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UN R44 Supplement 14 (04 series) · UNECE Regulation No. 44 (ECE R44) — Uniform provisions concerning the approval of restraining devices for child occupants of power-driven vehicles ("Child Restraint Systems").

UN R44 — Supplement 14 to the 04 series of amendments

Supplement 13 → 14

Adopted at the WP.29 175th sessionEntry into force 2018-12-29
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What changed
  • New paragraphs 17.18. and 17.19. cover non-integral class forward facing systems of group 2 or group 2/3. They exclude systems that form part of a multi-group system that will also be approved for group 1 and above. For the covered systems, no new approvals may be granted under this Regulation from 1 September 2019, and no extensions from 1 September 2023.
  • In paragraph 8.2.9., a force of 50 ± 1 N is now applied to the extremities of the bar, instead of a 5 kg mass.
  • Paragraph 5.4.2.3. on the symbol “Y” for a device that contains a crotch strap is deleted.
Why
  • CI and ANEC considered it undesirable that CRS manufacturers could still start new products under UN Regulation No. 44 for an undefined period.
  • The symbol “Y” is no longer used in UN Regulation No. 129, so the consumer is not aware of its meaning.
  • The expert from France, for the Technical Services Group, proposed to clarify the test protocol for the opening force of the ISOFIX attachments.

Q1What changed25 changes

Limits on new approvals and extensions for non-integral class forward facing systems of group 2 or group 2/3 (paras. 17.18. and 17.19.)

New paragraphs 17.18. and 17.19. cover non-integral class forward facing systems of group 2 or group 2/3. They exclude systems that form part of a multi-group system that will also be approved for group 1 and above. For the covered systems, no new approvals may be granted under this Regulation from 1 September 2019. From 1 September 2023, no extensions may be granted for them. Five entries of the Groups / categories table now show “A(4)”. New table note (4) says that new approvals and extensions will be granted in accordance with paragraphs 17.18. and 17.19.

As from 1 September 2019, no new approvals shall be granted under this Regulation to non-integral class forward facing child restraint systems of group 2 or group 2/3, unless they form part of a multi-group child restraint system that will also be approved for group 1 and above.
As from 1 September 2023, no extensions shall be granted under this Regulation to non-integral class forward facing child restraint systems of group 2 or group 2/3, unless they form part of a multi-group child restraint system that will also be approved for group 1 and above.
1 more change in this group — open in Compare

Main load-bearing contact point (para. 6.1.8.)

Paragraph 6.1.8. covers integral “universal” category systems, except ISOFIX universal systems, and non-integral “universal” category systems. For both, the main load-bearing contact point must be not less than “a radius of 150mm” from the Cr axis. Before, the text said “150 mm” from the Cr axis. The point is measured with the child restraint as the new figures show, on the dynamic test bench of Annex 21, without a dummy. The check must be done at both sides of the CRS and along a longitudinal plane parallel to the median plane of the CRS. For integral systems, the text now says “the webbing of the adult safety-belt” instead of “the adult safety-belt”.

Integral child restraint systems of the "universal" category, except ISOFIX universal child restraint systems, shall have a main load-bearing contact point, between the child restraint and the webbing of the adult safety-belt. This point shall not be less than 150 mm a radius of 150mm from the Cr axis when measured with the child restraint as indicated in figures below, on the dynamic test bench installed in accordance with Annex 21 to this Regulation without a dummy.
Non-integral child restraint systems of the "universal" category, shall have a main load-bearing contact point, between the child restraint and the webbing of the adult safety-belt. This point shall not be less than 65 mm vertically above the test bench cushion and not be less than 150 mm a radius of 150mm from the Cr axis when measured with the child restraint as indicated in figures below, on the dynamic test bench installed in accordance with Annex 21 to this Regulation without a dummy.
6 more changes in this group — open in Compare

Guidance of the lap strap on both sides (para. 6.2.2.)

All restraint devices that use a “lap strap” must now positively guide the “lap strap” “equilateral” on both sides. In the case of booster cushions and booster seats, the lap portion of the adult seat belt must be positively guided “equilateral” on both sides. Before, the word “equilateral” was not in these texts.

All restraint devices utilizing a "lap strap" shall positively guide the "lap strap" equilateral on both sides to ensure that the loads load transmitted by the "lap strap" are transmitted through the pelvis. The assembly shall not subject weak parts of the child's body (abdomen, crotch, etc.) to excessive stresses.
In the case of booster cushions and booster seats, the lap portion of the adult seat belt shall be positively guided equilateral on both sides to ensure that the loads are transmitted by the adult lap belt are transmitted through the pelvis. The positive guidance of loads over the pelvis shall be realised from the moment that the child is installed; the lap belt shall pass over the top of the thigh, just touching the fold with the pelvis. The angles α and β between the tangent line in which the belt touches the thighs and the horizontal shall be greater than 10°.
1 more change in this group — open in Compare

Symbol “Y” for a crotch strap (para. 5.4.2.3. and Annex 2)

Paragraph 5.4.2.3. on the symbol “Y” for a device that contains a crotch strap is deleted. In Annex 2, the sentence that says the symbol “Y” indicates a crotch strap is deleted.

The symbol "Y", in the case of a device containing a crotch strap, in conformity with the requirements of supplement 3 to the 02 series of amendments to the Regulation;
5.4.2.4.5.4.2.3.
2 more changes in this group — open in Compare

Physical and digital information for the customer (paras. 15.2.2. and 15.2.5.)

Paragraph 15.2.2. applies to “restricted” and “semi-universal” category child restraints. The information that must be clearly visible at the point of sale without removing the packing must now be in at least a physical version. The child restraint manufacturer must provide information on the packing box about the address “in a physical or a digital version” (para. 15.2.5.). The customer can write to this address to obtain further information on fitting the child restraint in specific cars.

For "restricted" and "semi-universal" category child restraints the following information , in at least a physical version, shall be clearly visible at the point of sale without removing the packing:
This child restraint Child Restraint is classified for "(Restricted/Semi-universal)" use and is suitable for fixing into the seat positions of the following cars:
1 more change in this group — open in Compare

Force on the bar at the ISOFIX connectors (para. 8.2.9.)

A force of 50 ± 1 N must now be applied to the extremities of the bar. Before, a mass of 5 kg was attached to the extremities of the bar. The text now says that the ISOFIX connectors are “aligned as shown in Figure 7”, without the word “vertically”. Figure 7 is also amended.

The complete seat, or the component fitted with ISOFIX attachments (e.g. ISOFIX base) if it has a release button, is attached rigidly to a test rig in such a way that ISOFIX connectors are vertically aligned as shown in Figure 7. A 6 mm diameter bar, 350 mm long, shall be attached to the ISOFIX connectors. A mass force of 5 kg 50 ± 1 N shall be attached applied to the extremities of the bar.
[figure changed][figure changed]

Conformity of production reference and Regulation No. 16 wording (paras. 12. and 7.2.1.1.)

Paragraph 12. now refers to the Agreement, Schedule 1 (E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.3), for the conformity of production procedures. Before, it referred to Appendix 2 (E/ECE/324-E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.2). Paragraph 7.2.1.1. now says “Regulation No. 16” instead of “UN Regulation No. 16”.

The conformity of production procedures shall comply with those set out in the Agreement, Appendix 2 (E/ECE/324-E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.2Schedule 1 (E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.3), with the following requirements:
The buckle shall be so designed as to preclude any possibility of incorrect manipulation. This means, inter alia, that it shall not be possible for the buckle to be left in a partially closed position; it shall not be possible to exchange the buckle parts inadvertently when the buckle is being locked; the buckle shall only lock when all parts are engaged. Wherever the buckle and /or the tongue are in contact with the child, it shall not be narrower than the minimum width of strap as specified in paragraph 7.2.4.1.1. below. This paragraph is not applicable to belt assemblies already approved according to UN Regulation No. 16 or any equivalent standard in force. In the case of a "Special Needs Restraint" only the buckle on the primary means of restraint need comply with the requirements of this paragraph 7.2.1.1. to paragraph 7.2.1.9. inclusive.
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Q2Why it changed

Proposed by
Expert from the European Association for the Co-ordination of Consumer Representation in Standardisation on behalf of Consumers International; expert from France
Working party
GRSP, 62nd session (December 2017)

Reasons

  • Phase 2 of UN Regulation No. 129 (non-integral ECRS) entered into force on 22 June 2017. From that date, non-integral CRS can be approved to UN Regulation No. 44 or No. 129 at the manufacturer's discretion for an undefined period. CI and ANEC considered it undesirable that CRS manufacturers could still start new products under UN Regulation No. 44 for an undefined period. They named two levels of protection on the market, confusion among consumers and less encouragement for manufacturers to develop products to the latest standard.

    Sources (5)
    “Phase 2 of UN Regulation No. 129 (non-integral ECRS) entered into force on 22 June 2017.”
    “From that date on, non-integral CRS can be approved according to either UN Regulations Nos. 44 or 129 at the discretion of the manufacturer for an undefined period.”
    “CI and ANEC consider it undesirable that CRS manufacturers are still allowed to start developing new products according to UN Regulation No. 44 for an undefined period, resulting in:”
    “Two categories of products offering two levels of protection that can be introduced on the market”
    “Less encouragement for manufacturers to develop products to the latest standard.”

  • At GRSP, the expert from CLEPA supported a unique set of provisions in the future (UN Regulation No. 129). The expert from CLEPA also gave reasons for an adequate time period to implement this transition sensibly. The expert from France noted that the proposed transitional provisions cannot be applied from the administrative point of view. The expert from France also proposed a one year delay to cease new type approvals. GRSP agreed on the transitional provisions set out in GRSP-62-29.

    Sources (4)
    “The expert from CLEPA supported a unique set of provisions in the future (UN Regulation No. 129) to which the CRS manufacturers could refer.”
    “he introduced the rationales in GRSP-62-18 for an adequate time period to implement this transition sensibly.”
    “the expert from France noted that the transitional provisions proposed by ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2017/20 cannot be applied from the administrative point of view and proposed a one year delay to cease new type approvals.”
    “Finally, GRSP agreed on the transitional provisions set out GRSP-62-29”

  • The symbol “Y” is no longer used in UN Regulation No. 129, so the consumer is not aware of its meaning. Supplement 3 to the 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 44 is not available on the UNECE website. Some manufacturers use the symbol and others do not. Approval authorities and Technical Services do not seem to be consistent in checking this.

    Sources (3)
    “The Y symbol is no longer used in UN Regulation No. 129. Thus, the consumer is not aware of the meaning of the symbol.”
    “Moreover, Supplement 3 to the 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 44 is not available on the UNECE website.”
    “Some manufactures do use the symbol, others do not. Approval authorities as well as Technical Services do not seem to be consistent in checking this.”

  • The expert from France proposed to allow the use of digital information for customers. The proposal asks why not use a smartphone app, QR code reader or other digital device to check the latest version of the vehicle list. It adds that digital information can save a lot of paper. GRSP adopted it as amended, and its paragraph 15.2.2. says “in at least a physical version”.

    Sources (3)
    “ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2017/33 to allow the use of digital information for customers.”
    “In a digital and paper less world, why not use a smartphone APP, QR code reader or any other digital device where consumer can check the latest version of the vehicle list.”
    “Using digital information can save a lot of paper.”

  • The expert from France, for the Technical Services Group, proposed to clarify the test protocol for the opening force of the ISOFIX attachments. Another proposal for the Technical Services Group clarifies the test procedure of paragraph 6.1.8.

    Sources (2)
    “prepared by the expert from France on behalf of the Technical Services Group (TSG) on UN Regulation No. 44 to clarify the test protocol for the opening force of the ISOFIX attachments.”
    “The proposal clarifies the test procedure of paragraph 6.1.8.”

Document trail

  1. 2017-09ProposalECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2017/20Proposal by the expert from ANEC on behalf of Consumers International
  2. 2017-09ProposalECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2017/28Proposal by the expert from France on the Y symbol for a crotch strap
  3. 2017-09ProposalECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2017/33Proposal by the expert from France to permit digital information
  4. 2017-09ProposalECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2017/37Proposal by the expert from France on the opening force of the ISOFIX attachments
  5. 2017-09ProposalECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/2017/38Proposal by the expert from France on positioning and securing the child restraint system
  6. —Working party adoptsECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSP/62GRSP session report, paras. 21, 22 and 23: proposals adopted
  7. 2018-04Sent to WP.29ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2018/39Text that GRSP sent to WP.29 and AC.1
  8. 2018-06WP.29 adoptsECE/TRANS/WP.29/1139Adopted at the 175th session (session report, para. 118)
  9. 2018-12-29In forceC.N.613.2018.TREATIES-XI.B.16.44UN depositary notification

Q3Who is affected

Vehicle manufacturer

  • No direct action for this role.

Component supplier

  • Check which of your non-integral forward facing group 2 or group 2/3 systems paragraphs 17.18. and 17.19. cover. Plan for no new approvals of these systems from 1 September 2019, and no extensions from 1 September 2023.
  • Check your approval marks and documents that use the symbol “Y”, because paragraph 5.4.2.3. on this symbol is deleted.
  • Make sure point-of-sale information for “restricted” and “semi-universal” category child restraints is in at least a physical version (para. 15.2.2.).

Technical service / Approval authority

  • Be ready for the dates of paragraphs 17.18. and 17.19. for non-integral forward facing group 2 or group 2/3 systems.

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ⓘ This report gives advice only. It is not legal or type-approval advice.

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