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Car seats become more consumer-friendly

18 November 2016
by anec -- last modified 18 November 2016

ANEC welcomes adoption of the second phase of Regulation 129 by UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) World Forum for the Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP 29).


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The second phase of Regulation 129 covers non-integral enhanced child-restraint systems, i.e. child seats with optional ISOFIX attachments in which children are secured with the car seat belt. Children taller than 100cm will be better protected from frontal impact, and especially side impact, as booster seats will need to be equipped with backrests for children of at least 135cm height.

Ronald Vroman, who has been representing ANEC and Consumers International (CI) in the expert group that developed Regulation 129, commented, "With the i-Size concept extended to the category of non-integral child seats, these products will benefit from the more universal car interface (plug-and-play), making life easier for consumers, thus addressing an often-heard consumer complaint. Moreover, the width limitation of 440mm of i-Size seats will see more cars able to accommodate three child seats in the rear of a car, another problem mentioned by consumers. We trust the corresponding modification of Regulation 16, needed to safeguard the interface definitions for the car, will be implemented in the short term, allowing it to be operational simultaneously with phase 2 of Regulation 129, around mid-2017".

Stephen Russell, ANEC Secretary-General, added, "Although we appreciate efforts of OICA and CLEPA members to improve the car-CRS interface in order to make CRS more universal, we are disappointed it has taken four long years since phase one to establish this second phase. Of course, we look forward to contributing to the further development of Regulation 129, and trust that the group will be able to deliver the remaining third phase on belted integral enhanced child restraints in 2017".

ANEC is the European consumer voice in standardisation, defending consumer interests in the processes of technical standardisation and conformity assessment, as well as related legislation and public policies.

European association for the coordination of consumer representation in standardisation

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ANEC acts as the voice of the European consumer in the development of European legislation related to consumer products and services, and in the elaboration of European technical standards intended to support the implementation of that legislation.

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