The UN has marked the 25th anniversary of the 1998 agreement on Global Technical Regulations (GTRs) as IRU continues to stress the need for harmonised road transport regulation in the face of new challenges and opportunities.
At the opening session of the 190th World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29), a key United Nations forum, a special event was held on the 1998 GTRs agreement.
GTRs establish harmonised global requirements to ensure high levels of vehicle safety, environmental protection, energy efficiency, and theft protection.
The event highlighted the work done over the past 25 years on harmonising regulations concerning hybrid, electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The participants also discussed the need to harmonise upcoming developments, such as decarbonisation and autonomous vehicle regulations.
IRU is a strong proponent of regulation harmonisation. Regional and international harmonisation bring predictability to the industry, which is critical for the operations of international transport companies.
IRU has actively been involved in the GTRs for pollutants, vehicle noise, CO2 emissions, and road safety. Furthermore, IRU is pushing for the application of GTRs to emerging heavy-duty vehicle technologies.
At its 2023 General Assembly, IRU members unanimously adopted a new position on autonomous vehicles, which will be presented at the next session of the UN working group on future vehicle developments.
IRU actively participates in UNECE working parties, including in WP.29, that bring together UN member states, international organisations and thematic experts.