112. The representative of Japan, Co-Chair of the IWG on ADS, introduced the proposal for a global technical regulation on automated driving systems submitted for vote at this session. He provided a brief update on the text submitted for adoption (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2026/139 and informal document WP.29-199-08) noting significant activities over the past two years, including eleven hybrid and twenty-four online meetings. He confirmed that work would continue after adoption, with the Informal Working Group’s mandate extended for three years, and the next meeting scheduled for July 2026 in Brussels. He concluded by expressing appreciation to all contributors to the development of the regulation.
113. The proposal (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2026/139, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2026/142, WP.29-199-08 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/AC.3/62), was established in the Global Registry of the 1998 Agreement on 24 June 2026 by consensus vote of Australia, Canada, China, EU, Japan, Republic of Korea, Nigeria, Norway, Russian Federation, Türkiye, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America. Albania, Azerbaijan, and Tunisia abstained from voting
114. The representative of OICA emphasized WP.29 as the central platform for international cooperation on vehicle regulations, highlighting its success in developing harmonized frameworks for automated driving through collaboration between governments, experts, and industry. OICA welcomed the adoption of both a UN Regulation under the 1958 Agreement and a UN Global Technical Regulation under the 1998 Agreement, demonstrating their complementary roles. OICA reaffirmed its neutral support for both frameworks and stressed the importance of technical alignment to enable safe and efficient deployment of new technologies, while calling for continued focus on evidence-based work, monitoring, and international harmonization through WP.29 and GRVA.
115. The representative of Canada gave a history of the activities leading to the submission of this GTR, he recalled the activities performed under the IWGs on Functional Requirements for Automated Vehicles and Validation Method for Automated Driving. He expressed his pride in this assembly, which worked together while respecting the principle of neutrality and the idea of adopting the same technical requirements under both the 1958 and 1998 Agreements. He acknowledged the work done to support technical progress thanked all contributors, industry, NGOs, contracting parties and experts at large.
116. The representatives of OICA and CLEPA warmly welcomed the adoption of both the UN Regulation and the Global Technical Regulation GTR on automated driving systems, highlighting this milestone as a strong example of global alignment under the 1958 and 1998 Agreements. They noted that fully harmonized technical provisions provide a solid basis for worldwide convergence, supported by ongoing regulatory developments in China, the United States and Canada. The regulations, based on a safety case approach and established international standards, ensure high levels of safety while maintaining flexibility for innovation. OICA and CLEPA also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to address remaining technical issues and support further progress.
117. The representative of the United States recognized the many contributions of governments and industry to the development of the landmark regulations, expressing sincere appreciation to GRVA Chair and the American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC) for their leadership in the development of the regulations.
118. The Chair of GRVA welcomed the establishment of the UN GTR on ADS and acknowledged the large number of experts involved in its development. He expressed his appreciation for their sustained commitment to the work across the agreements throughout the development, noting it was important and promising for the future steps in the field of ADS.
119. SAE International highlighted both the historic technical accomplishments and the unprecedented level of collaboration that resulted in these two parallel regulations. He also made mention of the tremendous amount of work put forth by members of the industry associations, technical services, other NGOs, and of course the contracting parties
120. The representatives of Japan, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland also welcomed the adoption of both the UN Regulation and the Global Technical Regulation, recognising the efforts of all those involved and offered their thanks. The representative of the ITU also commended Ian Yarnold, the previous Chair of the ITS Informal Group, for his foresight in enabling the establishment of the IWG on Validation Method for Automated Driving.
121. The representative of China congratulated AC.3 on the adoption of the GTR on ADS. He thanked the six Co-Chairs of the IWG on ADS from Canada, China, European Commission, Japan, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America. He informed AC.3 of the willingness of his country to implement and further work on the elaboration of the global automated driving systems regulations.
122. The Chair of GRVA welcomed the establishment of the UN GTR on ADS and acknowledged the large number of experts involved in its development. He expressed his appreciation for their sustained commitment throughout the process, noting it was important and promising for the future steps in the field of ADS.
123. The representative of the United States of America recognized the many contributions of governments and industry to the development of the landmark regulations, expressing sincere appreciation to GRVA Chairman Mr. R. Damm and the American Automotive Policy Council for their leadership in the development of the regulations.