Preparing for the end of R44 in child car seat design
As a global leader in designing child restraint systems (CRS) having designed 115 child car seats in our 30th year in the industry, we have been preparing for the end of R44 for many years. This change will impact on the continuation of EU sales from September 2023.
Details regarding the CRS regulation ECE R44 which has been the mainstay of the industry for many years can be found here >>> Ref. GRSP-66-37 (EC, IC & ANEC) Proposal for Supplement 18 to the 04 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 44 (Child Restraint Systems)>>> http://www.unece.org/trans/main/wp29/wp29wgs/wp29grsp/grspinf66.html
Essentially new approvals for ‘integral’ and multi-group CRS ended from September 2020 and no new approvals for ‘non-integral’ boosters will take place after September 2021. Although in September 2023 contracting parties will not be obligated to continue to accept ECE R44.04 approved products.
Sales within the EU are affected by the introduction of Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2019 on type-approval requirements for motor vehicles regarding their general safety and the protection of vehicle occupants.
R129 is the latest CRS regulation and fitting-lists retain their relevance under the R129 regime, as passenger cars continue to be less than wholly compatible with CRS and many increasingly older vehicles are still being used by families across Europe. The increase in online sales of CRS also represents a continued need for fitting-lists as returned CRS can’t be re-sold by retailers, so such guides are key to minimising expensive returns in combination with the distance selling regulations.
Leading the way in CRS design we also provide a Vehicle Compatibility Service which offers a unique vehicle fitting-list service to those designing, manufacturing and selling CRS around the world -including for ‘i-Size’ and R129 products.
JMDA remains one of the industry’s leading CRS design and engineering consultancies and its knowledge of passenger car interiors around the world gives JMDA a near-global coverage of vehicle compatibility and design/engineering input for the CRS industry.
Our next webinar which gives an overview of child car seat design, looking at new trends and increasing safety, will also outline the end of R44 and what it means for the industry. Register for our next webinar now>>> https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8906164450555122445