Decision

24 June 2022: Joint minutes of the first meeting of the Working Group on Motor Vehicles and Parts

Updated 4 April 2024

The first meeting of the Working Group on Motor Vehicles and Parts (“the WG”) under the Agreement between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Japan for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership (“the Agreement”) took place on 24 June 2022 in Geneva and via videoconference connecting Tokyo and London.

Japanese participants from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA), Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) as well as the UK’s participants from the Department for Transport (DfT), Department for International Trade (DIT) and British Embassy in Tokyo had a fruitful exchange of views on matters related to Annex 2-C of the Agreement (Motor Vehicles and Parts).

1. Greeting and opening remarks

None.

2. Adoption of the agenda of the first meeting of the Working Group on Motor Vehicles and Parts

The enclosed meeting agenda was adopted.

3. Adoption of the Rules of Procedure of the Joint Committee for the WG

Both sides confirmed that the Rules of Procedure for the Joint Committee would apply mutatis mutandis to this Working Group based on mutual understanding.

4. Review the implementation of the Annex 2-C of the Agreement

Japan and the UK explained the implementation status of the Appendices of 2-C-1 and 2-C-2 in the Annex 2-C of the Agreement. Both sides confirmed that their respective legal framework have incorporated UN Regulations (UNR) from No. 153 to 163 which were adopted in the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP29) of The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) after the Japan-UK CEPA had entered into force. The UK introduced the state of play of the regulation on the Reverse Warning in the UK, which is difficult to apply at this point due to existing traffic rules. The UK confirmed their intention to discuss this issue in the meetings under WP29, in order to maintain the harmonization between Japan and the UK, which Japan welcomes.

5. Discussion related to domestic regulations

Japan and the UK introduced their type approval schemes. Japan asked the UK to have sufficient dialogues with industries, so that the transition from the EU-Whole Vehicle Type-Approval (WVTA) to the GB type approval scheme would not become an excessive burden on vehicle manufacturers. In particular, Japan requested to ensure sufficient period from promulgation to enforcement.

The UK explained the handling of Advanced Driving Assistance and Automated Lane Keeping System (ALKS) under national laws. Japan appreciated the UK for leading the discussion about the amendment of UNR 157 on ALKS which has been agreed at the recent WP29 session. Japan also explained that a treatment of advanced vehicle systems which were listed in Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 was not clear in the GB type-approval scheme, and asked the UK to share its details. The UK responded that they did not apply any regulations related to advanced vehicle systems in the GB type-approval scheme at this stage and that it was important to consider the influence on the UK industries when applying.

6. Discussion on the development of International Whole Vehicle Type-Approval (IWVTA)

Japan asked for the UK’s continuous support in promoting the IWVTA, which has been introduced since 2018 with the support of the UK and the other countries within WP29. The UK said that it would continue to review the application of IWVTA domestically.

7. Any other business

None.

8. Closing remarks

In the closing remarks, both sides reaffirmed that they continue dialogues in every occasion to deepen cooperation in this field. Japan proposed that the next meeting be held at the separate timing of the WP29 meetings.

Agenda

1․ Greeting and opening remarks (UK and Japan)

2․ Adoption of the agenda of the first meeting of the Working Group on Motor Vehicles and Parts

3․ Adoption of the Rules of Procedure of the Joint Committee for the Working Group on Motor Vehicles and Parts

4․ Review the implementation of the annex (for example, updating, ceasing to apply or developing vehicle regulation)

5․ Discussion related to domestic regulations:

i. DfT to discuss GB type-approval scheme

ii. MLIT to introduce a Japanese type-approval scheme

iii. Discussion on different approaches to Advanced Driving Assistance and Automated Lane Keeping Systems

6․ Discussion on the development of International Whole Vehicle Type-Approval

7․ Any other business

8․ Closing remarks