2. GRE considered and adopted the agenda proposed for the seventy-third session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2015/1 and Add.1) as reproduced in GRE-73-01-Rev.1 (including the informal documents distributed during the session). GRE also adopted the running order for the session (GRE-73-07).

44. The expert from the Netherlands, chairing the informal Group on Agricultural Vehicle Lighting Installation (AVLI), informed GRE about the progress made by AVLI under Phase II of its mandate and introduced a draft proposal for the 01 series of amendments to Regulation No. 86 (GRE-73-02). The experts from Austria, France, Italy and UK commented on this proposal and, in particular, on remaining square brackets in paragraph 6.5.1. and paragraph 3. of Annex 6. GRE invited AVLI to take these comments into account when finalizing the proposal for official submission to the next session of GRE. GRE also noted that Mr. Gerd Kellermann (Germany) would no longer be in a position to co-Chair AVLI and that this position would be taken over by Mr. Timo Kärkkäinen (Finland). GRE thanked that Mr. Kellermann for his contributions and welcomed Mr. Kärkkäinen.

28. The expert from the Netherlands, chairing the informal Group on Agricultural Vehicle Lighting Installation (AVLI), introduced a revised proposal to update Regulation No. 86 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2014/30, GRE-72-02 and GRE-72-12) as well as informed GRE about ongoing activities of AVLI according to Phase II of its mandate. GRE adopted this proposal, as amended by Annex IX to the report, and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their March 2015 sessions as draft Supplement 6 to the original series of amendments to Regulation No. 86.

7. GRE took note of the progress of the Informal Working Group on “Simplification of the Lighting and Light-Signalling Regulations” (IWG SLR) and three possible timelines for completing its activities (GRE-73-22). On behalf of IWG SLR, the expert from Germany proposed a concept for simplification based on the introduction of a new part B into Regulation No. 48 and using it as a Horizontal Reference Document (HRD) to which the common provisions of the individual device Regulations would be moved (GRE-73-05-Rev.1). The individual device Regulations would only contain references to part B of Regulation No. 48. A revised Regulation No. 48 and an example of a revised device Regulation were also presented (GRE-73-03 and GRE-73-04). IWG SLR requested GRE to provide guidance on the proposed simplification approach.

8. Various experts reiterated their support to the simplification of the lighting and light-signalling Regulations, but pointed out that, before providing guidance to IWG SLR, they would need more time to study the proposed approach and its consequences. In particular, GRE identified the following issues that would need to be addressed:
a) The impact of amendments (supplements or new series of amendments) to part A and/or part B of Regulation No. 48 on individual device Regulations and vice versa;
b) Some Contracting Parties do not apply Regulation No. 48, but apply specific device Regulations. If the common provisions of these Regulations are included in Regulation No. 48, such Contracting Parties would not be in a position to vote on amendments to these common provisions or object to their adoption;
c) The issues under (a) and (b) above could be solved by moving the common provisions of the device Regulations into a special Resolution similar to R.E.3, rather than to Regulation No. 48. Referencing this Resolution in the device Regulations would make its provisions legally binding;
d) Use of dynamic or static references to HRD in the device Regulations: dynamic references could provide more benefits in terms of simplifying the text, but some Contracting Parties might prefer static references for legal reasons.

9. GRE noted that some of these issues would require guidance from the United Nations Office for Legal Affairs (OLA) and/or WP.29. GRE invited all experts to transmit to the secretariat their comments and questions on the proposed approach before 24 April 2015. The secretariat was requested to seek advice from OLA on legal issues. GRE agreed that the Chair would report to WP.29, at its June 2015 session, on the progress in the simplification of the lighting and light-signalling Regulations and would ask WP.29 to provide guidance on the approach proposed by IWG SLR and, if required, to extend the mandate of the IWG SLR. Meanwhile, IWG SLR was requested to continue its activities to revise device Regulations with a view to preparing a full package for the next session of GRE, bearing in mind that a final decision with regard to HRD (a new part of Regulation No. 48, a new Resolution, etc.) would be taken at a later stage depending on the guidance provided by WP.29 and OLA.

10. On behalf of IWG SLR, the expert from IEC proposed, for the purposes of simplification, to separate data sheets for various light sources from Annex 1 of Regulations Nos. 37, 99 and 128 and to include them in a repository document (resolution) administered by WP.29 (GRE-73-23). GRE noted that this approach had already been endorsed by WP.29 at its November 2014 session and that official documents with amendment proposals would be submitted to the next session of GRE.

7. GRE took note of the progress of the Informal Working Group on “Simplification of the Lighting and Light-Signalling Regulations” (IWG SLR) and three possible timelines for completing its activities (GRE-73-22). On behalf of IWG SLR, the expert from Germany proposed a concept for simplification based on the introduction of a new part B into Regulation No. 48 and using it as a Horizontal Reference Document (HRD) to which the common provisions of the individual device Regulations would be moved (GRE-73-05-Rev.1). The individual device Regulations would only contain references to part B of Regulation No. 48. A revised Regulation No. 48 and an example of a revised device Regulation were also presented (GRE-73-03 and GRE-73-04). IWG SLR requested GRE to provide guidance on the proposed simplification approach.

8. Various experts reiterated their support to the simplification of the lighting and light-signalling Regulations, but pointed out that, before providing guidance to IWG SLR, they would need more time to study the proposed approach and its consequences. In particular, GRE identified the following issues that would need to be addressed:
a) The impact of amendments (supplements or new series of amendments) to part A and/or part B of Regulation No. 48 on individual device Regulations and vice versa;
b) Some Contracting Parties do not apply Regulation No. 48, but apply specific device Regulations. If the common provisions of these Regulations are included in Regulation No. 48, such Contracting Parties would not be in a position to vote on amendments to these common provisions or object to their adoption;
c) The issues under (a) and (b) above could be solved by moving the common provisions of the device Regulations into a special Resolution similar to R.E.3, rather than to Regulation No. 48. Referencing this Resolution in the device Regulations would make its provisions legally binding;
d) Use of dynamic or static references to HRD in the device Regulations: dynamic references could provide more benefits in terms of simplifying the text, but some Contracting Parties might prefer static references for legal reasons.

9. GRE noted that some of these issues would require guidance from the United Nations Office for Legal Affairs (OLA) and/or WP.29. GRE invited all experts to transmit to the secretariat their comments and questions on the proposed approach before 24 April 2015. The secretariat was requested to seek advice from OLA on legal issues. GRE agreed that the Chair would report to WP.29, at its June 2015 session, on the progress in the simplification of the lighting and light-signalling Regulations and would ask WP.29 to provide guidance on the approach proposed by IWG SLR and, if required, to extend the mandate of the IWG SLR. Meanwhile, IWG SLR was requested to continue its activities to revise device Regulations with a view to preparing a full package for the next session of GRE, bearing in mind that a final decision with regard to HRD (a new part of Regulation No. 48, a new Resolution, etc.) would be taken at a later stage depending on the guidance provided by WP.29 and OLA.

10. On behalf of IWG SLR, the expert from IEC proposed, for the purposes of simplification, to separate data sheets for various light sources from Annex 1 of Regulations Nos. 37, 99 and 128 and to include them in a repository document (resolution) administered by WP.29 (GRE-73-23). GRE noted that this approach had already been endorsed by WP.29 at its November 2014 session and that official documents with amendment proposals would be submitted to the next session of GRE.

7. GRE took note of the progress of the Informal Working Group on “Simplification of the Lighting and Light-Signalling Regulations” (IWG SLR) and three possible timelines for completing its activities (GRE-73-22). On behalf of IWG SLR, the expert from Germany proposed a concept for simplification based on the introduction of a new part B into Regulation No. 48 and using it as a Horizontal Reference Document (HRD) to which the common provisions of the individual device Regulations would be moved (GRE-73-05-Rev.1). The individual device Regulations would only contain references to part B of Regulation No. 48. A revised Regulation No. 48 and an example of a revised device Regulation were also presented (GRE-73-03 and GRE-73-04). IWG SLR requested GRE to provide guidance on the proposed simplification approach.

8. Various experts reiterated their support to the simplification of the lighting and light-signalling Regulations, but pointed out that, before providing guidance to IWG SLR, they would need more time to study the proposed approach and its consequences. In particular, GRE identified the following issues that would need to be addressed:
a) The impact of amendments (supplements or new series of amendments) to part A and/or part B of Regulation No. 48 on individual device Regulations and vice versa;
b) Some Contracting Parties do not apply Regulation No. 48, but apply specific device Regulations. If the common provisions of these Regulations are included in Regulation No. 48, such Contracting Parties would not be in a position to vote on amendments to these common provisions or object to their adoption;
c) The issues under (a) and (b) above could be solved by moving the common provisions of the device Regulations into a special Resolution similar to R.E.3, rather than to Regulation No. 48. Referencing this Resolution in the device Regulations would make its provisions legally binding;
d) Use of dynamic or static references to HRD in the device Regulations: dynamic references could provide more benefits in terms of simplifying the text, but some Contracting Parties might prefer static references for legal reasons.

9. GRE noted that some of these issues would require guidance from the United Nations Office for Legal Affairs (OLA) and/or WP.29. GRE invited all experts to transmit to the secretariat their comments and questions on the proposed approach before 24 April 2015. The secretariat was requested to seek advice from OLA on legal issues. GRE agreed that the Chair would report to WP.29, at its June 2015 session, on the progress in the simplification of the lighting and light-signalling Regulations and would ask WP.29 to provide guidance on the approach proposed by IWG SLR and, if required, to extend the mandate of the IWG SLR. Meanwhile, IWG SLR was requested to continue its activities to revise device Regulations with a view to preparing a full package for the next session of GRE, bearing in mind that a final decision with regard to HRD (a new part of Regulation No. 48, a new Resolution, etc.) would be taken at a later stage depending on the guidance provided by WP.29 and OLA.

10. On behalf of IWG SLR, the expert from IEC proposed, for the purposes of simplification, to separate data sheets for various light sources from Annex 1 of Regulations Nos. 37, 99 and 128 and to include them in a repository document (resolution) administered by WP.29 (GRE-73-23). GRE noted that this approach had already been endorsed by WP.29 at its November 2014 session and that official documents with amendment proposals would be submitted to the next session of GRE.

2. GRE considered and adopted the agenda proposed for the seventy-third session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2015/1 and Add.1) as reproduced in GRE-73-01-Rev.1 (including the informal documents distributed during the session). GRE also adopted the running order for the session (GRE-73-07).

3. The list of informal documents is contained in Annex I to the report. The list of GRE informal groups is reproduced in Annex III to the report. GRE noted the official document submission deadline of 24 July 2015 for the October 2015 session of GRE (GRE-73-08).

4. GRE took note of the highlights of the November 2014 and March 2015 sessions of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) (GRE-73-08). In this context, the expert from EC recalled that, at the March 2015 session of WP.29, the representative of European Union had expressed concerns about the large number of supplements submitted by GRE and that WP.29 had requested GRE to address this issue.

47. At the GRRF request, the secretariat presented the idea of introducing a warning lamp into Regulations Nos. 79 and 13 to light up at any brake application and to indicate the proper functioning of the trailer electrical braking system on some trailers (GRE-73-09). GRE agreed that such lamps do not fall under the scope of Regulation No. 48 and, if required, such an exemption could be introduced explicitly into the definitions of Regulation No. 48.

11. The expert from Germany presented ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRRF/2013/29 introducing provisions for electrical or hydraulic transmissions for brake systems. The expert from OICA, with reference to GRRF-75-13, answered to this proposal. GRRF noted a number of comments and agreed to resume consideration of this item at its next session on the basis of a revised document that the expert from Germany volunteered to prepare.

12. The expert from Germany, recalling the purpose of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/ GRRF/2013/29, introduced GRRF-79-24 containing the draft working in development by the experts from Germany and the Netherlands about provisions for electromechanical braking systems for towing vehicles and their trailers.

13. The experts from Germany and the Netherlands agreed to submit a revised proposal to the September 2015 session of GRRF or to deliver a roadmap in case longer work would be needed.

14. The experts from Germany and the Netherlands invited experts from the industry and from other countries to participate into their work.

40. The expert from CLEPA, on behalf of CLCCR, introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRRF/2014/8 as amended by GRRF-79-02 and GRRF-79-21, aimed at removing a design restriction from Regulation No. 79 that prevents the approval of new technologies. The proposal received some comments. GRRF agreed to resume consideration on this item at its September 2015 session based on a revised proposal that the author volunteered to prepare. The secretariat agreed to consult the Working Party on Lighting and Light-Signalling on the issue of trailer mounted warning light.

49. The secretariat proposed to correct an error introduced by Supplement 8 to the 01 series of amendments to Regulation No. 74 (GRE-73-10). GRE adopted the proposed correction as contained in Annex II, requested the secretariat to identify its proper legal form (supplement or corrigendum) and submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their June 2015 session.

50. On behalf of the Task Force on Tell-Tales, the expert from the Netherlands proposed amendments to Regulations Nos. 7, 87 and 48 regarding tell-tales indicating a failure (GRE-73-11). To prepare an official document for the next session, he invited GRE experts to send their comments by email.

13. The expert from the Netherlands, in his capacity of Chair of the Task Force on Tell-Tales (TF TT), reported on the progress made by the Task Force. The expert from OICA, Secretary of TF TT, proposed amendments to Regulations Nos. 7, 87 and 48 on tell-tales indicating a failure (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2015/31, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/ 2015/32, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2015/33 GRE-74-16). He pointed out that the proposed amendments would also require an amendment to Regulation No. 121 and, to this end, a separate proposal would be submitted to the Working Party on General Safety Provisions (GRSG). GRE requested TF TT to specify the legal form of the proposed amendments and to submit revised proposals for consideration at the next session.

21. GRE noted that this issue was discussed together with document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2015/31 (para. 13 above).

16. The expert from the Netherlands, in his capacity of Chair of the Task Force on Tell-Tales (TF TT), introduced revised proposals for amendments to Regulations Nos. 48, 7 and 87 on tell-tales which indicate a failure (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2016/7, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2016/12 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2016/17). GRE adopted the proposals and decided to submit them to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration and vote at their November 2016 sessions as draft Supplement 17 to the 04 series of amendments, draft Supplement 10 to the 05 series of amendments and draft Supplement 8 to the 06 series of amendments to Regulation No. 48, draft Supplement 25 to the 02 series of amendments to Regulation No. 7 and draft Supplement 18 to Regulation No. 87.

17. Several experts pointed out that the adopted amendments might also require an amendment to paragraph 5.4. of Regulation No. 121 (Identification of controls, tell-tales and indicators), but no consensus was reached on this issue. GRE invited the Working Party on General Safety Provisions (GRSG), which deals with Regulation No. 121, to address this matter.

26. GRE recalled that ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2016/12 had been discussed and adopted together with ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2016/7 (see para. 16 above).

43. GRE noted that ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2016/17 was discussed and adopted together with ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2016/7 (see para. 16 above).

19. The expert from Poland proposed to introduce optional ‘side illuminating lamps’ into Regulations Nos. 48 and 119 (agenda item 7 (l)) (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2015/6, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2015/19, GRE-73-12, GRE-73-13, GRE-73-27) with the aim to increase the visibility of pedestrians, animals, etc. for glared drivers. The expert from India suggested corrections to this proposal (GRE-73-19). GRE was of the view that this proposal would not bring additional benefits for road safety and was not in a position to support it.

19. The expert from Poland proposed to introduce optional ‘side illuminating lamps’ into Regulations Nos. 48 and 119 (agenda item 7 (l)) (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2015/6, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2015/19, GRE-73-12, GRE-73-13, GRE-73-27) with the aim to increase the visibility of pedestrians, animals, etc. for glared drivers. The expert from India suggested corrections to this proposal (GRE-73-19). GRE was of the view that this proposal would not bring additional benefits for road safety and was not in a position to support it.

38. GRE recalled that a proposal by the expert from Poland to introduce ‘side illuminating lamps’ into Regulation No. 119 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2015/19, GRE-73-13, GRE-73-27) was considered in conjunction with agenda item 6 (b) (see para. 19 above).

18. To improve road safety, the expert from Germany proposed to reduce the intensity of a daytime running lamp (DRL) in situations where a direction indicator is activated during the functioning of DRL (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2016/8). The document also proposed amendments to Regulation No. 87. The expert from OICA suggested an alternative wording (GRE-75-11, GRE-75-11-Rev.1). The experts from France, the Netherlands and UK supported the proposal of Germany. The expert from Italy was of the view that the proposal should be accompanied with transitional provisions. GRE decided to continue its deliberations at the next session based on a revised document to be submitted by the expert from Germany.

42. GRE recalled that a proposal by the expert from Germany to improve road safety in situations where a direction indicator is activated during the functioning of a DRL (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2016/8) was addressed under agenda item 6 (a) (see para. 18 above).

14. The expert from GTB proposed to clarify the application of paragraph 5.7.1.3. on separating the rear direction indicator lamps and stop lamps (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2015/3 and GRE-73-15). The experts of France, Germany, Japan and UK did not support this proposal and pointed out that it was not sufficiently clear and allowed different interpretations. GRE invited GTB to revise the proposal based on the comments received.

51. The expert from IMMA proposed to modify the provisions on the angle of incidence in Annex 5 to Regulation No. 50 (GRE-73-16). GRE noted that this issue should be considered in conjunction with possible changes to Regulation No. 4 and invited CLEPA to look into this issue. IMMA was requested to submit an official document to the next session.

26. The expert from IMMA introduced a proposal amending the angle of incidence for the rear registration plate illuminating device (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2015/38). The experts from Austria, Germany, France and the Netherlands commented on this proposal. GRE invited the expert from IMMA to take these comments into consideration and to submit a revised proposal to the next session.

17. The experts from OICA and GTB proposed to introduce new criteria on the automatic levelling of headlamps based on the outcome of the GTB glare and visibility studies (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2015/5). The expert from Poland suggested further modifications to this proposal (GRE-73-28). The experts from Germany and Japan proposed to impose automatic levelling in all cases, in order to reduce glare problems for drivers (GRE-73-18). Following an in-depth exchange of views on these three documents, GRE realized that no consensus could be found as long as there was no single proposal.

18. To make progress on this issue and prepare a comprising proposal, GRE decided to establish an Informal Working Group with a draft title “on Visibility, Glare and Levelling” (IWG VGL), for which the experts from Germany and Poland agreed to act as Chair and Secretary, respectively. GRE requested IWG VGL to submit its terms of reference for consideration at the next session of GRE and mandated the Chair to obtain, in June 2015, the consent of WP.29 for the establishment of this IWG.

19. The expert from Poland proposed to introduce optional ‘side illuminating lamps’ into Regulations Nos. 48 and 119 (agenda item 7 (l)) (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2015/6, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2015/19, GRE-73-12, GRE-73-13, GRE-73-27) with the aim to increase the visibility of pedestrians, animals, etc. for glared drivers. The expert from India suggested corrections to this proposal (GRE-73-19). GRE was of the view that this proposal would not bring additional benefits for road safety and was not in a position to support it.

26. The expert from Belgium referred to their proposal for amendments on the electromagnetic compatibility of trolleybuses (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2014/41) and asked GRE to postpone the consideration of this issue to the next session, due to the ongoing consultations with OICA. The expert from the Russian Federation proposed corrections to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2014/41 (GRE-73-20). The expert from Canada, who had chaired GRE in 2014, reported on his bilateral consultations with the Chair of the Working Party on General Safety Provisions (GRSG) and their agreement that this issue belongs to the scope of Regulation No. 10 and, thus, should be dealt with by GRE. GRE decided to revert to this matter at the next session and invited the experts from Belgium, the Russian Federation and OICA to submit a joint proposal.

44. The expert from Belgium introduced a proposal to amend Regulation No. 10 with prescriptions for electromagnetic compatibility of trolleybuses (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2014/41). GRE noted that this amendment had been originally prepared for Regulation No. 107 (General construction of buses and coach), but the Working Party on General Safety Provisions (GRSG) felt that the prescriptions for electromagnetic compatibility of trolleybuses belong to Regulation No. 10 which is under the auspices of GRE. The experts from the Russian Federation and OICA pointed out that the proposed prescriptions for electromagnetic compatibility of trolleybuses do not fit Regulation No. 10, as they are substantially different from the current provisions in this Regulation and would require different testing methods and equipment that are not easily available. GRE agreed to solicit the expert opinions on this issue and to revert to it at its next session. Meanwhile, GRE invited its Chair to bilaterally discuss the issue with the GRSG Chair and, if necessary, to raise it at the November 2014 session of AC.2.

23. The expert from the Russian Federation introduced amendment proposals on the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of trolleybuses (GRE-74-12) with the intention to replace ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2014/41. The expert from Belgium commented on these proposals. The expert from China proposed a set of amendments to different provisions of Regulation No.10 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2015/36). This proposal received preliminary comments from Finland. Various GRE experts pointed out that, before taking a position on the Chinese and Russian proposals, they had to consult national EMC experts who do not normally attend GRE sessions.

24. To make further progress on the above proposals, GRE decided to create a task force (TF EMC) and invited GRE participants and experts on EMC to take part in this work. OICA volunteered to act as secretary of the task force. GRE agreed that TF EMC should start its activities as soon as possible to address the electromagnetic compatibility of trolleybuses.

34. The expert from France proposed to delete a design restrictive requirement (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2015/22 and GRE-73-26). This proposal received comments from the experts of Germany and the Netherlands. The expert from Poland suggested a different approach on this issue (GRE-73-21). The Chair invited the experts from France, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, CLEPA and IEC to prepare a revised proposal for the next session.

7. GRE took note of the progress of the Informal Working Group on “Simplification of the Lighting and Light-Signalling Regulations” (IWG SLR) and three possible timelines for completing its activities (GRE-73-22). On behalf of IWG SLR, the expert from Germany proposed a concept for simplification based on the introduction of a new part B into Regulation No. 48 and using it as a Horizontal Reference Document (HRD) to which the common provisions of the individual device Regulations would be moved (GRE-73-05-Rev.1). The individual device Regulations would only contain references to part B of Regulation No. 48. A revised Regulation No. 48 and an example of a revised device Regulation were also presented (GRE-73-03 and GRE-73-04). IWG SLR requested GRE to provide guidance on the proposed simplification approach.

8. Various experts reiterated their support to the simplification of the lighting and light-signalling Regulations, but pointed out that, before providing guidance to IWG SLR, they would need more time to study the proposed approach and its consequences. In particular, GRE identified the following issues that would need to be addressed:
a) The impact of amendments (supplements or new series of amendments) to part A and/or part B of Regulation No. 48 on individual device Regulations and vice versa;
b) Some Contracting Parties do not apply Regulation No. 48, but apply specific device Regulations. If the common provisions of these Regulations are included in Regulation No. 48, such Contracting Parties would not be in a position to vote on amendments to these common provisions or object to their adoption;
c) The issues under (a) and (b) above could be solved by moving the common provisions of the device Regulations into a special Resolution similar to R.E.3, rather than to Regulation No. 48. Referencing this Resolution in the device Regulations would make its provisions legally binding;
d) Use of dynamic or static references to HRD in the device Regulations: dynamic references could provide more benefits in terms of simplifying the text, but some Contracting Parties might prefer static references for legal reasons.

9. GRE noted that some of these issues would require guidance from the United Nations Office for Legal Affairs (OLA) and/or WP.29. GRE invited all experts to transmit to the secretariat their comments and questions on the proposed approach before 24 April 2015. The secretariat was requested to seek advice from OLA on legal issues. GRE agreed that the Chair would report to WP.29, at its June 2015 session, on the progress in the simplification of the lighting and light-signalling Regulations and would ask WP.29 to provide guidance on the approach proposed by IWG SLR and, if required, to extend the mandate of the IWG SLR. Meanwhile, IWG SLR was requested to continue its activities to revise device Regulations with a view to preparing a full package for the next session of GRE, bearing in mind that a final decision with regard to HRD (a new part of Regulation No. 48, a new Resolution, etc.) would be taken at a later stage depending on the guidance provided by WP.29 and OLA.

10. On behalf of IWG SLR, the expert from IEC proposed, for the purposes of simplification, to separate data sheets for various light sources from Annex 1 of Regulations Nos. 37, 99 and 128 and to include them in a repository document (resolution) administered by WP.29 (GRE-73-23). GRE noted that this approach had already been endorsed by WP.29 at its November 2014 session and that official documents with amendment proposals would be submitted to the next session of GRE.

7. GRE took note of the progress of the Informal Working Group on “Simplification of the Lighting and Light-Signalling Regulations” (IWG SLR) and three possible timelines for completing its activities (GRE-73-22). On behalf of IWG SLR, the expert from Germany proposed a concept for simplification based on the introduction of a new part B into Regulation No. 48 and using it as a Horizontal Reference Document (HRD) to which the common provisions of the individual device Regulations would be moved (GRE-73-05-Rev.1). The individual device Regulations would only contain references to part B of Regulation No. 48. A revised Regulation No. 48 and an example of a revised device Regulation were also presented (GRE-73-03 and GRE-73-04). IWG SLR requested GRE to provide guidance on the proposed simplification approach.

8. Various experts reiterated their support to the simplification of the lighting and light-signalling Regulations, but pointed out that, before providing guidance to IWG SLR, they would need more time to study the proposed approach and its consequences. In particular, GRE identified the following issues that would need to be addressed:
a) The impact of amendments (supplements or new series of amendments) to part A and/or part B of Regulation No. 48 on individual device Regulations and vice versa;
b) Some Contracting Parties do not apply Regulation No. 48, but apply specific device Regulations. If the common provisions of these Regulations are included in Regulation No. 48, such Contracting Parties would not be in a position to vote on amendments to these common provisions or object to their adoption;
c) The issues under (a) and (b) above could be solved by moving the common provisions of the device Regulations into a special Resolution similar to R.E.3, rather than to Regulation No. 48. Referencing this Resolution in the device Regulations would make its provisions legally binding;
d) Use of dynamic or static references to HRD in the device Regulations: dynamic references could provide more benefits in terms of simplifying the text, but some Contracting Parties might prefer static references for legal reasons.

9. GRE noted that some of these issues would require guidance from the United Nations Office for Legal Affairs (OLA) and/or WP.29. GRE invited all experts to transmit to the secretariat their comments and questions on the proposed approach before 24 April 2015. The secretariat was requested to seek advice from OLA on legal issues. GRE agreed that the Chair would report to WP.29, at its June 2015 session, on the progress in the simplification of the lighting and light-signalling Regulations and would ask WP.29 to provide guidance on the approach proposed by IWG SLR and, if required, to extend the mandate of the IWG SLR. Meanwhile, IWG SLR was requested to continue its activities to revise device Regulations with a view to preparing a full package for the next session of GRE, bearing in mind that a final decision with regard to HRD (a new part of Regulation No. 48, a new Resolution, etc.) would be taken at a later stage depending on the guidance provided by WP.29 and OLA.

10. On behalf of IWG SLR, the expert from IEC proposed, for the purposes of simplification, to separate data sheets for various light sources from Annex 1 of Regulations Nos. 37, 99 and 128 and to include them in a repository document (resolution) administered by WP.29 (GRE-73-23). GRE noted that this approach had already been endorsed by WP.29 at its November 2014 session and that official documents with amendment proposals would be submitted to the next session of GRE.

53. GRE took note of a status report of the GTB Working Group on Light Sources (GRE-73-24), including the outcome of the GTB LED retrofit feasibility study. Some LED retrofit samples were showcased to demonstrate the equivalence criteria.

12. The expert from GTB presented proposals for amendments to Regulation No. 128 and to the Consolidated Resolution (R.E.5) which introduce requirements and test specifications for light emitting diode (LED) substitute light sources as well as several new LED substitute light source categories (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2017/2, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2017/3, GRE-77-02, GRE-77-03, GRE-77-15, GRE-77-22). These proposals were accompanied by collective amendments to Regulations Nos. 48, 53, 74, 86 with the requirements for LED substitute light sources (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2017/4). The expert from GTB explained that the proposed approach was based on the following principles:

• Lamps may be approved with a filament light source and its corresponding LED substitute light source, when fitting in the same holder, and providing an equivalent photometric performance;
• Lamps equipped with LED substitute light sources should be tested with both the filament lamp and the LED substitute light source.

14. The expert of Germany commented on the GTB proposals (GRE-77-29). GRE generally advocated the idea of allowing for LED substitute lights sources, given their high energy efficiency. At the same time, the experts from France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain and UK pointed out the risks associated with the improper use of aftermarket LED products in lamps, which were not approved for such light sources, and called for developing a set of preventive measures, including raising public awareness and giving warnings to consumers. Several technical issues were also questioned, in particular, the proposed G-marking for LEDs with a correlated colour temperature below 3,000 K. GRE invited GTB to address the comments received and agreed to continue the consideration of this issue at the next session on the basis of revised documents to be prepared by GTB.

20. The expert from France proposed to delete a design restrictive requirement in Regulation No. 48 for an auto-levelling device for low beam produced by any LED light sources, while for other light sources this requirement exists only if their reference luminous flux exceeds 2,000 Lm (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2015/21 and GRE-73-25). According to the expert, should LED be treated in the same way as other lights sources, this would lead to more LED headlamps fitted on new vehicles, thus improving road safety and reducing CO2 emissions. The experts from Belgium, Germany, Japan and UK were of the view that this issue should be first referred to IWG VGL and be considered in one package with other proposals regarding levelling (see paras. 17 and 18 above), upon the understanding that a final solution developed by IWG VGL should be technology neutral. The experts from Italy, Spain, EC, CLEPA and OICA not only supported the French proposal as removing discrimination between various technologies of light sources, but also called for its adoption without delay, irrespective of the IWG activities. GRE agreed that the Chair would submit this issue to the June 2015 session of WP.29 for guidance and to report back to GRE at its next session.

34. The expert from France proposed to delete a design restrictive requirement (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2015/22 and GRE-73-26). This proposal received comments from the experts of Germany and the Netherlands. The expert from Poland suggested a different approach on this issue (GRE-73-21). The Chair invited the experts from France, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, CLEPA and IEC to prepare a revised proposal for the next session.

30. The expert of GTB presented the results of their study of minimum levels of flux projected in critical zones of the passing beam distribution of a H4 halogen reflector headlamp and a representative LED headlamp (GRE-76-25). Based on these results, he proposed to remove the design-specific requirement of a minimum objective flux (1,000 lm) for LED and halogen light sources and to replace it with a technology-neutral and performance-based requirement (GRE-76-04-Rev.1). The proposal received comments by the experts from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, UK, EC, OICA. As there was no unequivocal support to the proposal, GRE decided to keep it on the agenda of the next session and to pass it to IWG SLR at a later stage.

19. The expert from Poland proposed to introduce optional ‘side illuminating lamps’ into Regulations Nos. 48 and 119 (agenda item 7 (l)) (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2015/6, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2015/19, GRE-73-12, GRE-73-13, GRE-73-27) with the aim to increase the visibility of pedestrians, animals, etc. for glared drivers. The expert from India suggested corrections to this proposal (GRE-73-19). GRE was of the view that this proposal would not bring additional benefits for road safety and was not in a position to support it.

38. GRE recalled that a proposal by the expert from Poland to introduce ‘side illuminating lamps’ into Regulation No. 119 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2015/19, GRE-73-13, GRE-73-27) was considered in conjunction with agenda item 6 (b) (see para. 19 above).

17. The experts from OICA and GTB proposed to introduce new criteria on the automatic levelling of headlamps based on the outcome of the GTB glare and visibility studies (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRE/2015/5). The expert from Poland suggested further modifications to this proposal (GRE-73-28). The experts from Germany and Japan proposed to impose automatic levelling in all cases, in order to reduce glare problems for drivers (GRE-73-18). Following an in-depth exchange of views on these three documents, GRE realized that no consensus could be found as long as there was no single proposal.

18. To make progress on this issue and prepare a comprising proposal, GRE decided to establish an Informal Working Group with a draft title “on Visibility, Glare and Levelling” (IWG VGL), for which the experts from Germany and Poland agreed to act as Chair and Secretary, respectively. GRE requested IWG VGL to submit its terms of reference for consideration at the next session of GRE and mandated the Chair to obtain, in June 2015, the consent of WP.29 for the establishment of this IWG.