TF-AVRS submitted its status report to GRSP-79, advancing work on draft new Y-category Passive Safety Regulation and amendments to UN R127 for Y-category vehicles. The draft regulation addresses fuel system integrity, electrical shock protection, and crash compatibility based on UN R94, R95, R137, and R153. Horizontal items included eliminating R point problems, passenger compartment references, and A and B pillar designations, with harmonised mass definitions and consolidated numbering. Targets for 2026 included reviewing AVRS-adopted documents, correcting three regulations, and consistency checks across ADS amendments for WP.29-199.

Proposal to establish a new UN Regulation on crashworthiness of vehicles of category N₁Y with regard to protection of fuel system integrity, protection against electrical shock and vehicle crash compatibility in the event of frontal, rear-end and lateral collision. This Regulation applies to vehicles of category N₁Y and prescribes requirements for frontal impact based on UN R94 for vehicles not exceeding 2,500 kg and UN R137 for vehicles exceeding 2,500 kg but not exceeding 3,500 kg, lateral impact based on UN R95 without the side pole impact test, and rear impact based on UN R153. Vehicles must demonstrate fuel system integrity with no more than slight leakage or continuous leakage not exceeding 30 g/min, hydrogen leakage not exceeding 118 NL per minute, and protection against electrical shock from high-voltage systems. REESS must remain attached and exhibit no fire or explosion within 60 minutes post-crash.

The task force completed working documents for transposition of the optional part of GTR 13 on liquefied hydrogen (GRSP/2025/41, GRSP-78-15/Rev.1, GRSP-78-16/Rev.2), updating ISO 17268-1:2025 references for receptacle geometry, and incorporating ISO 19887-1:2024 and periodic inspection requirements into UN Regulation No. 134 (WP.29/2026/56, WP.29/2026/136, WP.29/2026/57). The task force recommended deferring discussions on supply line standards to IWG GTR 13 Phase 3 and provided recommendations for hydrogen storage and fuel system requirements.

Proposal to amend para. 2.1. to specify that appropriate adaptors are test components designated by the CHSS manufacturer substituting for the container valve, additional TPRD, and end plug, modify paras. 5.1.1., 5.1.2., 5.2., 9.2.1., and 9.2.3.2. to clarify that connections between supply lines for additional TPRDs and appropriate adaptors shall meet test requirements and are within the scope of the test, amend para. 9.2.1. to delete references to hydraulic mating connections, and modify Annex 3 para. 5.1. to include supply lines for additional TPRDs in the CHSS test article.

Proposal to amend the definition of ‘appropriate adaptor’ to specify that it is a test component specified by the manufacturer that substitutes for the container valve, additional TPRD, and/or end plug, modify para. 5.1.1. to require that three containers as well as supply lines for additional TPRDs through appropriate adaptors be hydraulically pressurized until burst, modify para. 5.1.2. to require that three containers as well as supply lines for additional TPRDs through appropriate adaptors be hydraulically pressure cycled without rupture for 22,000 cycles, and modify para. 5.2. to require that one container equipped with container attachments and supply lines for additional TPRDs through appropriate adaptors be tested, with connections between supply line and adaptor meeting requirements and worst-case approach applicable at discretion of Technical Service and Type Approval Authority.

Proposal to amend para. 2.1. to specify that an appropriate adaptor means a test component specified by the CHSS manufacturer that substitutes for the container valve, additional TPRD, and end plug, and includes an outlet with the proper fitting size and geometry to connect the supply line to the additional TPRD if applicable, with a note defining container valve and end plug, amend para. 5.1.1. to require that connections between the supply line for additional TPRDs and appropriate adaptor(s) shall meet the requirements and are within the scope of the test, amend para. 5.1.2. to require that connections between the supply line for additional TPRDs and appropriate adaptor(s) shall meet the requirements and are within the scope of the test, amend para. 5.2. to require that connections between the supply line for additional TPRDs and appropriate adaptor(s) shall meet the requirements and are within the scope of the test, and amend Annex 3 para. 5.1. to delete “through appropriate adaptors” from the requirement regarding supply lines for additional TPRDs.

International vehicle regulations do not include safety requirements for power-operated components such as doors, tailgates, and seats, with the exception of power-operated windows, sunroofs, and partitions covered by UN R21. Recent incidents involving entrapment hazards demonstrate the need for WP.29 to pay attention to this issue and discuss the enhancement of vehicle regulations from a long-term perspective, including which GRs should amend which regulations.

Regarding seat belt and airbag use, simulations show steering column intrusion leaves little survival space even at low speeds, so focus should first address energy absorption and compatibility issues before restraint systems. Impact data from six countries (Denmark, France, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Serbia, and the UK) suggest that in 963 bus driver fatalities and severe injuries, severity could potentially have been reduced with improved frontal protection. Cost-benefit analysis should include injuries to small vehicles in collisions with buses. UN R29 and UN R93 should be considered; UN R93 could be amended to include M₃ buses. A real-life demonstration test with a bus is proposed to validate studies conducted.

Proposal to streamline the Regulation by eliminating redundant requirements and their test procedures as well as to clarify the possible alternative methods to improve the efficiency of the tests: Delete paragraphs 6.2. and 6.3., delete paragraph 6.5., delete paragraph 6.10., reserve paragraphs 9A, 9B, and 9E, delete paragraph 6.14., amend paragraph 6.15. to add comprehensive thermal propagation verification procedures including risk management analysis alternatives, add paragraph 6.16. for REESS and vehicle communication compatibility, add new Part III (para. 7.) for approved REESS installation requirements, renumber existing paragraphs 8.–13. as paragraphs 8.–13. and add corresponding section numbering, amend scope provisions to clarify application to vehicles of categories M, N, and O with specified e-axle battery provisions, add vehicle category O definitions including “e-axle” and “trailer load compartment,” amend various paragraphs to reference vehicles of categories O₃ and O₄, amend protection requirements to include trailer load compartments, amend over-discharge and overcharge test procedures to permit sequential execution, amend isolation resistance measurement requirements to exempt measurement when isolation resistance monitoring systems are installed and confirmed functional, clarify SOC adjustment procedures to permit alternative ambient temperatures when highest SOC is achievable independently, add labelling requirements for vehicles of categories M₂/N₂ and M₃/N₃ in accordance with ISO 17840-4:2018, add provisions for Automated Driving System (ADS) features and warnings, add provisions for vehicles of category Y regarding mechanical integrity validation at component level, amend Annex 1 Part 2 to revise installation restriction references, add Annex 9K describing four thermal propagation trigger methods with four appendices, and add Annex 10 specifying label provisions for electric power train vehicles.

Proposal to provide guidance for interpretation of “Type of REESS” (Rechargeable Electrical Energy Storage System) as defined in UN R100 para. 2.48. The document establishes that differences in REESS should be evaluated from the perspective of substantial impact on safety performance. It describes key elements for assessing impact on safety within each essential aspect: manufacturer responsibility, cell chemistry/capacity/physical dimensions, cell number/connection/support, casing construction/materials/dimensions, and ancillary devices. The guidance provides examples of changes not causing or potentially causing significant differences, including production location changes, multi-sourcing of cells, and process improvements.

Italy opposes GRSP-79-05 proposal to delete paragraphs 15.1.2 and 15.1.3 of transitional provisions, which would permit production and marketing of helmets to the earlier 05 series of amendments to UN R22. Italy argues restoring approval for UN R22.05 helmets would set technical requirements back 26 years, disrupt markets with obsolete products, penalize companies investing in UN R22.06 adaptation, and frustrate safety improvements. No appreciable price difference exists between UN R22.05 and UN R22.06 helmets, negating cost justification.

The 5th Emergency Door Opening Task Force meeting was held 21–23 April 2026 in Seoul. The meeting minutes of the 4th EDO meeting were adopted without amendment. A report concerning the TF EDO work programme was delivered to WP.29 AC.2 and AC.3 during the 198th session of WP.29, with informal endorsement to transform the Task Force into an Informal Working Group. Discussions addressed amendments to UN Regulation No. 11 and No. 21, including test procedures for power loss, interior and exterior door opening, intuitiveness, and backup systems. Documents EDO-05-03, EDO-05-04, EDO-05-05, EDO-05-07, EDO-05-08, EDO-05-09, and EDO-05-12 were reviewed. Multiple homework items were assigned for completion before the 6th EDO meeting scheduled for 1–3 September 2026 in Paris.

Proposal to insert new paragraphs 0.2. and 0.2.1. to clarify the assessment procedure for door opening and permit the use of an external vehicle lift to return a vehicle to its wheels following the side impact test for workshop health and safety compliance, and insert new para. 5.3.3.1.1. to specify that if necessary the vehicle shall be put back on its wheels and paragraphs 5.3.3. and 5.3.3.1. shall apply once in this condition.

The Equitable Occupant Protection informal working group pursues equitable and enhanced protection of diverse populations through robust, inclusive regulatory solutions addressing rear-end impact soft tissue neck injuries and frontal impact restraint systems. The group extends assessment towards brain injuries, soft tissue neck injuries, and lower extremity injuries with high frequency and risk of permanent medical impairment. Four task forces focus on rear impact seat assessment, virtual crash testing, frontal impact and restraint system requirements, and assessment of currently not considered injury types. Workshops are scheduled for June 29-30 on rear impact assessment, September 7 in Munich on virtual crash testing, and November 4-6 in Tokyo on frontal impact.

Proposal to insert a new paragraph 0.4. explaining that the second level warning of safety-belt reminders is intended to warn if one safety-belt is unfastened during normal driving conditions as specified in paragraph 5.2.4.1., and that other safety warnings may alert the driver to check overall safety of occupants and stop the vehicle, with the second level warning discontinued per paragraphs 5.2.4.3.(a) to (c)©, and amend paragraph 5.2.4.3. to add a new subparagraph (d) allowing discontinuation of the audible signal when other audible safety warnings are triggered in circumstances of imminent danger where the vehicle has to be stopped.

This document reports on online meeting in April 2025 that discussed the Safe System approach, Vision Zero principle, cost-benefit considerations, seat belt use, impact energy, bus front deformation, and scope of Regulations No. 93 and No. 29. A Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority report examined 55 head-on collisions involving buses from 2012–2025, finding that full-frontal collisions often had survivable outcomes, while corner-to-corner collisions frequently resulted in fatal accidents. The investigation identified that current front protection is inadequate in low-overlap collisions. The task force will work on terms of reference and scope, invite more contracting parties, and organize an in-person meeting in Norway.

Proposal to establish uniform provisions concerning the approval of M₂ and M₃ vehicles to assist in the prevention of children being left inside. This regulation applies to vehicles of categories M₂ and M₃ class B and III designed or equipped primarily for the carriage of children, or special purpose vehicles of categories M₂ and M₃ class B and III designed specifically for the carriage of children. Vehicles shall be equipped with a physical inspection system which satisfies the requirements, including that the system shall be engaged when the vehicle master control switch is turned off and shall generate an external visual and audible warning if not disarmed within three minutes for buses not exceeding 22 passenger seats, or within five minutes for buses exceeding 22 passenger seats. The audible warning shall be greater than 60 dB(A).

This document presents VDA 812-001 (05/2026), a recommendation for qualification of pyrotechnics and inflators for automotive restraint applications. The recommendation combines a Propellant Information Package and inflator ageing procedures. Propellant must demonstrate robustness against thermal stimulus of 107°C for 408h or 90°C for 1000h and moisture stimulus, with mechanical stability, density, and burn rate criteria assessed before and after ageing cycles. Inflator evaluation addresses structural safety, functional safety, effluents, performance characterization, and environmental simulation, including high temperature oven testing, accelerated heat ageing, and sequential environmental testing to ensure suitability for restraint systems.

Proposal to renumber para. 5.8.4.2. as para. 5.8.4.3., insert new para. 5.8.4.2. requiring controls of electric side windows adjacent to the front seat row to be within reach and directly accessible without multiple actions, insert new paras. 5.8.8. and 5.8.8.1. to 5.8.8.3. requiring electric side windows of the front seat row to function for at least 2 minutes during vehicle submergence, and insert new Annex XI establishing a submergence test procedure for window opening functionality.

Supporting presentation for proposals to remove para. 6.2. and Annex 9A, remove para. 6.3. and Annex 9B, remove para. 6.5. and Annex 9E including Appendix 1, remove para. 6.10. and Annex 9J, exempt from isolation resistance measurements after each test, allow sequential execution of over-discharge and overcharge tests, remove standard cycle after each test, unify thermal event warning requirement by removing para. 6.14., and allow alternative conditions for ambient temperature for SOC adjustment. The document also proposes guidance on REESS type definition.

Proposal to insert new paragraphs 2.30. to 2.36. defining latch release control, door handle, retractable door handle, unlock, unlatch, door opening, and power loss; insert new para. 5.4. establishing door operation requirements for exterior and interior doors providing direct occupant access, including at least one intuitively accessible exterior latch release control and door handle, and interior means to unlock and unlatch; insert new para. 6.4. requiring intuitive operation of latch release controls and door handles, and specifying power-assisted systems remain capable of unlatching and unlocking after 60 minutes of power loss through secondary mechanical means, active secondary power supply, or fail-safe systems; and insert new Annex 7 establishing power loss test procedures for interior and exterior door opening following emergency events, requiring successful opening within five cycles after 60-minute power disconnection.

Proposal to:

• Insert new paragraphs 2.64. to 2.xx. on electronic components,
• Amend para. 3.2.1. to require technical descriptions including overview of Supplemental Restraint Systems,
• Insert new paragraphs 4.7.5. and 4.7.6. on international insert and small infant support marks,
• Renumber paragraphs 4.12. (second one), 4.12.1. to 4.12.4., and 4.13. as 4.13., 4.13.1. to 4.13.4., and 4.14.,
• Amend para. 4.12. to clarify insert information on labels,
• Insert new paragraphs 4.12.5. and 4.12.6. on international insert and small infant support marks,
• Insert new paragraphs 5.4.4. and 5.4.5. defining international insert and small infant support marks,
• Amend para. 6.2.1.1. to clarify insert and small infant support requirements,
• Amend para. 6.2.6. to reference user inflatable elements,
• Insert new paragraph 6.6.4.1.9. on dynamic testing with Supplemental Restraint Systems,
• Insert new paragraph 6.9. on provisions for electronics including battery removability, low battery voltage reminders, and vehicle battery connection warnings,
• Amend paragraphs 14.3.1. and 14.4.1. to include insert information in size range declarations,
• Insert new paragraph 16.18. on transitional provisions applicable from entry into force through 1 September 2029,
• Insert new paragraphs 3. and 4. in Annex 2 on insert and small infant support mark arrangements.

Report on the status of deliverables to 79th GRSP session. Expected deliverables include working documents for transposition of optional part of GTR13 on liquified hydrogen (December 2025), updating ISO 17268-1:2025 reference for receptacle geometry (December 2025), and incorporating periodic inspection requirements into UN Regulation No. 134 (May 2026, WP.29-2026-56e). Additional deliverables include recommendations for IWG GTR 13 Phase 3 and way forward for material compatibility requirements (July 2026). TF-H2 also recommended clarifications to UN-R 134/03 regarding ‘appropriate adaptor’ definition and changes to related paragraphs, with informal document due December 2026.