87. The representative of the Russian Federation, Co-Chair of the IWG on Periodic Technical Inspection (PTI), presented WP.29-188-17, providing an overview of the recent activities of the IWG on PTI. He highlighted the current state of play regarding the preparation of a Framework Document on Whole Life Compliance, tabled for adoption under agenda item 7.6. He recalled the discussions related to amendment to the consolidated resolution R.E.6. related to tampering detection. He explained that a draft UN Rule on Accident Emergency Call Systems would be reviewed by GRSG at its March 2023 session. He mentioned the activities in collaboration with the IWG on DETA related to Unique Identifier and the access to vehicle data for the purpose of PTI.

88. WP.29 invited the IWG on PTI to report on progress at its March 2023 session.

86. The Co-Chair from the IWG on Periodic Technical Inspection (PTI), representative from the Netherlands, introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2023/9 and GRPE-87-57. He informed GRPE that similar activities on PN measurement at PTI was on-going in other regions, for example in the EU. He requested additional time to review ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2023/9 and reach harmonized approach before requested consideration by GRPE.

87. The representative from Germany informed GRPE that the country was about to start PN measurement at PTI and declared harmonized PN measurement at PTI was welcomed providing they do not contradict national legislation. He highlighted that there are already differences in equipment specifications and said that a limit of 250 000 #/cm3 was appropriate to detect malfunctioning particulate filters. He added that in a recent test campaign in Germany, some Euro 6 vehicles did not provide OBD signals for DPF regeneration status or EGR operation that would need to be discussed to be able to provide accurate interpretation of the measurements.

88. The representative from OICA expressed his surprise by the high share of vehicle with problems. He reminded that technologies to detect removed filters has improved but that not all OEMs have implemented such technologies until it was legally required.

89. The representative from CITA supported the proposal to align proposal and to slightly delay the consideration of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2023/9. The representative from the European Commission, expert from the JRC, informed GRPE about the development of the EU recommendation on PN at PTI, and agreed to closely work with the IWG on PTI on harmonized provisions.

90. GRPE agreed to postpone the consideration of ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRPE/2023/9 until a revised proposal is delivered by the IWG on PTI.

91. The representative from CITA introduced GRPE-87-36. The representative from Germany sought some clarifications on the potential shortage of replacement particulate filters shortly after the introduction of the test in Belgium and requested further information on this topic. The representative from CITA confirmed the replacement parts shortage was still on-going, but that authorities were offering solutions to make sure owners could still use their cars, such as additional time to repair faulty vehicles.

92. The secretary from the IWG on PTI, representative from CITA, introduced GRPE-87-24. The representative from the European Commission asked whether emission tampering was a PTI or a type approval issue and called for GRPE to play an active role in the activities of the task force. The secretary from the IWG on PTI clarified tampering was both a PTI and type approval issues and added that all proposals form the task force on emission tampering under the IWG on PTI would be introduced to GRPE before submission to WP.29, and was adamant that a close working relationship between GRPE and the IWG of PTI was a prerequisite for successful activities of the task force on emission tampering.

93. The Chair confirmed it was appropriate to include such emission tampering issues under the umbrella of the IWG on PTI, with close links with GRPE. He sought the view of GRPE on the creation of an ambassador role for a delegate to report in GRPE about the activities of the task force on emission tampering. The representative from the European Commission thought an ambassador role was not appropriate, highlighting that GRPE should actively contribute to the activities of the task force. The representative from CITA said they were happy to convey information in the most efficient way to GRPE, as ambassador or not. The Chair highlighted an ambassador role was potentially not limited to information exchange and could have a more active role if need be. GRPE agreed to be regularly updated and to add such provision into the ToRs of the task force on emission tampering under the IWG on PTI.

94. The Co-Chair of the IWG on PTI, representative from the Netherlands, highlighted there was a lot of emission tampering in heavy duty applications, and that market surveillance and roadside inspection were additional tools used on top of PTI to detect faulty vehicles and that such results could also be reported to GRPE in the future.

65. The representative from the European Commission introduced GRPE-86-30 providing an update to the European Commission PN-PTI guidance document. The representative from Germany highlighted that the procedure for diesel vehicles might not be appropriate for gasoline engines, and that an on-going study in Europe could bring updated information on this potential issue.

66. The Chair encouraged global exchange on the issue to make sure this activity also benefits countries outside of the EU. The representative from the European Commission confirmed this guidance document was also aimed at being applied globally.

72. The representative from the EC introduced GRPE-85-34 on the particle number measurement during Periodic Technical Inspection (PTI) tests. The Chair recommended to harmonize the activities between the EC and the IWG on PTI that is working on similar issues. He also informed GRPE that the Co-Chair of the IWG on PTI from the Netherlands agreed to table the proposed amendment to R.E.6. in GRPE prior to WP.29 submission. The representative from the EC expected to release a first draft of their recommendations to European authorities one month after the GRPE session and agreed to share and collaborate with the IWG on PTI.

73. The representative from Spain, supported by the representative from CITA, called for in-depth harmonization of the methodology and not-to-exceed limits, which the Chair fully supported; The Chair also suggested an updated Type 2 test might be need in type approval legislation to provide a basis for comparison at PTI tests. GRPE agreed to keep this item on the agenda for forthcoming sessions of GRPE.