements for countries which needed them. GRSP noticed that this approach would potentially infringe on the principle of mutual recognition of type approvals of the 1958 Agreement. Finally, GRSP agreed to provide a further study reservation to the proposal and resume consideration on it at its May 2024 session.

GRSP/2023/34 | UN R137: Proposal for the 04 series of amendments Proposal to amend the requirement concerning for the thorax compression criterion (ThCC) of the 5th Female dummy in the case of vehicles of category N₁.

30. New information was not provided.

31. As per paragraphs 4 and 5, the experts from Austria and the Republic of Korea, on behalf of IWG, introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2023/33 and GRSP-74-23-Rev.1 amending it, to introduce a proposal of addendum to Mutual Resolution No.1 (M.R.1) submitted by the IWG to calculate Head Impact Time and concerning provisions for: (a) DPPS Generic Vehicle Models and (b) developing Human Body Model qualification corridors. GRSP adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2023/33, as amended by annex VIII of the session report and requested the secretariat to submit it as draft Amendment 4 to M.R.1 for consideration and vote at the June 2024 sessions of WP.29 and AC.3.

GRSP-74-23/Rev.1 | MR1: Proposal for Amendment 4 Propose a new Addendum 5 on provisions for the specifications for the Qualification of Human Body Models for pedestrian Head Impact Time (HIT) determination as a DPPS prerequisite.

GRSP/2023/33 | MR1: Proposal for Amendment 4 Proposal from the Deployable Pedestrian Protection Systems informal group (IWG-DPPS) on UN Global Technical Regulation No. 9 to introduce provisions for the Qualification of Human Body Models for pedestrian Head Impact Time (HIT) determination as a DPPS prerequisite.

32. The expert from the Netherlands introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2023/37 and GRSP-74-09-Rev.1 amending it, to propose a new addendum to the M.R.1 to reproduce specifications of the three-dimensional H point machine. However, GRSP agreed to defer the adoption of the proposal to its May 2024 session to allow adoption at the same time of amendments to relevant UN Regulations and UN GTRs together those in the remit of the Working Party on General Safety Provisions and submit all proposals to the November 2024 sessions of WP.29 and AC.3.

GRSP-74-09/Rev.1 | MR1: Proposal for Amendment [5] Proposal to introduce provisions for the specifications and calibration procedure of the 3-D “H”-point machine and the procedure for determining the “H”-point and the actual torso angle for seating positions in motor vehicles for use across all relevant UN Regulations and GTR.

GRSP/2023/37 | MR 1: Proposal for Amendment 5 Proposal to introduce provisions for the specifications and calibration procedure of the 3-D "H"-point machine and the procedure for determining the "H"-point and the actual torso angle for seating positions in motor vehicles, to be used in all referenced UN Regulations and GTR.

33. The expert from Germany on behalf of the Task Force for the implementation of Q UN-Dummies into M.R.1 (TF-QUN) introduced the status report (GRSP-74-39) of the group. GRSP noted good progress in the work of the TF-QUN and agreed to resume consideration on this subject at its May 2024 session.

GRSP-74-39 | MR1: Status report from the task force on Q dummies

34. The expert from Sweden, Chair of IWG on Equitable Occupant Protection (EqOP) introduced a status report (GRSP-74-05) highlighting the work of the different task forces in the IWG. She underlined that one of the most relevant tasks of IWG was to improve the robustness of concerned regulations with priorities based on the relevance of the injury types. GRSP also noted a presentation from the expert of the Netherlands (GRSP-74-08) proposing improvement on head restraint test procedures in UN Regulation No. 17 and UN GTR No. 7. He explained the importance of defining and of testing head restraint gaps to limit whiplash. The expert from Sweden underlined the relevance of this issue and added that the work could be developed within the IWG. The expert from Germany suggested that a better definition of gaps should be introduced. He also said that a workshop at the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) had been held on this subject; the issue was developed, and a solution found. He did add that limits should be further developed.

GRSP-74-05 | Equitable Occupant Protection (EqOP) informal group status report to GRSP

GRSP-74-08 | UN R17: Question on 10 series for improvement of head restraint displacement and strength test

35. GRSP noted a presentation from the expert of CLEPA (GRSP-74-30) on differences of whiplash performance for mid-size male and mid-size female dummies in seats which suggested possible geometric improvements for seat/head restraint. He noted that this was a first step for a full discussion of the issue. The expert from the Netherlands stated that head restraints should protect everybody, and that GRSP-74-30 revealed a weakness of current head restraints which did not cover the whole range of occupants. He added that a harmonized approach should be found to amend UN GTR No. 7 and UN Regulation No. 17. The experts from Austria and Sweden agreed with the expert from the Netherlands. The expert from Canada supported an improvement in parallel with UN GTR No. 7 and UN Regulation No. 17. The expert from Germany fully supported a discussion in the remit of a task force of EqOP IWG. The expert from the United States of America requested a time reservation to better understand the issue. GRSP agreed to resume discussion at its May 2024 session.

GRSP-74-30 | UN R17: Inf EqOP - WHIPLASH improvements for small occupants

36. The expert from Spain, Chair of IWG on Safer Transport of Children in Buses and Coaches (IWG-STCBC) introduced the status report of the Group (GRSP-74-01). She confirmed that the second phase of the UN Regulation would entail Child Restraint Systems (CRS) in combination with two-point safety belts. She clarified that separate components on CRS for installation would not be allowed, nor combinations of two-point belts and top tether or support leg. Moreover, she explained the ongoing and upcoming IWG activities on test procedures. Finally, she introduced a proposal (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2023/30) of revised ToR of IWG-STCBC. GRSP agreed to resume consideration on this subject at its May 2024 session and endorsed the revised IWG ToR (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2023/30) without amendments, that would be highlighted by the GRSP Chair at the March 2024 session of WP.29 for endorsement.

GRSP-74-01 | STCBC informal group status report to GRSP

GRSP/2023/30 | Safer Transport of Children in Buses and Coaches: Progress report and new Terms of Reference

37. The expert from Germany, Chair of the Task Force on Autonomous Vehicles Regulatory Screening (TF AVRS) of GRSP, introduced GRSP-74-32 on the outcome of the work. He explained that a first report to WP.29 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2023/86) was re-submitted with translations as ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRVA/2023/18, contains global results, summary sheets for each screened Regulations and was then adopted by WP.29 at its June 2024 session. He added that all Working Groups (WGs) might start drafting amendments to proposed “priority Regulations” and should present a timeline for amending them at WP.29 in March 2024. He added that coordination between groups should continue for common definitions, translations and solutions to cross WGs issues. He also informed GRSP about the outcome of the meeting of the TF leaders on Autonomous Vehicles Regulatory Screening, held in Paris on 16 and 17 October 2023. As a result of that meeting, he informed GRSP that WP.29 recognized the urgency to consider automated vehicles and their classification before March 2024. He added that given the complexity of vehicle categories under both the 1958 and 1998 Agreements, the expert groups believe that work should begin immediately with a first meeting in January 2024, with a first report to WP.29 in March 2024. He therefore announced that soon a convocation for a meeting of the experts of the TF AVRS of GRSP would be delivered to GRSP members.

GRSP-74-32 | TF-AVRS (Automated Vehicles Regulatory Screening): Status report

38. New information was not provided.

39. The expert from Australia recalled the past discussion held in GRSP and WP.29, and recommended that action not be circular and move forward. The expert from the Republic of Korea introduced GRSP-74-15 reminding GRSP of the noted discussion, and stressed that the scope of the regulatory discussion on this issue should include passenger vehicles and buses carrying children. He also added that discussions should not be steady but could move vigorously forward. The expert from Canada proposed establishing an ad hoc group with clear ToRs. The expert from the United States of America supported the proposal of the expert from Canada. The experts from Australia and the Republic of Korea proposed to co-chair the group. The expert from China informed GRSP that NCAP China already had protocols to test the original equipment of manufacturers to detect the presence of children, and he offered to co-chair the group. GRSP requested the Chair to highlight this initiative to the WP.29 March 2024 session for endorsement before resuming discussions at its May 2024 session.

GRSP-74-15 | Heatstroke accident data in buses carrying children

40. The representatives of the contracting parties, present and voting, unanimously elected 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 2024.

41. The expert from Japan introduced GRSP-74-18 on heavy-duty trucks with a sleeping berth in the cabin. Since there were not yet any safety regulations in Japan on this subject, he asked for comments to provide a basis for the study and discussion of future requirements in his country. GRSP agreed to resume discussion on this subject at its May 2024 session and requested to their experts to send comments to the expert from Japan.

GRSP-74-18 | Use of a Bed in [Category N vehicles] Trucks While Running

42. The expert from Japan, Ambassador of IWVTA, informed GRSP that the Group was developing the 06 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 0. which had been adopted at the November 2023 session of WP.29. He noted that the series reflected the latest series of amendments to UN Regulations Nos. 12, 127 and 135, which had entered into force in January 2023. He reminded GRSP about GRSP-72-07-Rev.1 on interpreting the preceding series of amendments (singular or plural) mentioned in the transitional provisions of UN Regulations. He informed GRSP that the issue had been discussed in IWVTA IWG, with the intent of a resubmission at the March 2024 session of WP.29. He finally informed GRSP that the IWVTA IWG members at the June 2023 session of the IWG did not have objections or comments on the splitting of UN Regulation No. 16.

43. GRSP resumed discussion on the Unique Identifier (UI) marking. The expert from CITA, introduced GRSP-74-26, to clarify the concept of UI. The expert from the Netherlands expressed the general opinion that UI was needed in the UN Regulations under the remit of GRSP. He therefore suggested, as previously stated by the expert from Spain (see ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/73, paragraph 55), that amending the 1958 Agreement would be more viable than amending each UN Regulations to prohibit UI. The expert from OICA agreed with the expert from the Netherlands. Finally, GRSP adopted GRSP-73-58 tabled by the experts from CITA and agreed to send it to the IWG on Database for the Exchange of Type Approval documentation as the final deliberation of GRSP on this subject.

GRSP-73-58 | Unique Identifier: Proposed actions for the IWG on DETA, GRs and WP.29

GRSP-74-26 | UN R0: Some thoughts about the Unique Identifier

44. The Secretary reported on the 190th and 191st sessions of WP.29.

GRSP-74-17 | Highlights of WP.29 June and November 2023 sessions

45. The expert from the Netherlands referred to the discussion on agenda item 16 (see paragraph 32) to introduce a proposal of authorization (GRSP-74-37) for the adaptation of UN Global Technical Regulations (UN GTRs) Nos. 6, 7 and 14 to technical progress – the aim would be to remove references to the three-dimensional H-point machine and to accommodate its drawings and specifications in M.R.1. GRSP adopted GRSP-74-37 and requested the secretariat submit it for the March 2024 session of AC.3.

GRSP-74-37 | UN GTR 6, 7 and 14: Request for authorization to develop amendments

46. New information was not provided.

47. The expert from Norway provided statistics from 2013 to 2022 in GRSP-74-25. The expert from France supported this activity and stated that data from his country also showed this issue. The expert from the United Kingdom also supported the activity, but requested a closer look at the available data. Finally, the experts from Finland, France, Italy, Sweden and United Kingdom endorsed the activity. GRSP requested its experts to provide further in-depth data at the May 2024 session and requested the secretariat to report at the April 2024 session of the Working Party on General Safety Provisions.

GRSP-74-25 | Frontal protection in buses

48. GRSP adopted its revised status of priorities (GRSP-74-27-Rev.1) for the year 2024 and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 for consideration at its March 2024 session.

GRSP-74-27/Rev.1 | Future work of the the working party on passive safety

49. The expert from Italy presented GRSP-74-04-Rev.1 that introduces an alternative speaker simulator for helmet testing. GRSP adopted (GRSP-74-04-Rev.1) as reproduced in annex IX to the session report and requested the secretariat to submit it as draft Supplement 3 to the 06 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 22 to WP.29 and AC.1 session for consideration and vote at their June 2024 sessions.

GRSP-74-04/Rev.1 | UN R22: Proposal of Supplement 03 to the 06 series of amendments Proposal to enable use of a rigid plastic speaker simulator in lieu of the current deformable simulator to facilitate and reduce the costs of testing.

50. The expert from France introduced GRSP-74-28 to update the requirements on post-crash electrical safety of UN Regulation No. 153. She explained that the proposal had been submitted for information and comments as the basis of a revised official proposal for the May 2024 session of GRSP. GRSP also noted that if a new replacement proposal was not received by the secretariat, GRSP-74-28 should be confirmed for submission as an official document before the deadline.

GRSP-74-28 | UN R153: Proposal for the 01 series of amendments The proposal aims to update the requirements on post-crash electrical safety

51. The seventy-fifth session of GRSP was scheduled for Geneva from 27 (2.30 p.m.) to 31 May (12.30 p.m.) 2023. GRSP noted the twelve-week deadline for the submission of official documents to the secretariat as 4 March 2024.