21. The secretariat presented the draft Programme of Work and Biennial Evaluation 2018-2019 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/119) which provides the mandate for the work of WP.29 and its subsidiary bodies (GRs) for the coming biennium.
22. WP.29 adopted the Programme of Work and Biennial Evaluation 2018-2019 based on document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/119.

23. The secretariat presented the programme of work, which includes a strategic introductory part on the main priorities of the work of WP.29 vehicle automation, powertrain electrification and enhancement of environmental protection. The priorities would include further development in the implementation of the 1958, 1997 and 1998 Agreements, the main horizontal activities and the main topics addressed by the subsidiary bodies of WP.29 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/1/Rev.2). The World Forum noted the revised programme of work and documentation.

24. The secretariat presented the list of Working Parties and Chairs (WP.29-173-01). The secretariat also presented the envisaged tasks of WP.29 staff for the year 2018 (WP.29-173-03).

25. The World Forum took note of WP.29-173-02 on the draft 2018 calendar for WP.29 and its subsidiary bodies, and WP.29-173-03 that describes the activities that are to be performed by the World Forum secretariat staff members during 2018.

26. The 2018 calendar for WP.29 and its subsidiary bodies and the list of Working Parties and Chairs are reproduced in Annex III and IV to the session report.

21. The secretariat presented the draft Programme of Work and Biennial Evaluation 2018-2019 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/119) which provides the mandate for the work of WP.29 and its subsidiary bodies (GRs) for the coming biennium.
22. WP.29 adopted the Programme of Work and Biennial Evaluation 2018-2019 based on document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/119.

23. The secretariat presented the programme of work, which includes a strategic introductory part on the main priorities of the work of WP.29 vehicle automation, powertrain electrification and enhancement of environmental protection. The priorities would include further development in the implementation of the 1958, 1997 and 1998 Agreements, the main horizontal activities and the main topics addressed by the subsidiary bodies of WP.29 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/1/Rev.2). The World Forum noted the revised programme of work and documentation.

24. The secretariat presented the list of Working Parties and Chairs (WP.29-173-01). The secretariat also presented the envisaged tasks of WP.29 staff for the year 2018 (WP.29-173-03).

25. The World Forum took note of WP.29-173-02 on the draft 2018 calendar for WP.29 and its subsidiary bodies, and WP.29-173-03 that describes the activities that are to be performed by the World Forum secretariat staff members during 2018.

26. The 2018 calendar for WP.29 and its subsidiary bodies and the list of Working Parties and Chairs are reproduced in Annex III and IV to the session report.

21. The secretariat presented the draft Programme of Work and Biennial Evaluation 2018-2019 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/119) which provides the mandate for the work of WP.29 and its subsidiary bodies (GRs) for the coming biennium.
22. WP.29 adopted the Programme of Work and Biennial Evaluation 2018-2019 based on document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/119.

23. The secretariat presented the programme of work, which includes a strategic introductory part on the main priorities of the work of WP.29 vehicle automation, powertrain electrification and enhancement of environmental protection. The priorities would include further development in the implementation of the 1958, 1997 and 1998 Agreements, the main horizontal activities and the main topics addressed by the subsidiary bodies of WP.29 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/1/Rev.2). The World Forum noted the revised programme of work and documentation.

24. The secretariat presented the list of Working Parties and Chairs (WP.29-173-01). The secretariat also presented the envisaged tasks of WP.29 staff for the year 2018 (WP.29-173-03).

25. The World Forum took note of WP.29-173-02 on the draft 2018 calendar for WP.29 and its subsidiary bodies, and WP.29-173-03 that describes the activities that are to be performed by the World Forum secretariat staff members during 2018.

26. The 2018 calendar for WP.29 and its subsidiary bodies and the list of Working Parties and Chairs are reproduced in Annex III and IV to the session report.

63. The secretariat updated WP.29 about developments on the hosting of DETA by UNECE and the discussion of the UNECE Executive Committee (EXCOM) related to financing DETA (WP.29-173-04). The representative of the European Union gave, on behalf of the Chair of the IWG on DETA, a status report of the activities of the group at its thirtieth meeting. The secretariat presented WP.29-173-15 on behalf of the Chair of the IWG, explaining (i) what DETA is, (ii) the link between DETA and the activities of the WP.29, (iii) the expected benefits, (iv) the potential additional features of DETA, and (v) three scenarios to organize the migration of DETA to UNECE. He explained that scenario one corresponded to a stand-alone project as presented in WP.29-173-04, scenario two was based on scenario one but with important savings realized in segmenting the project and obtaining additional human resources through a Junior Professional Officer financed by one Contracting Party (potentially Germany). Scenario three was presented by the representative of Germany (WP.29-173-13) and proposed to temporarily host and finance DETA under the condition that UNECE takes over DETA under regular budget at the latest from 2022 onwards² and that the industry covers the development costs of the Unique Identifier and the Declaration of Conformity. Scenario three would allow an implementation date of DETA by mid 2018.

63 bis. Germany also presented a proposal (WP.29-173-13) to rename DETA which will be considered at the next session of WP.29 in March 2018.

64. WP.29 preferred the scenario three and thanked Germany for its offer. The representative of OICA clarified that their possible commitment covered only a fair share of the development costs of the Unique Identifier and mentioned that other industries and governments would also benefit from this DETA development and therefore should also contribute. The representatives of IMMA and CLEPA stated on the question of sponsoring the development of the Unique Identifier as part of the DETA-project, that they were studying the question and could not make any commitment at this time. The representative of Germany hope but cannot assure that the offer can be maintained for the March 2018 session of WP.29. The Chair urged all Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement and all stakeholders to find a solution for the financing for DETA before the next session of WP.29 in March 2018.

65. In parallel, WP.29 requested the secretariat and the IWG on DETA to reflect on the proposal made by the representatives of Australia, Austria and South Africa to explore ways to extend DETA with a feature allowing to charge users on a subscription basis, per download and/or upload of Type Approval documentation, as an alternative way to finance the hosting of DETA at UNECE, on the condition that this would not delay the installation of DETA at UNECE.

² Note by the secretariat: as UN Regular Budget is decided by Member States at the UN General Assembly, UNECE is not in the position to commit at this stage.

Proposal to clarify the definition of “Option” as used within Global Technical Regulations and to introduce the concept of “Alternative”. In principle, the proposal seeks to distinguish between protocols for the same requirement that allow divergent compliance thresholds (e.g., differing stringency) and those that provide equivalent assessment of performance through different means. “Option” would refer to the former while “Alternative” would refer to the latter. In the case of one or more options, the proposal would require Contracting Parties to work towards the elimination of the divergent performance requirements.

153. The representative of OICA introduced WP.29-173-05, “Proposal to amend Special Resolution 2” (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1124). He stated that OICA, representing the global auto industry, re-confirmed its strong support for Special Resolution 2 as an important step towards an improved functioning of the 1998 Agreement.

154. He noted that WP29-173-05 took into account comments made at the June 2017 AC.3 session. He added that his intention was to clarify the concepts of options and alternatives, based on the experience gained in the development of several existing global technical regulations. He emphasized the position of OICA that such clarification would constitute a further improvement and that it would help in the development of new or amended global technical regulations.

155. Due to the lack of time, AC.3 agreed to allocate more time to discuss it at its March 2018 session and to keep it still as an informal document.

173. Due to the lack of time, AC.3 agreed to allocate more time at its June 2018 session to discuss this issue, possibly on the basis of a revised document.

83. The representative of the Russian Federation, Co-Chair of the IWG on PTI, updated the World Forum on the work of the group (WP.29-173-06). He reported to the World Forum on the eighth meeting of the IWG on PTI that was held on 24 October 2017 in Brussels. He explained that the IWG on PTI decided to propose amendments to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/134 under agenda item 7.4 as reproduced in WP.29-173-12. He recalled the proposal made by the representative of Finland and Sweden at the 172nd session of WP.29, that were similar to the earlier proposals presented by the Russian Federation (WP29-147-11 and WP29-165-07) aimed at including PTI relevant provisions in UN Regulations. He mentioned that the group had considerations related to the 1958 Agreement and the new concept “Whole Life Vehicle Compliance” was suggested. He reported on the considerations of the group as a follow-up on the presentation made by the representative of Switzerland on the tampering truck emissions tampering at the June 2017 session of WP.29 and possible benefits of PTI in this context.

90. The representative of Switzerland presented WP.29-173-07, containing an update on circumstances in the detection of aftermarket manipulation of EURO IV, EURO V and EURO VI truck engines by the suppression of AdBlue injection, up to mid-September 2017. He explained that there were six heavy-duty truck control centres in Switzerland, that have controlled 14,245 vehicles from February to mid-November 2017. During that period, 199 vehicles were detected with irregularities in the pollutant control equipment – or about one per cent of all controlled vehicles. The representative of Switzerland provided information on the emission category engines and brands of vehicles that are most commonly detected to be manipulated, the countries of origin and the specific kind of manipulation that is most commonly detected. He explained that the number of detected manipulations had in recent months decreased as a proportion of total number of vehicles controlled, concluding that the activities of control centres have shown effect.

91. The Chair of WP.29 invited stakeholders to contact the Swiss delegation to contribute to the discussion and invited the Swiss delegation to give an update at the next WP.29 session in March 2018.

104. The secretariat introduced WP.29-173-08 on activities under the purview of WP.29 carried out within the scope of the UNECE Road Safety Action Plan 2011-2020. The document would form part of an official document that would be submitted to ITC, along with relevant inputs from other Working Parties subsidiary to ITC, at its eightieth session in February 2018.

105. The Chair of the World Forum invited delegates to examine the document, provide any necessary feedback and input to the secretariat. He asked the secretariat to annex it to the report of this session and to submit it to the ITC 2018 session (Annex V).

113. The fifty-first session of the Executive Committee (AC.3) was held on 15 November 2017 and chaired by the representative of Japan. The representatives of 12 of the 36 Contracting Parties to the Agreement attended Australia, Canada, China, the European Union (representing Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom), India, Japan. Norway, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, South Africa, Tunisia and the United States of America.

114. AC.3 noted the information, as of 15 November 2017, on the status of the Agreement, of the Global Registry and of the Compendium of Candidates (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1073/Rev.20), the status of the priorities (based on WP.29-173-10 as reproduced in Annex II to this report) of the 1998 Agreement and items on which the exchange of views should continue. AC.3 also noted that assistance could be obtained from the secretariat (Mr. E. Gianotti) about the obligations of Contracting Parties in the transposition process. Representatives were also reminded of their obligation to send the mandatory reports on the transposition process through their Permanent Missions in Geneva via the “1998 AGREEMENT-MISSIONS List” electronic system to the secretariat to ensure updating of the status document, which is the monitoring tool of the Agreement.

12. The annotated provisional agenda was adopted as amended (WP.29-173-11).

Proposal from the PTI informal group to amend document WP.29/2017/134 to include liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles to the scope of the proposal for a new vehicle inspection regulation covering CNG and LNG-fueled vehicles.

83. The representative of the Russian Federation, Co-Chair of the IWG on PTI, updated the World Forum on the work of the group (WP.29-173-06). He reported to the World Forum on the eighth meeting of the IWG on PTI that was held on 24 October 2017 in Brussels. He explained that the IWG on PTI decided to propose amendments to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/134 under agenda item 7.4 as reproduced in WP.29-173-12. He recalled the proposal made by the representative of Finland and Sweden at the 172nd session of WP.29, that were similar to the earlier proposals presented by the Russian Federation (WP29-147-11 and WP29-165-07) aimed at including PTI relevant provisions in UN Regulations. He mentioned that the group had considerations related to the 1958 Agreement and the new concept “Whole Life Vehicle Compliance” was suggested. He reported on the considerations of the group as a follow-up on the presentation made by the representative of Switzerland on the tampering truck emissions tampering at the June 2017 session of WP.29 and possible benefits of PTI in this context.

87. The representative of the Russian Federation, Co-Chair of the IWG on PTI, presented ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/134 that proposes the establishment of a new Rule on Periodical Technical Inspections of motor vehicles using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and/or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in their propulsion system, that would be annexed to the 1997 Agreement. He also introduced informal document WP.29-173-12 amending the proposal by adding vehicles using Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Some Contracting Parties indicated that they were still in the process of evaluating the proposal.

89. WP.29 recommended the submission of the two proposals to AC.4 for voting, noting that some European Contracting Parties would support, in principle, the proposals but felt not in the position to adopt these proposals due to possible inconsistencies with European Directives on PTI on these matters (not specifically addressing additional test items for gas fuelled vehicles and hybrid vehicles).

102. The Chair of WP.29 recalled the presentation at the 173rd WP.29 session by the representative of the Russian Federation, Co-Chair of the IWG on PTI, of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/134 and of the informal document WP.29-173-12, which proposes the establishment of a new Rule on Periodical Technical Inspections of motor vehicles using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and/or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in their propulsion system, that would be annexed to the 1997 Agreement. These two documents had been consolidated in document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/70.

103. The Chair of WP.29 also recalled the presentation at the 173rd WP.29 session by the representative of the Russian Federation, co-chair of the IWG, of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/135 that proposes the establishment of a new Rule on PTI on minimum safety inspection requirements for hybrid and electric motor vehicles, to be annexed to the 1997 Agreement.

104. He recalled that WP.29 has recommended the submission of the two proposals to AC.4 for voting.

As the UNECE at the moment is still not in the position for financing DETA, Germany offers to host DETA and bear the one-time license, ramp-up, and annual running costs beginning second quarter 2018 until 2021 subject to certain conditions.

63. The secretariat updated WP.29 about developments on the hosting of DETA by UNECE and the discussion of the UNECE Executive Committee (EXCOM) related to financing DETA (WP.29-173-04). The representative of the European Union gave, on behalf of the Chair of the IWG on DETA, a status report of the activities of the group at its thirtieth meeting. The secretariat presented WP.29-173-15 on behalf of the Chair of the IWG, explaining (i) what DETA is, (ii) the link between DETA and the activities of the WP.29, (iii) the expected benefits, (iv) the potential additional features of DETA, and (v) three scenarios to organize the migration of DETA to UNECE. He explained that scenario one corresponded to a stand-alone project as presented in WP.29-173-04, scenario two was based on scenario one but with important savings realized in segmenting the project and obtaining additional human resources through a Junior Professional Officer financed by one Contracting Party (potentially Germany). Scenario three was presented by the representative of Germany (WP.29-173-13) and proposed to temporarily host and finance DETA under the condition that UNECE takes over DETA under regular budget at the latest from 2022 onwards² and that the industry covers the development costs of the Unique Identifier and the Declaration of Conformity. Scenario three would allow an implementation date of DETA by mid 2018.

63 bis. Germany also presented a proposal (WP.29-173-13) to rename DETA which will be considered at the next session of WP.29 in March 2018.

64. WP.29 preferred the scenario three and thanked Germany for its offer. The representative of OICA clarified that their possible commitment covered only a fair share of the development costs of the Unique Identifier and mentioned that other industries and governments would also benefit from this DETA development and therefore should also contribute. The representatives of IMMA and CLEPA stated on the question of sponsoring the development of the Unique Identifier as part of the DETA-project, that they were studying the question and could not make any commitment at this time. The representative of Germany hope but cannot assure that the offer can be maintained for the March 2018 session of WP.29. The Chair urged all Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement and all stakeholders to find a solution for the financing for DETA before the next session of WP.29 in March 2018.

65. In parallel, WP.29 requested the secretariat and the IWG on DETA to reflect on the proposal made by the representatives of Australia, Austria and South Africa to explore ways to extend DETA with a feature allowing to charge users on a subscription basis, per download and/or upload of Type Approval documentation, as an alternative way to finance the hosting of DETA at UNECE, on the condition that this would not delay the installation of DETA at UNECE.

² Note by the secretariat: as UN Regular Budget is decided by Member States at the UN General Assembly, UNECE is not in the position to commit at this stage.

Proposal concerning extensions of type approvals granted under Revision 2 of the 1958 Agreement following the entry into force of Revision 3. The proposal would specify terms as of the adoption by AC.1 (in lieu of the current proposal to specify terms for Supplements as of their entry into force).

54. The representative of OICA introduced WP.29-173-14 to raise concerns that the new rules for extensions to existing type approvals under paragraph 31(b) of the guideline document were developed after the most recent amendments to UN Regulations, which therefore obviously could not take into account these new Rules. As a result, recently adopted Supplements could unexpectedly have a retroactive impact on some vehicle type approvals when these are extended. He proposed that Supplements to UN Regulations adopted by AC.1 at its March and June 2017 sessions should not be subject to paragraph 31 of the guidelines.

54 bis. WP.29 noted the proposal from OICA but did not support it.

63. The secretariat updated WP.29 about developments on the hosting of DETA by UNECE and the discussion of the UNECE Executive Committee (EXCOM) related to financing DETA (WP.29-173-04). The representative of the European Union gave, on behalf of the Chair of the IWG on DETA, a status report of the activities of the group at its thirtieth meeting. The secretariat presented WP.29-173-15 on behalf of the Chair of the IWG, explaining (i) what DETA is, (ii) the link between DETA and the activities of the WP.29, (iii) the expected benefits, (iv) the potential additional features of DETA, and (v) three scenarios to organize the migration of DETA to UNECE. He explained that scenario one corresponded to a stand-alone project as presented in WP.29-173-04, scenario two was based on scenario one but with important savings realized in segmenting the project and obtaining additional human resources through a Junior Professional Officer financed by one Contracting Party (potentially Germany). Scenario three was presented by the representative of Germany (WP.29-173-13) and proposed to temporarily host and finance DETA under the condition that UNECE takes over DETA under regular budget at the latest from 2022 onwards² and that the industry covers the development costs of the Unique Identifier and the Declaration of Conformity. Scenario three would allow an implementation date of DETA by mid 2018.

63 bis. Germany also presented a proposal (WP.29-173-13) to rename DETA which will be considered at the next session of WP.29 in March 2018.

64. WP.29 preferred the scenario three and thanked Germany for its offer. The representative of OICA clarified that their possible commitment covered only a fair share of the development costs of the Unique Identifier and mentioned that other industries and governments would also benefit from this DETA development and therefore should also contribute. The representatives of IMMA and CLEPA stated on the question of sponsoring the development of the Unique Identifier as part of the DETA-project, that they were studying the question and could not make any commitment at this time. The representative of Germany hope but cannot assure that the offer can be maintained for the March 2018 session of WP.29. The Chair urged all Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement and all stakeholders to find a solution for the financing for DETA before the next session of WP.29 in March 2018.

65. In parallel, WP.29 requested the secretariat and the IWG on DETA to reflect on the proposal made by the representatives of Australia, Austria and South Africa to explore ways to extend DETA with a feature allowing to charge users on a subscription basis, per download and/or upload of Type Approval documentation, as an alternative way to finance the hosting of DETA at UNECE, on the condition that this would not delay the installation of DETA at UNECE.

² Note by the secretariat: as UN Regular Budget is decided by Member States at the UN General Assembly, UNECE is not in the position to commit at this stage.

60. The representative of Japan, Chair of the IWG on IWVTA, introduced the “Question and Answer” (Q&A) document on Revision 3 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/131) and WP.29-173-16 that clarifies Q&A No. 20. The World Forum adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/131 as amended below:
Q&A No. 20, amend to read:

55. The representative of Japan, Chair of the IWG on IWVTA, introduced the draft UN Regulation No. 0 on uniform provisions concerning the International Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/108). He reported on the latest amendments to Annex 4 listing the UN Regulations covered by IWVTA (WP.29-173-18). He highlighted that other UN Regulations were in the process of being reviewed by the relevant Working Parties and that would be included in near future. Thus, he presented the draft Terms of References and Rules of Procedure for Phase 2 of the IWG on IWVTA (WP.29-173-17).

56. WP.29 welcomed the submission of draft UN Regulation No. 0 and acknowledged the work progress made by the IWG. The World Forum considered ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/108 and recommended its submission to AC.1 for voting.

58. WP.29 adopted the revised Terms of References and Rules of Procedure for Phase 2 of the IWG on IWVTA, as reproduced in Annex V to the session report.

55. The representative of Japan, Chair of the IWG on IWVTA, introduced the draft UN Regulation No. 0 on uniform provisions concerning the International Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/108). He reported on the latest amendments to Annex 4 listing the UN Regulations covered by IWVTA (WP.29-173-18). He highlighted that other UN Regulations were in the process of being reviewed by the relevant Working Parties and that would be included in near future. Thus, he presented the draft Terms of References and Rules of Procedure for Phase 2 of the IWG on IWVTA (WP.29-173-17).

56. WP.29 welcomed the submission of draft UN Regulation No. 0 and acknowledged the work progress made by the IWG. The World Forum considered ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/108 and recommended its submission to AC.1 for voting.

106. The secretariat presented WP.29-173-19, listing all of the adopted proposals of the 171st session of WP.29, which entered into force on 10 October 2017.

122. The representative of the European Union introduced WP.29-173-20 (superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/144) aimed at providing an overview of the priority of the programme of work of the development of UN GTRs or amendments to the existing ones. She finally invited AC.3 to provide more details on new UN GTR activities. The representative of the United States of America underlined that especially for the development of new UN GTRs, sponsors should be assigned. The representative from OICA agreed with most of the proposed subjects, but underlined that:

1. Harmonisation is crucial, but issues on the same subjects already being developed in the framework of the 1958 Agreement should continue to be conducted in parallel;
2. Clarification was needed for the development of a UN GTR on Event Data Recorders (EDR); OICA supported this, but pointed out that there was a difference between EDR and data storage systems for automated vehicles and that the scope of the proposal should be clarified;
3. Clarification of the exact objectives would be welcome on the proposals, especially the one on driver recognition systems.

123. AC.3 agreed in principle on the content of WP.29-173-20 and requested the secretariat to distribute it with an official symbol at its March 2018 session for final revision and endorsement.

124. The representative of Japan stated that, regarding a next step for this agenda, the highly automated driving issue should be discussed not only under the 1958 Agreement but also under the 1998 Agreement, and that there is high possibility for this item to become a new UN GTR activity according to the programme of work.

156. The Administrative Committee (AC.4) did not convene, as the quorum could not be established.

Presentation by the Russian Federal Agency on Technical Regulation and Metrology on Order No. 453 of 7 March 2017 towards the implementation of Revision 3 to the 1958 Agreement, including on the designation of technical services.

50. The representative of the Russian Federation presented the activities of the Russian Federation concerning the designation of Technical Services according to the relevant provisions of the Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement (WP.29-173-22). He also informed WP.29 about the new “E 22” form: for the communication form, the certificate of the technical service and the official correspondence. He mentioned on the facts of identifying falsified communications on the type approval. The mechanism for confirming legitimacy with direct requests to the Administrative Bodies of the Contracting Parties was very difficult and would take a long time.

50 bis. He reported on the difficulties faced by many Contracting Parties due to the lack of a central database for the consultation of approval documentation and suggested that the bodies issuing communications on the type approval organize national electronic registries databases on their official websites with the possibility of full access and viewing of these documents by the bodies of the Contracting Parties (including authorized certification bodies and technical services): the database would be linked to DETA once DETA would be established. WP.29 agreed with the representative of the Russian Federation on the importance of having an electronic exchange of type approval documentation among Contracting Parties in practical situations described in the presentation and also mentioned the activities of WP.29 on DETA.

French-language presentation on the vehicle homologation and inspection systems of Morocco.

10. Representatives of EuroMed beneficiary countries, high-level officials from the Governments of Algeria, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, the State of Palestine and Tunisia: (a) provided information on their status of accession to and implementation of United Nations vehicle agreements, (b) expressed their country’s interest on the topics addressed by WP.29, and © informed the session about the ongoing efforts, achievements, challenges and needs.

79. In the context of the opening statements by EUROMED, the representative of Morocco made a presentation of the regulatory framework of the type approval and periodic technical inspection in his country and gave an outlook on coming activities. WP.29 welcomed this presentation and encouraged Morocco to consider the accession to the Agreements managed by WP.29.

Status of the EU-sponsored program to support a Mediterranean regional transport action plan covering Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Syria, and Tunisia.

7. The Senior Vehicle Regulations Expert of the EuroMed project introduced activities of the project aimed at promoting and supporting the accession of beneficiary countries to United Nations vehicle agreements. The process was carried out through a sequence of steps. The first was to introduce to beneficiary countries the legal framework for vehicle regulations in the United Nations system. The second step was a gap analysis of individual countries legal frameworks on road vehicles as compared to the United Nations system and the European Union legal framework in this field. Finally, based on the conducted country gap analysis and on discussions with the national administration stakeholders, the project would provide recommendations on changes to national legislations in the beneficiary countries. The project also would provide technical assistance to support national administrations in acceding to and applying the agreements. The EuroMed project expert updated WP.29 on the individual progress of EuroMed project beneficiary countries in acceding to and implementing United Nations vehicle agreements. The expert concluded his presentation by indicating that EuroMed project beneficiary countries face a series of individual challenges and needs for assistance in applying provisions of the United Nations vehicle agreements. He invited Contracting Parties and representatives of the industry to provide support to EuroMed countries to correctly implement the United Nations vehicle agreements.

7. The Senior Vehicle Regulations Expert of the EuroMed project introduced activities of the project aimed at promoting and supporting the accession of beneficiary countries to United Nations vehicle agreements. The process was carried out through a sequence of steps. The first was to introduce to beneficiary countries the legal framework for vehicle regulations in the United Nations system. The second step was a gap analysis of individual countries legal frameworks on road vehicles as compared to the United Nations system and the European Union legal framework in this field. Finally, based on the conducted country gap analysis and on discussions with the national administration stakeholders, the project would provide recommendations on changes to national legislations in the beneficiary countries. The project also would provide technical assistance to support national administrations in acceding to and applying the agreements. The EuroMed project expert updated WP.29 on the individual progress of EuroMed project beneficiary countries in acceding to and implementing United Nations vehicle agreements. The expert concluded his presentation by indicating that EuroMed project beneficiary countries face a series of individual challenges and needs for assistance in applying provisions of the United Nations vehicle agreements. He invited Contracting Parties and representatives of the industry to provide support to EuroMed countries to correctly implement the United Nations vehicle agreements.

12. The annotated provisional agenda was adopted as amended (WP.29-173-11).

12. The annotated provisional agenda was adopted as amended (WP.29-173-11).

6. The secretariat introduced GRPE-76-10 and reported on relevant items discussed during the 172nd and 173rd sessions of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29). The Secretary referred to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1131 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1135 for further details.

21. The secretariat presented the draft Programme of Work and Biennial Evaluation 2018-2019 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/119) which provides the mandate for the work of WP.29 and its subsidiary bodies (GRs) for the coming biennium.
22. WP.29 adopted the Programme of Work and Biennial Evaluation 2018-2019 based on document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/119.

23. The secretariat presented the programme of work, which includes a strategic introductory part on the main priorities of the work of WP.29 vehicle automation, powertrain electrification and enhancement of environmental protection. The priorities would include further development in the implementation of the 1958, 1997 and 1998 Agreements, the main horizontal activities and the main topics addressed by the subsidiary bodies of WP.29 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/1/Rev.2). The World Forum noted the revised programme of work and documentation.

24. The secretariat presented the list of Working Parties and Chairs (WP.29-173-01). The secretariat also presented the envisaged tasks of WP.29 staff for the year 2018 (WP.29-173-03).

25. The World Forum took note of WP.29-173-02 on the draft 2018 calendar for WP.29 and its subsidiary bodies, and WP.29-173-03 that describes the activities that are to be performed by the World Forum secretariat staff members during 2018.

26. The 2018 calendar for WP.29 and its subsidiary bodies and the list of Working Parties and Chairs are reproduced in Annex III and IV to the session report.

Proposal from the IWVTA informal group to supersede the current guidelines for regulatory procedures and transitional provisions for UN Regulations (document WP.29/1044 and its Revision 1) with updated general guidelines for establishing or amending UN Regulations, including for the definition of scope, administrative and transitional provisions, use of alternative requirements, and cross-referencing with other regulations. This proposal aims to

1. Streamline future work without superseding provisions of the 1958 Agreement and the existing UN Regulations,
2. Clarify rulemaking procedures pursuant to Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement, and
3. Ensure “good regulatory practice” through clarifications to avoid divergence between the interpretation of Revision 3 and the application to UN Regulations.

33. Upon the request of WP.29, GRB considered the Draft General Guidelines for United Nations regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/107) prepared by IWG IWVTA. The expert from OICA pinpointed provision 6.1 (in square brackets) which stipulated that “a Contracting Party may apply additional national provisions for vehicle characteristics not covered by the scope of a UN Regulation”. According the expert, this provision seemed to be counterproductive for the harmonization of vehicle Regulations and should be clarified. The Chair invited GRB experts to consider the Draft Guidelines and to submit their comments, if any, to the secretariat and/or to IWG IWVTA by 20 October 2017.

56. Upon the request of the World Forum and the IWG on IWVTA, GRSG considered the general guidelines for UN regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/107, Add.1 and Corr.1). GRSG endorsed the guideline documents and recommended the IWG on IWVTA to consider further amendments as reflected in GRSG-113-40.

29. The experts from India (GRE-78-25) and the Netherlands commented on the technical part of the TF EMC proposals. GRE was of the view that new transitional provisions would have to be submitted as an official document and should be aligned with the Draft General Guidelines for United Nations regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations, which were expected to be adopted by WP.29 at its November 2017 session (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/107, see agenda item 9, para. 36). GRE requested TF EMC to take into account the above considerations and to submit to the next session a revised consolidated proposal, possibly as a new series of amendments to Regulation No. 10.

36. At the request of WP.29 at its June 2017 session, GRE reviewed the Draft General Guidelines for United Nations regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/107). In particular, GRE experts expressed various views on para. 6.1. on the application of additional national provisions for vehicle characteristics that were not covered by the scope of a UN Regulation. The Chair invited GRE experts to consider the Draft Guidelines and to submit their further comments, if any, to the secretariat and/or to IWG IWVTA as soon as possible.

52. The representative of Japan, Chair of the IWG on IWVTA, presented the Draft General Guidelines for United Nation regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/107, Corr.1 and Add.1). These guidelines aim to streamline future work in the subsidiary bodies, to clarify the procedures following Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement and to ensure “good regulatory practice” by providing clarifications to avoid divergence in the understanding of Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement and the application of UN Regulations. The World Forum noted the intention of the IWG on IWVTA to further consider a number of amendments recommended by Contracting Parties and by the Working Parties for consideration at the next sessions of WP.29.

53. WP.29 adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/107, Corr.1 and Add.1, as amended below:

“Paragraph 6.1., shall be deleted.
Remove all square brackets in the document, and keep the proposed text.”

53 bis. The representative of the Russian Federation noted that the proposal to delete item 6.1. would require additional elaboration verifying legal consequences, therefore the Russian Federation reserved its position on the issue.

18. The expert from OICA proposed to clarify the application of the 01 series of amendments to Regulation No. 138 (GRB-67-09). The experts from China, France, Germany, OICA and WBU commented on the proposal. The secretariat pointed out that it had already rectified the text of paragraph 6.2.6. which had been incorrectly reproduced in a revised consolidated version published on the WP.29 website (E/ECE/324/Rev.2/Add.137/Rev.1 − E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.2/Add.137/Rev.1). GRB invited OICA to take into account the comments received and to prepare an official document for consideration at the next session. GRB also requested that the earlier OICA proposals for transitional provisions (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRB/2017/7) be included into this new document.

49. GRSG noted the adoption by WP.29/AC.1 of UN Regulation No. 0 on IWVTA (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/108) and its expected date of entry into force on 19 July 2018. GRSG also noted the adoption by WP.29 of (i) the explanation document on UN Regulation No. 0 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/109), (ii) the general guidelines for UN regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/107, Add.1 and Corr.1 as amended by para. 53 of the report ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1135) and (iii) the “Question&Answer” document on Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/131).

33. Upon the request of WP.29, GRB considered the Draft General Guidelines for United Nations regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/107) prepared by IWG IWVTA. The expert from OICA pinpointed provision 6.1 (in square brackets) which stipulated that “a Contracting Party may apply additional national provisions for vehicle characteristics not covered by the scope of a UN Regulation”. According the expert, this provision seemed to be counterproductive for the harmonization of vehicle Regulations and should be clarified. The Chair invited GRB experts to consider the Draft Guidelines and to submit their comments, if any, to the secretariat and/or to IWG IWVTA by 20 October 2017.

56. Upon the request of the World Forum and the IWG on IWVTA, GRSG considered the general guidelines for UN regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/107, Add.1 and Corr.1). GRSG endorsed the guideline documents and recommended the IWG on IWVTA to consider further amendments as reflected in GRSG-113-40.

52. The representative of Japan, Chair of the IWG on IWVTA, presented the Draft General Guidelines for United Nation regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/107, Corr.1 and Add.1). These guidelines aim to streamline future work in the subsidiary bodies, to clarify the procedures following Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement and to ensure “good regulatory practice” by providing clarifications to avoid divergence in the understanding of Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement and the application of UN Regulations. The World Forum noted the intention of the IWG on IWVTA to further consider a number of amendments recommended by Contracting Parties and by the Working Parties for consideration at the next sessions of WP.29.

53. WP.29 adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/107, Corr.1 and Add.1, as amended below:

“Paragraph 6.1., shall be deleted.
Remove all square brackets in the document, and keep the proposed text.”

53 bis. The representative of the Russian Federation noted that the proposal to delete item 6.1. would require additional elaboration verifying legal consequences, therefore the Russian Federation reserved its position on the issue.

49. GRSG noted the adoption by WP.29/AC.1 of UN Regulation No. 0 on IWVTA (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/108) and its expected date of entry into force on 19 July 2018. GRSG also noted the adoption by WP.29 of (i) the explanation document on UN Regulation No. 0 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/109), (ii) the general guidelines for UN regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/107, Add.1 and Corr.1 as amended by para. 53 of the report ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1135) and (iii) the “Question&Answer” document on Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/131).

33. Upon the request of WP.29, GRB considered the Draft General Guidelines for United Nations regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/107) prepared by IWG IWVTA. The expert from OICA pinpointed provision 6.1 (in square brackets) which stipulated that “a Contracting Party may apply additional national provisions for vehicle characteristics not covered by the scope of a UN Regulation”. According the expert, this provision seemed to be counterproductive for the harmonization of vehicle Regulations and should be clarified. The Chair invited GRB experts to consider the Draft Guidelines and to submit their comments, if any, to the secretariat and/or to IWG IWVTA by 20 October 2017.

56. Upon the request of the World Forum and the IWG on IWVTA, GRSG considered the general guidelines for UN regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/107, Add.1 and Corr.1). GRSG endorsed the guideline documents and recommended the IWG on IWVTA to consider further amendments as reflected in GRSG-113-40.

52. The representative of Japan, Chair of the IWG on IWVTA, presented the Draft General Guidelines for United Nation regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/107, Corr.1 and Add.1). These guidelines aim to streamline future work in the subsidiary bodies, to clarify the procedures following Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement and to ensure “good regulatory practice” by providing clarifications to avoid divergence in the understanding of Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement and the application of UN Regulations. The World Forum noted the intention of the IWG on IWVTA to further consider a number of amendments recommended by Contracting Parties and by the Working Parties for consideration at the next sessions of WP.29.

53. WP.29 adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/107, Corr.1 and Add.1, as amended below:

“Paragraph 6.1., shall be deleted.
Remove all square brackets in the document, and keep the proposed text.”

53 bis. The representative of the Russian Federation noted that the proposal to delete item 6.1. would require additional elaboration verifying legal consequences, therefore the Russian Federation reserved its position on the issue.

49. GRSG noted the adoption by WP.29/AC.1 of UN Regulation No. 0 on IWVTA (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/108) and its expected date of entry into force on 19 July 2018. GRSG also noted the adoption by WP.29 of (i) the explanation document on UN Regulation No. 0 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/109), (ii) the general guidelines for UN regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/107, Add.1 and Corr.1 as amended by para. 53 of the report ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1135) and (iii) the “Question&Answer” document on Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/131).

Proposal submitted by the informal working group on the International Whole Vehicle Type Approval for the establishment of UN Regulation No. 0 regarding the approval of whole vehicles within the framework of the 1958 Agreement. The regulations would establish an International Whole Vehicle Type Approval (IWVTA) scheme whereby Contracting Parties adhering to the Regulation may issue approvals to either a limited level (L-IWVTA) or to a wider range of technical topics included in the universal level (U-IWVTA). Contracting Parties are able to apply the limited or universal IWVTA depending upon the national situation.

The Universal-IWVTA (U-IWVTA) provides a greater level of certainty for vehicle manufacturers and Contracting Parties applying this UN Regulation, as the approval has to be accepted without further assessment of the technical items covered by the U-IWVTA issued. Contracting Parties applying this UN Regulation are not obliged to accept approvals to the limited level (L-IWVTA) but may do so at their choice. However, they have also to accept approvals issued pursuant to U-IWVTA.

The UN Regulation includes the administrative obligations of the IWVTA scheme. It does not establish separate technical requirements but instead refers to the provisions of the separate UN Regulations.

56. The Ambassador of GRRF at the IWG on IWVTA meetings gave an oral report about the IWVTA activities. He informed that the subgroup on Regulation No. 0 would be dissolved, that discussions took place on the future nature of the subgroup on IWVTA and that the draft Regulation No. 0 would be submitted in the near future. He announced that the need for an ambassador might be reduced given the progress made on IWVTA.

55. GRSG noted that Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement entered into force on 14 September 2017. GRSG welcomed the Question & Answer document on Revision 3 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/131) as well as the draft UN Regulation on IWVTA (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/108) and the explanation (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/109). GRSG noted that these documents were expected to be considered and adopted by WP.29 at its session in November 2017.

34. GRE noted that Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2016/2) had entered into force on 14 September 2017 and that a special webpage had been created by the secretariat with the text of the revised Agreement and frequently asked questions (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/131). GRE was informed that the IWG on the International Whole Vehicle Type Approval (IWVTA) had submitted the final draft of UN Regulation No. 0 and explanations on IWVTA for consideration and approval at the November 2017 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/108 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/109). GRE also took note that, following the adoption in June 2017 of amendments to Regulation No. 48, IWG IWVTA would consider the need to keep in Annex 4 to UN Regulation No. 0 references to the individual Regulations on lighting and light-signalling devices.

55. The representative of Japan, Chair of the IWG on IWVTA, introduced the draft UN Regulation No. 0 on uniform provisions concerning the International Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/108). He reported on the latest amendments to Annex 4 listing the UN Regulations covered by IWVTA (WP.29-173-18). He highlighted that other UN Regulations were in the process of being reviewed by the relevant Working Parties and that would be included in near future. Thus, he presented the draft Terms of References and Rules of Procedure for Phase 2 of the IWG on IWVTA (WP.29-173-17).

56. WP.29 welcomed the submission of draft UN Regulation No. 0 and acknowledged the work progress made by the IWG. The World Forum considered ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/108 and recommended its submission to AC.1 for voting.

74. The representative of the Republic of Korea announced his intention to abstain from voting at AC.1 on document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/108 (new UN Regulation on IWVTA).

49. GRSG noted the adoption by WP.29/AC.1 of UN Regulation No. 0 on IWVTA (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/108) and its expected date of entry into force on 19 July 2018. GRSG also noted the adoption by WP.29 of (i) the explanation document on UN Regulation No. 0 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/109), (ii) the general guidelines for UN regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/107, Add.1 and Corr.1 as amended by para. 53 of the report ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1135) and (iii) the “Question&Answer” document on Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/131).

45. GRE noted that UN Regulation No. 0 on the International Whole Vehicle Type Approval (IWVTA) had been adopted at the November 2017 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/108) and was expected to enter into force in July 2018.

57. The secretariat introduced the ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/54, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/55 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/109. The expert from ETRTO introduced GRRF-84-18 on schedule 4 of Revision 3 to the 1958 Agreement. GRRF raised concerns, in particular, on the defined approval number format prescribed in Schedule 4.

55. GRSG noted that Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement entered into force on 14 September 2017. GRSG welcomed the Question & Answer document on Revision 3 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/131) as well as the draft UN Regulation on IWVTA (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/108) and the explanation (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/109). GRSG noted that these documents were expected to be considered and adopted by WP.29 at its session in November 2017.

34. GRE noted that Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2016/2) had entered into force on 14 September 2017 and that a special webpage had been created by the secretariat with the text of the revised Agreement and frequently asked questions (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/131). GRE was informed that the IWG on the International Whole Vehicle Type Approval (IWVTA) had submitted the final draft of UN Regulation No. 0 and explanations on IWVTA for consideration and approval at the November 2017 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/108 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/109). GRE also took note that, following the adoption in June 2017 of amendments to Regulation No. 48, IWG IWVTA would consider the need to keep in Annex 4 to UN Regulation No. 0 references to the individual Regulations on lighting and light-signalling devices.

57. The representative of Japan also introduced the explanation document to UN Regulation No. 0 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/109). WP.29 considered and adopted the document.

49. GRSG noted the adoption by WP.29/AC.1 of UN Regulation No. 0 on IWVTA (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/108) and its expected date of entry into force on 19 July 2018. GRSG also noted the adoption by WP.29 of (i) the explanation document on UN Regulation No. 0 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/109), (ii) the general guidelines for UN regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/107, Add.1 and Corr.1 as amended by para. 53 of the report ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1135) and (iii) the “Question&Answer” document on Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/131).

Proposal to delete transitional provision subparagraphs that only apply to the 05 series of amendments to UN R48, but were erroneously kept in the 06 series of amendments.

66. The World Forum considered the draft amendment under agenda item 4.6.1 and recommended its submission to AC.1 for voting, subject to the following correction:

67. In document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/110, page 2, second last item replace the amendment “Paragraph 6.19.8., footnote 14, delete.” by “Paragraph 6.19., footnote 14, delete.”

Proposal to align the headform test with the deceleration measurement and the test of resistance to abrasion with ISO 15082:2016-11, including changes to the test details, correction of the headform calibration values, and the introduction of abrasion reference materials. The latter is combined with an abrasive-wheel qualification and a correction calculation (for plastic materials only).

The proposal also amends Figure 2a of Annex 21 to better reflect the meaning of paragraph 2.4.2.2. of Annex 21, mainly to clarify the lateral limits of any opaque obscuration in this area.

19. Referring to Figure 4-2 in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/111, GRSG recalled the adoption at its last session of draft Supplement 6 to the 01 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 43 and reconfirmed that the values in the figure were rounded to integers.

Proposal for editorial corrections to align the definition on plastic glazing between the original English version and the French translation as well as of the communication annex on principal/secondary characteristics for laminated-glass windscreens.

Proposal to correct paragraph 16.1.3.1. as follows: “The minimum and the average magnification factors of the CMS, in both horizontal and vertical directions shall not be lower than the minimum average magnification factors indicated below.” The latter reference to “minimum average” should be deleted since the subsequent text provides the required minimum and average magnification factors.

The proposal also corrects the cross-reference in paragraph 6.3.3.2. where “the test shall satisfy the conditions laid down in paragraph 6.1.3. of this Regulation” should refer to paragraph 6.1.1.3. and aligns the communication form with with the scope of the Regulation regarding vehicle categories (adding category L).

Proposal to correct the definition of “manual valve”, including deletion of the phrase “rigidly fixed to the cylinder or tank”. The definition of the manual valve as part of the accessories fitted to the container or tank (para. 4.16.) is different from the definition specified in paragraph 4.22. The proposed editorial change aims at clarifying the text of these definitions.

Proposal to correct the definition of “manual valve”, including deletion of the phrase “rigidly fixed to the cylinder or tank”. The definition of the manual valve as part of the accessories fitted to the container or tank (para. 4.16.) is different from the definition specified in paragraph 4.22. The proposed editorial change aims at clarifying the text of these definitions.

The proposal also introduces provisions for cargo-compartment refrigeration systems connected to the compressed natural gas (CNG) and/or liquefied natural gas (LNG) system(s).

Proposal to add a telltale and symbols for “Accident Emergency Call System (AECS)” and to align UN R121 with the 07 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 16:

1. the term “seat belt” is replaced by “safety belt”,
2. the symbol for safety belt, defined in item 21 of Table 1 in the Regulation, may be displayed in different colours to convey different meanings. Therefore, the existing footnote 18 has been added to item 21, and
3. this symbol may be replaced by different symbols for seats other than those of the front row. Therefore, a new footnote 22 is added to item 21.

Proposal from the WP.29 Secretariat for additional corrections to the table of tell-tales, concerning items 31 (Combustion
pre-heat; engine start aid) and 32 (Choke (cold starting device)).

Proposal for editorial corrections to align the definition on plastic glazing between the original English version and the French translation as well as of the communication annex on principal/secondary characteristics for laminated-glass windscreens.

Proposal to enable approval testing under UN R137 as an alternative to UN R12 in order to avoid redundant testing requirements. The proposal adds references to the steering gear provisions of UN R137 (full width frontal impact) as a compliance alternative in parallel to the current references similarly allowing compliance via provisions in UN R94 (offset deformable barrier frontal impact).

In accordance with the decision of the UNECE Inland Transport Committee to review its programme of work every two years, the next review being 2018, the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) is requested to review and adopt its programme of work for 2018–2019 as well as the relevant parameters allowing for its biennial evaluation.

21. The secretariat presented the draft Programme of Work and Biennial Evaluation 2018-2019 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/119) which provides the mandate for the work of WP.29 and its subsidiary bodies (GRs) for the coming biennium.
22. WP.29 adopted the Programme of Work and Biennial Evaluation 2018-2019 based on document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/119.

23. The secretariat presented the programme of work, which includes a strategic introductory part on the main priorities of the work of WP.29 vehicle automation, powertrain electrification and enhancement of environmental protection. The priorities would include further development in the implementation of the 1958, 1997 and 1998 Agreements, the main horizontal activities and the main topics addressed by the subsidiary bodies of WP.29 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/1/Rev.2). The World Forum noted the revised programme of work and documentation.

24. The secretariat presented the list of Working Parties and Chairs (WP.29-173-01). The secretariat also presented the envisaged tasks of WP.29 staff for the year 2018 (WP.29-173-03).

25. The World Forum took note of WP.29-173-02 on the draft 2018 calendar for WP.29 and its subsidiary bodies, and WP.29-173-03 that describes the activities that are to be performed by the World Forum secretariat staff members during 2018.

26. The 2018 calendar for WP.29 and its subsidiary bodies and the list of Working Parties and Chairs are reproduced in Annex III and IV to the session report.

For the International Whole Vehicle Type Approval, a UN Regulation is split in two regulations, UN Regulation No. 14-08 series of amendments including only adult safety belt anchorages and a new regulation UN Regulation No. [XX] will include all requirements for child restraint anchorages. Accordingly, this proposal would update the references to UN Regulation No. 14 in UN Regulation No. 16 in order to recognize child restraint system anchorages installed on the vehicle and approved under the new regulation.

Proposal to correct the reference to paragraph 5.1.3. in paragraph 5.2.3.2. to read 5.2.3.

Proposal to clarify the testing of seats with and without head restraints. This proposal would allow alternatives at the request of the manufacturer by clarifying that under testing of a bench seat with three seating positions and two head restraints, a moment of 3 × 373Nm shall be applied to the back of seats and of 2 × 373Nm to the head restraints:

1. If the manufacturer wants to comply with the test requirements of paragraph 6.2. (strength of the seat-back), by the test of head restraint performance of paragraph 6.4., they choose to apply 53 daNm to each seat back without head restraint and 89 daN to each head restraint. In this case only one test shall be performed.
2. If the manufacturer chooses not to apply 53 daNm, during the test of paragraph 6.4., the seat back strength test of paragraph 6.2. has to be performed in addition to the test of paragraph 6.4.

Proposal to amend UN R44 in line with the proposal to amend UN R14 in order to separate child restraint provisions (including ISOFIX anchorage provisions) into a new UN Regulation. The ISOFIX amendment to UN R14 has been introduced to facilitate the establishment of the International Whole Vehicle Type Approval (IWVTA) regulation by limiting the scope of UN R14 to adult safety belts.

In order to facilitate the establishment of an International Whole Vehicle Type Approval, provisions concerning requirements for child restraint systems are being extracted from UN R14 into a new regulation. Therefore, this proposal would update the references to UN R14 in UN R129 to enable recognition of anchorage approvals under the adult safety belt regulation (UN R14 as amended) and the new child restraint anchorage regulation.

Proposal to amend UN R129 in line with the proposal to amend UN R14 (document GRSP/2017/8) in order to separate child restraint provisions (including ISOFIX anchorage provisions) into a new UN Regulation. The ISOFIX amendment to UN R14 has been introduced to facilitate the establishment of the International Whole Vehicle Type Approval (IWVTA) regulation by limiting the scope of UN R14 to adult safety belts.

The proposal also incorporates amendments developed by the CRS informal working group to enable the type approval of integral and non-integral Enhanced Child Restraint Systems equipped with an impact shield.

Lastly, the proposal would introduce a provision prohibiting the use of the Unique Identifier allowed under the Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement as an alternative to the current approval mark. In the case of child restraint systems, the approval mark contains important information for users.

Proposal to amend UN R129 in line with the proposal to amend UN R14 (document GRSP/2017/8) in order to separate child restraint provisions (including ISOFIX anchorage provisions) into a new UN Regulation. The ISOFIX amendment to UN R14 has been introduced to facilitate the establishment of the International Whole Vehicle Type Approval (IWVTA) regulation by limiting the scope of UN R14 to adult safety belts.

The proposal also incorporates amendments developed by the CRS informal group to enable the type approval of integral and non-integral Enhanced Child Restraint Systems equipped with an impact shield.

Lastly, the proposal introduces a provision to prohibit use of the Unique Identifier allowed under Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement as an alternative to the current approval mark. In the case of child restraint systems, the approval mark contains important information for users.

Proposal to

1. align the regulation with legislation of the European Union, United States of America, and Japan,
2. clarify the test procedure, including ambient temperature provisions,
3. reduce unnecessary time and cost demands of the COP test procedures,
4. apply the minimum burst pressure BP_min as the pressure limit in the hydrostatic pressure rupture test for COP batch testing, and
5. delete the phrase “and in no case less than the value necessary to meet the stress ratio requirements” erroneously introduced into paragraph 9.3.2.1.

Proposal to transfer all ISOFIX requirements from UN R14 into a new UN Regulation. Within the context of the international whole vehicle type approval program, the removal of these CRS anchorage provisions would align UN R14 with its Australian Design Rule counterpart and enable Australia to apply the revised UN R14 narrowed down to adult seat-belt anchorages only.

Proposal to correct and clarify the text, including to

1. correct the constants for equation (34) to calculate exhaust mass flow using carbon balance method,
2. correct constants used for CVS verification,
3. correct the formula for regression analysis according to Annex 4, Appendix 3, and
4. correct the rise time (to 3.5 s from 2.5 s) for the PEM analyzers under paragraph A.2.2.1. of the 06 series.

Proposal to introduce provisions to align UN R49 with recently introduced stage D EU legislation in order enable manufacturers to continue to utilize the provisions in paragraph 4 of Annex 9A to approve light commercial vehicles with a light duty OBD architecture under this regulation. This proposal incorporates all of the provisions of the latest amendment to EU legislation. As stage D is unrelated to OBD, the proposal is to make stage C and all subsequent stages equivalent to EOBD 6-2. The proposal corrects

1. the constants for equation (34) to calculate exhaust mass flow using carbon balance method,
2. the constants used for CVS verification,
3. the formula for regression analysis according to Annex 4, Appendix 3, and
4. the rise time (to 3.5 s from 2.5 s) for the PEM analyzers under paragraph A.2.2.1. of the 06 series.

55. GRSG noted that Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement entered into force on 14 September 2017. GRSG welcomed the Question & Answer document on Revision 3 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/131) as well as the draft UN Regulation on IWVTA (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/108) and the explanation (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/109). GRSG noted that these documents were expected to be considered and adopted by WP.29 at its session in November 2017.

34. GRE noted that Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2016/2) had entered into force on 14 September 2017 and that a special webpage had been created by the secretariat with the text of the revised Agreement and frequently asked questions (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/131). GRE was informed that the IWG on the International Whole Vehicle Type Approval (IWVTA) had submitted the final draft of UN Regulation No. 0 and explanations on IWVTA for consideration and approval at the November 2017 sessions of WP.29 and AC.1 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/108 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/109). GRE also took note that, following the adoption in June 2017 of amendments to Regulation No. 48, IWG IWVTA would consider the need to keep in Annex 4 to UN Regulation No. 0 references to the individual Regulations on lighting and light-signalling devices.

60. The representative of Japan, Chair of the IWG on IWVTA, introduced the “Question and Answer” (Q&A) document on Revision 3 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/131) and WP.29-173-16 that clarifies Q&A No. 20. The World Forum adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/131 as amended below:
Q&A No. 20, amend to read:

49. GRSG noted the adoption by WP.29/AC.1 of UN Regulation No. 0 on IWVTA (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/108) and its expected date of entry into force on 19 July 2018. GRSG also noted the adoption by WP.29 of (i) the explanation document on UN Regulation No. 0 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/109), (ii) the general guidelines for UN regulatory procedures and transitional provisions in UN Regulations (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/107, Add.1 and Corr.1 as amended by para. 53 of the report ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1135) and (iii) the “Question&Answer” document on Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/131).

95. The representative of Japan, Chair of the IWG on IWVTA, informed WP.29 about the proposed amendments to Schedule 4 on the numbering of UN type approvals allowing the use of a four to six-digit sequential number (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/165). He reported on the recommendation of the group that GRVA should resume consideration of the proposals to align the provisions on approval numbering in UN Regulation No. 90. He introduced WP.29-176-22 proposing to insert in ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/131 a new question and answer entry clarifying how the new approval number format should be reflected in the communication form with regard to the extension number. WP.29 endorsed the proposal and requested the secretariat to circulate WP.29-176-22 as ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/131/Add.1.

96. The World Forum agreed to resume consideration of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/165 at its next session in March 2019.

53. The expert from the Russian Federation, chairing the IWG on AECS, recalled the detailed consideration of GRSG at its previous session of the new UN Regulation on AECS on the basis of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2017/12. He informed GRSG that the IWG had again reviewed the proposal to remove some editorial inconsistencies. He added that the latter ones have been taken into account in the official document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/132 which was submitted to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration at their November 2017 sessions. He concluded that further work needed to be done. As Secretary of the IWG on AECS, the expert from OICA introduced the revised justification document (GRSG-111-06-Rev.1) on draft UN Regulation on AECS. He reiterated his concern that Contracting Parties to the 1958 Agreement which intend to apply the Regulation should ensure the necessary infrastructure for the application of the new UN Regulation, once it enters into force.

54. GRSG reconfirmed its adoption of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/132 and agreed to resume consideration on this subject at its forthcoming session, especially on the need for further developments to the new UN Regulation.

Proposal to consolidate provisions concerning ISOFIX anchorages systems, ISOFIX top tether anchorages and i-Size seating positions removed from Regulation No. 14 in a new regulation. This change removes obstacles to the inclusion of UN R14 into Annex 4 of the future UN Regulation No. 0 of the International Whole Vehicle Type Approval (IWVTA).

76. The representative of Australia announced his intention to abstain from voting at AC.1 on document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/133 (new UN Regulation on ISOFIX).

77. The World Forum noted that ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/165, Proposal for amendments to Schedule 4 of the 1958 Agreement had remained on the agenda because not all Contracting Parties were in the position to take a vote on this matter during the November 2018, 176th session of the World Forum. WP.29 also noted that ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/131, Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement – questions and answers, was revised based on WP.29-176-22, and issued as ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/131/Add.1, a working document for the current session, in order to secure translation of the additional questions and answers content contained in WP.29-176-22 into the official ECE languages.

78. The representative of the Russian Federation sought guidance from WP.29 concerning national administrative and organisational setups (mechanisms) such as a ‘Technical Secretariat’ for e.g. the electronic exchange of information required by Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement, specifically the newly established electronic platforms, the “343 app” and DETA.

79. WP.29 acknowledged the request of the Russian Federation, recommending an amendment of the Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement – questions and answers document to address this matter.

80. The Russian Federation volunteered to prepare draft amendments to the Revision 3 of the 1958 Agreement – questions and answers document and submit it to World Forum for consideration at an upcoming session.

81. The World Forum considered the draft amendment to Schedule 4 of the 1958 Agreement (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/165) and recommended its submission to AC.1 for voting.

Proposal for a new UN Rule [No. 3] on Periodical Technical Inspections of motor vehicles using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and/or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in their propulsion system

39. The expert from Germany introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2017/17 to improve the specifications for the installation and inspection of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinders or of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) tanks and their accessories. GRSG welcomed the proposal and noted that WP.29 and the Administrative Committee of the 1997 Agreement were expected to consider and adopt ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/134 on a new UN Rule on Periodical Technical Inspections of motor vehicles using CNG and/or LNG in their propulsion system. The proposal from Germany received a number of comments, especially on the need to align the recommendations for the periodical technical inspections of such vehicles with the specifications for the re-qualification of the CNG cylinders or LNG tanks. GRSG noted the comments received by the experts from NGV Global (GRSG-113-03) and OICA (GRSG-113-20).

83. The representative of the Russian Federation, Co-Chair of the IWG on PTI, updated the World Forum on the work of the group (WP.29-173-06). He reported to the World Forum on the eighth meeting of the IWG on PTI that was held on 24 October 2017 in Brussels. He explained that the IWG on PTI decided to propose amendments to ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/134 under agenda item 7.4 as reproduced in WP.29-173-12. He recalled the proposal made by the representative of Finland and Sweden at the 172nd session of WP.29, that were similar to the earlier proposals presented by the Russian Federation (WP29-147-11 and WP29-165-07) aimed at including PTI relevant provisions in UN Regulations. He mentioned that the group had considerations related to the 1958 Agreement and the new concept “Whole Life Vehicle Compliance” was suggested. He reported on the considerations of the group as a follow-up on the presentation made by the representative of Switzerland on the tampering truck emissions tampering at the June 2017 session of WP.29 and possible benefits of PTI in this context.

87. The representative of the Russian Federation, Co-Chair of the IWG on PTI, presented ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/134 that proposes the establishment of a new Rule on Periodical Technical Inspections of motor vehicles using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and/or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in their propulsion system, that would be annexed to the 1997 Agreement. He also introduced informal document WP.29-173-12 amending the proposal by adding vehicles using Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Some Contracting Parties indicated that they were still in the process of evaluating the proposal.

89. WP.29 recommended the submission of the two proposals to AC.4 for voting, noting that some European Contracting Parties would support, in principle, the proposals but felt not in the position to adopt these proposals due to possible inconsistencies with European Directives on PTI on these matters (not specifically addressing additional test items for gas fuelled vehicles and hybrid vehicles).

158. No further supplementary information was provided beyond agenda item 7.4. (see paras. 81-83 above).

118. The Chair of WP.29 recalled the presentation at the 173rd WP.29 session by the representative of the Russian Federation, Co-Chair of the IWG on PTI, of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/134 that proposes the establishment of a new Rule on Periodical Technical Inspections of motor vehicles using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and/or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in their propulsion system, that would be to be annexed to the 1997 Agreement. He also introduced informal document WP.29-173-12 amending the proposal by inserting in the document “vehicles using Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)”. The secretariat agreed to prepare a consolidated version including the content of the informal document above.

119. The Chair of WP.29 recalled the presentation at the 173rd WP.29 session by the representative of the Russian Federation, Co-Chair of the IWG on PTI, of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/135 that proposes the establishment of a new Rule on Periodical Technical Inspections, regarding minimum safety inspection requirements for hybrid and electric motor vehicles, to be annexed to the 1997 Agreement.

120. WP.29 recommended the submission of the two proposals to AC.4 for voting.

102. The Chair of WP.29 recalled the presentation at the 173rd WP.29 session by the representative of the Russian Federation, Co-Chair of the IWG on PTI, of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/134 and of the informal document WP.29-173-12, which proposes the establishment of a new Rule on Periodical Technical Inspections of motor vehicles using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and/or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in their propulsion system, that would be annexed to the 1997 Agreement. These two documents had been consolidated in document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/70.

103. The Chair of WP.29 also recalled the presentation at the 173rd WP.29 session by the representative of the Russian Federation, co-chair of the IWG, of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/135 that proposes the establishment of a new Rule on PTI on minimum safety inspection requirements for hybrid and electric motor vehicles, to be annexed to the 1997 Agreement.

104. He recalled that WP.29 has recommended the submission of the two proposals to AC.4 for voting.

88. The representative of the Russian Federation, Co-Chair of the IWG on PTI, presented ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/135 that proposes the establishment of a new Rule on Periodical Technical Inspections, regarding minimum safety inspection requirements for hybrid and electric motor vehicles, to be annexed to the 1997 Agreement. Some Contracting Parties indicated that they were still in the process of evaluation of the proposal.

89. WP.29 recommended the submission of the two proposals to AC.4 for voting, noting that some European Contracting Parties would support, in principle, the proposals but felt not in the position to adopt these proposals due to possible inconsistencies with European Directives on PTI on these matters (not specifically addressing additional test items for gas fuelled vehicles and hybrid vehicles).

158. No further supplementary information was provided beyond agenda item 7.4. (see paras. 81-83 above).

118. The Chair of WP.29 recalled the presentation at the 173rd WP.29 session by the representative of the Russian Federation, Co-Chair of the IWG on PTI, of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/134 that proposes the establishment of a new Rule on Periodical Technical Inspections of motor vehicles using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and/or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in their propulsion system, that would be to be annexed to the 1997 Agreement. He also introduced informal document WP.29-173-12 amending the proposal by inserting in the document “vehicles using Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)”. The secretariat agreed to prepare a consolidated version including the content of the informal document above.

119. The Chair of WP.29 recalled the presentation at the 173rd WP.29 session by the representative of the Russian Federation, Co-Chair of the IWG on PTI, of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/135 that proposes the establishment of a new Rule on Periodical Technical Inspections, regarding minimum safety inspection requirements for hybrid and electric motor vehicles, to be annexed to the 1997 Agreement.

120. WP.29 recommended the submission of the two proposals to AC.4 for voting.

102. The Chair of WP.29 recalled the presentation at the 173rd WP.29 session by the representative of the Russian Federation, Co-Chair of the IWG on PTI, of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/134 and of the informal document WP.29-173-12, which proposes the establishment of a new Rule on Periodical Technical Inspections of motor vehicles using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and/or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in their propulsion system, that would be annexed to the 1997 Agreement. These two documents had been consolidated in document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/70.

103. The Chair of WP.29 also recalled the presentation at the 173rd WP.29 session by the representative of the Russian Federation, co-chair of the IWG, of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/135 that proposes the establishment of a new Rule on PTI on minimum safety inspection requirements for hybrid and electric motor vehicles, to be annexed to the 1997 Agreement.

104. He recalled that WP.29 has recommended the submission of the two proposals to AC.4 for voting.

178. No further supplementary information was provided beyond agenda item 7.4. (see paras. 102 – 104 above)

129. The Chair of WP.29 recalled the presentation at the 173rd WP.29 session by the representative of the Russian Federation, Co-Chair of the IWG on PTI, of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/135 and ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/70 that propose the establishment of a new Rule on PTI of motor vehicles with electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems and a new Rule on PTI of motor vehicles using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and/or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in their propulsion system that would be annexed to the 1997 Agreement.

130. He recalled that WP.29 had recommended the submission of the two proposals to AC.4 for voting.

221. The representative of Hungary stated that his country was not in the position to vote on UN Rules [3 and 4] due to procedural reasons. He voiced his country’s support for the work of AC.4 and expressed the expectation that Hungary would adopt these rules once domestic procedural conditions would allow.

219. Submitted for consideration and vote, the proposed UN Rule No. [4] (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/135) was adopted on 14 November 2018 by consensus vote of the following contracting parties present and voting: Bulgaria, Finland, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Russian Federation and San Marino. Hungary and Romania abstained from voting.

220. The representative of Romania stated that his country was not in the position to vote on UN Rules [3 and 4] due to procedural reasons. He voiced his country’s support for the work of AC.4 and expressed the expectation that Romania would adopt these rules once domestic procedural conditions would allow. He also said that it is difficult to implement at national level new UN Rules having supplementary requirements compared to the European Union PTI legislation in force.

99. The representative of the Netherlands, Chair of GRPE, presented the proposal for a new Mutual Resolution (M.R.3) of the 1958 and the 1998 Agreements concerning Vehicle Interior Air Quality (VIAQ) (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/136).

100. WP.29 adopted the resolution and thanked GRPE for the work.

101. The representative of the Republic of Korea, Chair of the IWG on VIAQ, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the work on the Mutual Resolution, which started in 2013. He expressed his support of the document and his appreciation for the cooperation of delegates from China and OICA members in the endeavour. He announced the start of the second stage of the work on VIAQ under the leadership of the Russian Federation.

47. The Vice-Chair of the IWG on Vehicles Interior Air Quality (VIAQ) presented a status report on the ongoing activities of the group (GRPE-76-35). He recalled that the original mandate of the group ended in November 2017. He highlighted the conclusion of the work by the tabled proposal for a new Mutual Resolution on recommendations to harmonize test procedures of interior air emissions generated from interior materials (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/136) which was adopted by WP.29 and AC.3 during 173rd WP.29 session in Geneva (14-17 November 2017). He recalled that WP.29 had endorsed the extension of the mandate of the IWG on VIAQ until November 2020 to extend the work and consider not only emissions generated by interior materials, but also gases from other sources that enter into the vehicle cabin.

48. As Chair for the new stage of the IWG on VIAQ, the expert from the Russian Federation highlighted the existing standards on VIAQ in his country. He presented the revised Terms of Reference for the IWG on VIAQ (GRPE-76-27) which were adopted by GRPE, as reproduced in Annex VIII.

49. GRPE acknowledged the progress made by the IWG on VIAQ and noted the request for a meeting room for half a day during the GRPE week in June 2018.

Proposal, pursuant to discussions among the Contracting Parties to the various WP.29 agreements, to facilitate contributions to Forum activities from participants, such as observers, that do not have ECOSOC consultative status. The proposal would permit direct application to the Forum (WP.29/AC.2) for authorization to participate in a consultative capacity.

102. The secretariat presented the document “Proposals for amendments to the Rules of Procedure of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations” (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/137), which aims to define conditions for and facilitate the participation in WP.29 of NGOs that are still in the process of obtaining a consultative status with ECOSOC.

103. The World Forum adopted the amendments to the document “World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedure” (TRANS/WP.29/690, Amend. 1 and 2).

Proposal for a new GTR on in-use and post-crash safety of electric vehicles and rechargeable electric energy storage systems (REESS).

115. The representative of the United States of America noted that due to an internal review process, it was not possible for them to vote on this proposal. The representatives of Japan and the European Union could support this request and said that they looked forward to a positive vote at the next session. AC.3 agreed to defer this subject to its March 2018 session.

11. The Chair of GRSP, on behalf of the Chair of the IWG, informed GRSP that the representative of the United States of America was preparing for the vote on the draft UN GTR on vehicle safety scheduled for the March 2018 session of AC.3. He clarified that the IWG discussed the matter of wireless charging batteries and agreed to resume discussion on this matter at its next meeting. GRSP noted that the authorization to develop the Phase 2 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/143) was endorsed by AC.3 at its November 2017 session. Thus, GRSP learned that the IWG was ready to continue the work, even prior to the establishment of the UN GTR Phase 1 in the Global Registry of the 1998 Agreement.

12. Finally, GRSP agreed to resume discussion at its May 2018 on the work progress of the IWG.

134. Submitted for consideration and vote, the new UN GTR on Electric Vehicle Safety (EVS) (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/138, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/139, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/AC.3/32) was established in the UN Global Registry on 14 March 2018 by consensus vote of the following contracting parties present and voting: Australia, Canada, China, the European Union (representing Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom), India, Japan, Malaysia, Norway, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, South Africa, Turkey and the United States of America.

115. The representative of the United States of America noted that due to an internal review process, it was not possible for them to vote on this proposal. The representatives of Japan and the European Union could support this request and said that they looked forward to a positive vote at the next session. AC.3 agreed to defer this subject to its March 2018 session.

134. Submitted for consideration and vote, the new UN GTR on Electric Vehicle Safety (EVS) (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/138, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/139, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/AC.3/32) was established in the UN Global Registry on 14 March 2018 by consensus vote of the following contracting parties present and voting: Australia, Canada, China, the European Union (representing Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom), India, Japan, Malaysia, Norway, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, South Africa, Turkey and the United States of America.

Proposal of an amendment to GTR 15 to:

1. clarify phase, cycle and vehicle class terminology to enable interpolation between different levels of downscaling, cycle classes and speed caps (resulting in modifications to WLTC cycle phases and time/speed tables),
2. improve the gear shifting procedures, including changes to gear selection and shift point determination for vehicles equipped with manual transmissions,
3. define the possible and permissible combinations of test vehicle selection and family requirements,
4. define the calculation of the average test mass during road load determination,
5. define single and double roller dynamometers, and
6. make editorial improvements.

116. Submitted for consideration and vote, the proposal for Amendment 3 to the UN GTR No. 15 on the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedures (WLTP) (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/140, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/141, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/AC.3/44) was established in the UN Global Registry on 15 November 2017 by consensus vote of the following Contracting Parties present and voting: Australia, China, the European Union (representing Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom), India, Japan. Norway, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation and South Africa.

117. The representatives from Canada, Malaysia, Tunisia and United States of America abstained from voting.

Report on the development of Amendment 3 to GTR 15 on light vehicle emissions. The amendment aims to:

1. clarify phase, cycle and vehicle class terminology to enable interpolation between different levels of downscaling, cycle classes and speed caps (resulting in modifications to WLTC cycle phases and time/speed tables),
2. improve the gear shifting procedures, including changes to gear selection and shift point determination for vehicles equipped with manual transmissions,
3. define the possible and permissible combinations of test vehicle selection and family requirements,
4. define the calculation of the average test mass during road load determination,
5. define single and double roller dynamometers, and
6. make editorial improvements.

116. Submitted for consideration and vote, the proposal for Amendment 3 to the UN GTR No. 15 on the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedures (WLTP) (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/140, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/141, ECE/TRANS/WP.29/AC.3/44) was established in the UN Global Registry on 15 November 2017 by consensus vote of the following Contracting Parties present and voting: Australia, China, the European Union (representing Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom), India, Japan. Norway, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation and South Africa.

117. The representatives from Canada, Malaysia, Tunisia and United States of America abstained from voting.

Proposal to correct the scope of the GTR to align with Part A of the GTR, UN R43, and regional/national interpretations and to align the impact test procedure description with that of UN R43 and ISO 3537. The scope is amended to add “panes or as partitioning” while deleting the wording “use of double windows panes, each pane is considered a separate item of glazing panes”. The impact test procedure is clarified to define the point of impact with reference to the test piece (not the current “supported area”) and within 25 mm of its geometric centre and 50 mm of its centre.

118. Submitted for consideration and vote, the proposal for Corrigendum 2 to UN GTR No. 6 on Safety Glazing (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/142) was established in the UN Global Registry on 15 November 2017 by consensus vote of the following Contracting Parties present and voting: Australia, Canada, China, the European Union (representing Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom), India, Japan. Norway, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, South Africa and the United States of America.

119. The representatives from Malaysia and Tunisia abstained from voting.

Proposal for the second phase development of the GTR on electric vehicle safety, including

1. Water immersion test
2. Long duration fire resistance test;
3. Rechargeable Electrical Energy Storage System (REESS) rotation tests
4. REESS vibration profile
5. Flammability, toxicity and corrosiveness of vented gas (i.e. quantification of venting for tests addressing safety of REESS post-crash, potential risk of “toxic gases” from non-aqueous electrolyte)
6. Thermal propagation and methods of initiation in battery system
7. Post-crash REESS safety assessment and stabilization procedures
8. Light electric vehicles (e.g. categories L6 and L7, low speed vehicles)
9. Protection during Alternating Current and Direct Current charging and feeding process
10. Overcurrent requirements plus tests (component based).

142. The representative of the United States of America, Chair of the IWG on EVS and of GRSP, informed AC.3 that the group had last met in September 2017, to plan work without discontinuation of Phase 2 of the UN GTR to address the long-term research issues. Thus, he introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/143 prepared by the representatives of China, Japan, United States of America and the European Union to request authorization to start Phase 2 of the UN GTR.

143. AC.3 adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/143 and requested the secretariat to prepare the corresponding AC.3 document.

11. The Chair of GRSP, on behalf of the Chair of the IWG, informed GRSP that the representative of the United States of America was preparing for the vote on the draft UN GTR on vehicle safety scheduled for the March 2018 session of AC.3. He clarified that the IWG discussed the matter of wireless charging batteries and agreed to resume discussion on this matter at its next meeting. GRSP noted that the authorization to develop the Phase 2 (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/143) was endorsed by AC.3 at its November 2017 session. Thus, GRSP learned that the IWG was ready to continue the work, even prior to the establishment of the UN GTR Phase 1 in the Global Registry of the 1998 Agreement.

12. Finally, GRSP agreed to resume discussion at its May 2018 on the work progress of the IWG.

122. The representative of the European Union introduced WP.29-173-20 (superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/144) aimed at providing an overview of the priority of the programme of work of the development of UN GTRs or amendments to the existing ones. She finally invited AC.3 to provide more details on new UN GTR activities. The representative of the United States of America underlined that especially for the development of new UN GTRs, sponsors should be assigned. The representative from OICA agreed with most of the proposed subjects, but underlined that:

1. Harmonisation is crucial, but issues on the same subjects already being developed in the framework of the 1958 Agreement should continue to be conducted in parallel;
2. Clarification was needed for the development of a UN GTR on Event Data Recorders (EDR); OICA supported this, but pointed out that there was a difference between EDR and data storage systems for automated vehicles and that the scope of the proposal should be clarified;
3. Clarification of the exact objectives would be welcome on the proposals, especially the one on driver recognition systems.

123. AC.3 agreed in principle on the content of WP.29-173-20 and requested the secretariat to distribute it with an official symbol at its March 2018 session for final revision and endorsement.

124. The representative of Japan stated that, regarding a next step for this agenda, the highly automated driving issue should be discussed not only under the 1958 Agreement but also under the 1998 Agreement, and that there is high possibility for this item to become a new UN GTR activity according to the programme of work.

156. The Chair of AC.3 introduced the documents that were considered under this agenda item. AC.3 considered ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/31, aimed at providing an updated overview of the priorities of the Programme of Work of the development of UN GTRs or amendments to the existing ones. AC.3 referred to the discussions on document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2019/2 under agenda item 2.3.

157. The Chair of AC.3 proposed that agenda item 17 could be divided into two items: 17.1 on the conventional priority topics in the programme of work of the 1998 Agreement, and 17.2. on priority topics in the programme of work of the 1998 Agreement concerning automated and connected vehicles for consideration.

158. Discussion was inconclusive, and the Chair of AC.3 proposed to prepare and submit an informal document to the fifty-sixth session detailing the proposed changes to the agenda. AC.3 accepted this proposal and deferred continuation of discussions on the matter to the subsequent AC.3 session in June 2019.

Advance copy of the guidance developed for regulators when considering legal requirements for automated driving systems. This proposal contains tentative provisions still under discussion pending the November sessions of WP.29 and the informal group on ITS/Automated Driving.

28. WP.29 agreed to defer consideration of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2017/145 (still containing text in square brackets) to the March 2018 session.