Overview of Recent EU Legislation
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2821
This regulation establishes a fisheries closure for the stock of ling in Norwegian waters for French-flagged vessels, due to quota exhaustion for 2024. It prohibits fishing activities for ling, while allowing certain actions for catches made before the closure, such as transshipping and processing. The regulation takes effect the day after publication.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2799
This regulation sets forth measures concerning anchovy fishing in area 8 for Spanish vessels following quota exhaustion. Fishing is prohibited, but activities related to previously caught anchovy are permitted. The regulation is effective immediately upon publication.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2806
This regulation addresses the non-renewal of the active substance metribuzin used in herbicides, removing it from the list of approved substances and mandating withdrawal of products containing it by May 2025. The regulation outlines transitional measures and enters into force 20 days post-publication.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2777
This regulation pertains to the non-renewal of approval for tritosulfuron, amending existing regulations to remove it from the list of approved substances. Member States must withdraw authorizations by May 2025, and any grace period for its use will expire in November 2025. The regulation will come into force three days after publication.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2800
This regulation establishes a fisheries closure for common sole in areas 8a and 8b for Belgian vessels due to quota exhaustion. It prohibits fishing while allowing for certain activities related to previously caught fish. The regulation takes effect immediately upon publication.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2781
This regulation amends the approval periods for several active substances in plant protection products, extending them due to ongoing risk assessments. The regulation will enter into force 20 days after publication and is binding across all Member States.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2794
This regulation amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1378, updating the list of recognized control bodies for organic products imported from third countries. It takes effect three days after publication, ensuring compliance with organic product standards.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2807
This regulation registers the geographical indication ‘Manisa Mesir Macunu’ in the Union register, confirming its unique characteristics linked to its origin. It will take effect 20 days after publication.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2801
This regulation establishes a fisheries closure for demersal species in ICES area VIII for Belgian vessels due to exhausted fishing effort limits. It prohibits all fishing activities from a specified date and takes effect immediately upon publication.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2805
This regulation establishes a fisheries closure for bigeye tuna in the Atlantic Ocean for Portuguese vessels due to quota exhaustion. It prohibits fishing activities for bigeye tuna and takes effect immediately upon publication.
Directive (EU) 2024/2808
This directive amends Directive 2014/62/EU by abolishing the reporting requirements for Member States concerning counterfeit currency offences. This simplification aims to reduce administrative burdens while maintaining focus on counterfeiting monitoring.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2802
This regulation establishes a fishing closure for hake in several maritime areas for Belgian vessels due to exhausted quotas. It prohibits fishing for hake from a specified date and takes effect immediately upon publication.
UN Regulation No 171
This regulation establishes provisions for the approval of vehicles equipped with Driver Control Assistance Systems (DCAS), focusing on ensuring driver responsibility and enhancing road safety. It outlines approval processes, specifications, monitoring, and penalties for non-compliance.
Review of each of legal acts published today:Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2821 of 29 October 2024 establishing a fisheries closure for ling in Norwegian waters of 4 for vessels flying the flag of France
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2821 Overview
The Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2821, adopted on 29 October 2024, establishes a fisheries closure for the stock of ling (Molva molva) in Norwegian waters of area 4 specifically for vessels flying the flag of France. This regulation is a response to the quota exhaustion for the year 2024, as outlined in the regulation’s provisions.
Key Provisions
Article 1: Quota Exhaustion
This article confirms that the fishing quota allocated to France for the ling stock in the specified Norwegian waters is deemed exhausted as of the date indicated in the accompanying annex. This serves as a formal acknowledgment of the depletion of the allocated fishing rights for the year.
Article 2: Prohibitions
Article 2 outlines several prohibitions concerning fishing activities for the stock of ling:
- Fishing for ling by French-flagged or registered vessels is prohibited from the date specified in the annex. This includes all related activities such as searching for fish, setting or hauling fishing gear.
- However, certain activities are permitted for catches taken prior to the prohibition date. These include transshipping, retaining on board, processing on board, transferring, caging, fattening, and landing fish and fishery products from the stock.
- In the case of unintended catches of ling, these must be retained on board, recorded, landed, and counted against the quotas in accordance with Article 15 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, which governs the Common Fisheries Policy.
Article 3: Entry into Force
This regulation shall take effect the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, ensuring immediate compliance across all Member States.
Annex Details
The annex to the regulation specifies the following details:
- Member State: France
- Stock: LIN/04-N (Ling)
- Zone: Norwegian waters of 4
- Closing date: 24 August 2024
This regulation is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States, reflecting the European Commission’s commitment to sustainable fisheries management and compliance with the Common Fisheries Policy.
Overview of Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2799
This regulation establishes specific measures concerning the fishing of anchovy in area 8, particularly for vessels flying the flag of Spain, in light of the exhaustion of the allocated fishing quota for 2024.
Article 1: Quota Exhaustion
The regulation confirms that the fishing quota allocated to Spain for anchovy in area 8 for the year 2024 is deemed to be exhausted, effective from a specified date outlined in the Annex.
Article 2: Prohibitions
The regulation imposes a prohibition on fishing activities related to the anchovy stock by Spanish vessels from the date specified in the Annex. This includes:
- Searching for fish
- Shooting, setting, or hauling fishing gear for the purpose of fishing anchovy
However, certain activities remain authorized for catches taken before the prohibition date, including:
- Transshipping
- Retaining on board
- Processing on board
- Transferring
- Caging and fattening
- Landing of fish and fishery products
Additionally, any unintended catches of anchovy by these vessels must be recorded and counted against quotas as per Article 15 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.
Article 3: Entry into Force
The regulation will take effect the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, making it immediately binding and applicable in all Member States.
Annex Details
The Annex includes critical information regarding the closure, specifying:
- Member State: Spain
- Stock: Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus)
- Zone: 8
- Closing date: 6 August 2024
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2806 Overview
The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2806 addresses the non-renewal of the approval of the active substance metribuzin, a herbicide used in plant protection products. This decision is made in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, which governs the approval and market placement of such substances.
Key Provisions
Article 1: Non-renewal of Approval
This article explicitly states that the approval for the active substance metribuzin is not renewed, marking a significant regulatory decision regarding its future use in the European Union.
Article 2: Amendment to Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011
Here, the regulation amends Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 by deleting the row corresponding to metribuzin in Part A of the Annex, thereby removing it from the list of approved active substances.
Article 3: Amendment to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/408
This article mandates the deletion of metribuzin from the Annex of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/408, which previously listed it as a candidate for substitution.
Article 4: Transitional Measures
Member States are required to withdraw authorizations for plant protection products containing metribuzin by 24 May 2025, providing a clear timeline for compliance.
Article 5: Grace Period
Any grace period granted by Member States for the continued use of products containing metribuzin must conclude by 24 November 2025, ensuring that all products are phased out within a specified timeframe.
Article 6: Entry into Force
The regulation will enter into force twenty days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, establishing a prompt implementation of the outlined measures.
Context and Rationale
The decision follows a comprehensive evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which identified metribuzin as a potential endocrine disruptor and raised concerns regarding its safety for human health and the environment, particularly in relation to bee populations. The assessment concluded that available alternatives could sufficiently address the need for weed control, thus supporting the non-renewal of its approval.
Conclusion
This regulation signifies a critical shift in the EU’s approach to plant protection products and reflects ongoing efforts to prioritize safety and environmental health in agricultural practices.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2777 Overview
The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2777, adopted on 31 October 2024, addresses the non-renewal of approval for the active substance tritosulfuron, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. This regulation modifies the existing provisions in Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011.
Key Provisions
-
Non-renewal of Approval:
The regulation explicitly states that the approval of the active substance tritosulfuron is not renewed. This decision is grounded in the findings of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which indicated that while no specific risks were identified, certain aspects of the risk assessment could not be finalized. -
Amendment to Existing Regulation:
In the annex of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011, the entry concerning tritosulfuron is to be deleted, reflecting the non-renewal of its approval. -
Transitional Measures:
Member States are required to withdraw authorizations for plant protection products that contain tritosulfuron by 7 May 2025, ensuring a structured transition away from the use of this substance. -
Grace Period:
Any grace period granted by Member States, as per Article 46 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, must not exceed 12 months and will expire on 7 November 2025. This provision allows for a limited timeframe during which products containing tritosulfuron can still be sold or used, provided that Member States decide to grant such a period. -
Entry into Force:
The regulation will come into effect three days following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, signifying its immediate applicability across Member States. -
Future Applications:
The regulation clarifies that the decision does not prevent the possibility of submitting a new application for the approval of tritosulfuron under Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, allowing for potential re-evaluation in the future.
This regulation is binding in its entirety and is directly applicable in all EU Member States, reflecting the European Commission’s commitment to ensuring the safety and efficacy of active substances used in plant protection products.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2800 Overview
The Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2800, adopted on 25 October 2024, establishes a fisheries closure for the common sole stock in areas 8a and 8b specifically for vessels flying the flag of Belgium. This regulation is a response to the depletion of the fishing quota allocated to Belgium for this stock for the year 2024.
Key Provisions
Article 1: Quota Exhaustion
This article states that the fishing quota allocated to Belgium for the common sole stock in areas 8a and 8b is considered to be exhausted from the date specified in the annex of the regulation.
Article 2: Prohibitions
- Fishing Activities: The regulation prohibits fishing for the common sole stock by Belgian vessels from the specified date in the annex. This includes any activities such as searching for fish, setting fishing gear, or hauling in catches related to this stock.
- Other Activities: While fishing is prohibited, transshipping, retaining on board, processing, transferring, caging, fattening, and landing of fish caught prior to the closure date are still allowed.
- Unintended Catches: If Belgian vessels accidentally catch common sole, these catches must be retained on board, recorded, and landed. These catches will count against the quotas as per Article 15 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.
Article 3: Entry into Force
This article states that the regulation will enter into force the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, thereby making it immediately applicable and binding across all Member States.
Annex Details
The annex specifies the details of the fisheries closure:
- Member State: Belgium
- Stock: Common sole (Solea solea)
- Zones: 8a and 8b
- Closing Date: 1 October 2024
In summary, this regulation is a crucial measure to ensure sustainable fishing practices by temporarily halting fishing activities for common sole in designated areas due to overfishing concerns.
Overview of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2781
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2781, adopted on 31 October 2024, amends Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011. This amendment pertains specifically to the extension of approval periods for several active substances used in plant protection products. The regulation addresses the need for additional time to finalize risk assessments and renewal procedures for these substances.
Active Substances Affected
The regulation extends the approval periods for the following active substances:
- 8-hydroxyquinoline
- aminopyralid
- azoxystrobin
- Candida oleophila strain O
- chlorantraniliprole
- fluroxypyr
- imazalil
- kresoxim-methyl
- metobromuron
- oxyfluorfen
- Paecilomyces fumosoroseus strain FE 9901
- tefluthrin
- terbuthylazine
Details of Approval Extensions
The regulation specifies the duration of the extensions for each active substance:
- Aminopyralid, Azoxystrobin, Candida oleophila strain O, Chlorantraniliprole, Imazalil, Kresoxim-methyl, Metobromuron, Oxyfluorfen, Paecilomyces fumosoroseus strain FE 9901, Tefluthrin, Terbuthylazine: Extended by 29 months.
- Fluroxypyr: Extended by 25 months and 2 weeks.
- 8-hydroxyquinoline: Extended by 12 months.
Rationale for Extensions
The extensions are necessary due to the ongoing risk assessment procedures which have not yet been finalized by the rapporteur Member States. Delays in these assessments are attributed to factors beyond the applicants’ control. The regulation ensures that the active substances can continue to be used while the necessary evaluations are completed.
Implementation and Legal Binding
The amended regulation will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. It is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all EU Member States.
Amendments to the Annex
The regulation also includes specific amendments to Part B of the Annex to Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011, reflecting the new expiration dates for the approvals of the active substances:
- Azoxystrobin: Expiration date changed to 31 May 2027
- Imazalil: Expiration date changed to 31 May 2027
- Kresoxim-methyl: Expiration date changed to 31 May 2027
- Fluroxypyr: Expiration date changed to 15 February 2027
- Tefluthrin: Expiration date changed to 31 May 2027
- Oxyfluorfen: Expiration date changed to 31 May 2027
- Terbuthylazine: Expiration date changed to 31 May 2027
- 8-hydroxyquinoline: Expiration date changed to 31 December 2025
- Candida oleophila strain O: Expiration date changed to 31 May 2027
- Paecilomyces fumosoroseus strain FE 9901: Expiration date changed to 31 May 2027
- Chlorantraniliprole: Expiration date changed to 31 May 2027
- Metobromuron: Expiration date changed to 31 May 2027
- Aminopyralid: Expiration date changed to 31 May 2027
These amendments reflect the updated timelines for the active substances, ensuring compliance with the ongoing assessments and regulatory requirements.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2794 Overview
On October 31, 2024, the European Commission adopted Regulation (EU) 2024/2794, which amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1378 concerning the recognition of certain control bodies. This regulation is pivotal for ensuring the integrity of organic products imported into the European Union from third countries.
Key Provisions
Article 1: Amendments to Annex II
The regulation modifies Annex II of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1378. This Annex includes a list of control authorities and control bodies that have been recognized as competent to carry out controls and issue organic certificates for imports of organic products from third countries. The updated list reflects the recognition of several new control bodies and the extension of the scope of recognition for existing ones.
Article 2: Entry into Force
The regulation will come into force three days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, ensuring timely implementation across Member States.
Details of Recognized Control Bodies
The amendment introduces several entries into Annex II, detailing the control bodies now recognized for various product categories in specific third countries. Notably:
- ACO CERTIFICATION LIMITED: Recognized for organic products from Australia, Fiji, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Taiwan, and Vanuatu.
- CTR ULUSLARARASI BELGELENDIRME VE DENETIM LTD. ŞTİ.: Recognized for Turkey.
- DQS POLSKA SPÓŁKA Z OGRANICZONĄ ODPOWIEDZIALNOŚCIĄ: Recognized for a range of countries including Brazil, China, and Russia.
- Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers, Inc. (FOG): Recognized for the United States, Chile, and several Caribbean nations.
- IMOCERT Latinoamérica Ltda.: Recognized for multiple countries in Latin America such as Argentina, Brazil, and Peru.
- INDOCERT: Recognized for India and Sri Lanka.
- ONECERT INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE LIMITED: Recognized for countries including the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, and Egypt.
- Organic Crop Improvement Association International Inc: Recognized for Japan, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.
- ORSER KONTROL VE SERTİFİKASYON ANONİM ŞİRKETİ: Recognized for several countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
- SRS Certification GmbH: Recognized for various African nations including Ghana and Nigeria.
Exceptions
Specific exceptions apply to products in certain categories that are marked with an ‘°’. These exceptions pertain to products covered by trade agreements related to organic products or recognized as equivalent to those from specific third countries as listed in previous regulations.
Conclusion
This regulation is a significant step in enhancing the framework for organic product certification and importation within the EU, ensuring that the standards for organic products are maintained and that consumers can trust the integrity of the organic label.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2807
The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2807, adopted on 28 October 2024, establishes the rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, specifically concerning the registration of the geographical indication ‘Manisa Mesir Macunu’ (PGI) in the Union register of geographical indications.
Key Provisions
Article 1
This article confirms the entry of the geographical indication ‘Manisa Mesir Macunu’ into the Union register of geographical indications as referred to in Article 22 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. This signifies official recognition of the product’s unique characteristics tied to its geographical origin, enhancing its protection and promoting its quality in the market.
Article 2
Article 2 outlines the regulation’s entry into force, which will take place 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. This provision ensures that the regulation becomes binding and directly applicable across all Member States, thereby standardizing the protection of the geographical indication throughout the EU.
Contextual Background
The regulation follows the application from Türkiye for the registration of ‘Manisa Mesir Macunu’, which was submitted prior to the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. The absence of any opposition to this application allows for its approval and registration as per the stipulated procedures in the relevant EU regulations.
Conclusion
This regulation plays a crucial role in the recognition and protection of ‘Manisa Mesir Macunu’ as a geographical indication, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of the product and supporting the local economy associated with its production.
Overview of Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2801
The Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2801 establishes a fisheries closure for demersal species in the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) area VIII, specifically targeting vessels equal to or greater than 15 metres in length that are flying the flag of Belgium. This regulation was adopted on 25 October 2024 and is based on the provisions of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and relevant Council regulations concerning the common fisheries policy.
Key Provisions
Article 1: Effort Exhaustion
This article states that the maximum levels of annual fishing effort allocated to Belgium for demersal species in ICES area VIII for the year 2024 are considered to have been reached. This determination is significant as it triggers the subsequent prohibitions on fishing activities.
Article 2: Prohibitions
According to this article, fishing activities for the specified stock group (demersal species) by vessels of 15 metres or more in length, flagged or registered in Belgium, are prohibited from a date specified in the annex of the regulation. The prohibitions include retaining on board, relocating, transhipping, or landing any fish from this stock caught by these vessels after the designated date.
Article 3: Entry into Force
This regulation will enter into force the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, emphasizing its immediate applicability and binding nature across all Member States of the EU.
Annex Details
The annex provides specific details regarding:
- Member State: Belgium
- Stock: WWDM (Western Waters Demersal species)
- Species: Demersal species
- Zone: ICES area VIII
- Vessel concerned: Vessels equal to or more than 15 metres in length
- Closing date: 1 October 2024
This regulation reflects the EU’s ongoing efforts to manage fish stocks sustainably and ensure compliance with established fishing effort limits.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2805
This regulation establishes a fisheries closure for bigeye tuna in the Atlantic Ocean specifically for vessels flying the flag of Portugal. The key provisions of the regulation are as follows:
Article 1: Quota Exhaustion
The regulation states that the fishing quota allocated to Portugal for the stock of bigeye tuna in the Atlantic Ocean is considered to be exhausted as of the date specified in the annex. This formal declaration triggers subsequent prohibitions on fishing activities related to this stock.
Article 2: Prohibitions
This article prohibits all fishing activities for bigeye tuna by Portuguese vessels from the date indicated in the annex. Specifically, it is forbidden to:
- Retain on board any bigeye tuna caught after the specified date.
- Relocate, tranship, or land any bigeye tuna caught by these vessels after that date.
The intent of this prohibition is to ensure compliance with the established quotas and to manage the sustainability of the fish stock effectively.
Article 3: Entry into Force
The regulation will enter into force the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, ensuring immediate applicability and enforcement across all Member States.
Binding Nature
This regulation is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States, ensuring that all relevant authorities and stakeholders adhere to the provisions outlined within.
Annex Details
The annex provides specific details regarding the quota exhaustion, including:
- Member State: Portugal
- Stock: Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus)
- Zone: Atlantic Ocean
- Closing date: 19 September 2024
This information is crucial for ensuring that fishing activities are aligned with the regulatory framework aimed at the conservation of bigeye tuna stocks in the Atlantic.
Directive (EU) 2024/2808 Overview
Directive (EU) 2024/2808, adopted by the European Parliament and the Council on 23 October 2024, amends Directive 2014/62/EU, which focuses on the protection of the euro and other currencies against counterfeiting through criminal law. The key change introduced by this directive is the deletion of Article 11 from Directive 2014/62/EU, which pertains to certain reporting requirements related to counterfeit notes and coins.
Key Provisions
1. Abolition of Reporting Requirements
The directive abolishes the obligation for Member States to transmit statistical data to the European Commission regarding the number of offences related to counterfeit notes and coins, as well as data on prosecutions and convictions for such offences. This decision is predicated on the understanding that the size and trends of counterfeiting are already well-documented by national authorities, rendering the reporting requirement unnecessary for the objectives of the directive.
2. Streamlining Administrative Processes
One of the key motivations for this amendment is to streamline reporting requirements to reduce the administrative burden on Member States. This aligns with broader EU goals of enhancing competitiveness and efficiency within the Union.
3. Applicability
The directive clarifies that it is specifically limited to the crime of counterfeiting notes and coins and does not affect other reporting obligations in the realm of Union criminal law. Additionally, it notes the positions of Denmark and Ireland regarding their participation in the directive’s adoption and application.
4. Transposition Obligations
Since the amendment only involves the removal of a reporting obligation, there is no requirement for Member States to transpose this directive into national law.
Conclusion
In summary, Directive (EU) 2024/2808 simplifies the legal framework surrounding the reporting of counterfeiting offences, reflecting a shift towards reducing unnecessary administrative tasks for Member States while still maintaining focus on the effective monitoring of counterfeiting activities within the EU.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2802 Description
This regulation, adopted by the European Commission on 25 October 2024, establishes a fishing closure for hake in specific maritime areas (8a, 8b, 8d, and 8e) for vessels that are flagged or registered in Belgium. The closure is a response to the exhaustion of the fishing quota allocated to Belgium for the stock of hake for the year 2024.
Article 1: Quota Exhaustion
This article states that the fishing quota allocated to Belgium for hake in the specified areas is considered exhausted from the date indicated in the annex of the regulation.
Article 2: Prohibitions
This article outlines specific prohibitions regarding fishing activities:
- Fishing for hake by Belgian vessels is prohibited from the specified date. This includes searching for fish, shooting, setting, or hauling fishing gear aimed at hake.
- However, certain activities related to fish caught prior to the closure date are still allowed. This includes transshipping, retaining on board, processing, transferring, caging, fattening, and landing fish and fishery products from the stock caught before the closure.
- Any unintended catches of hake must be brought on board, recorded, landed, and accounted against the quotas as per the existing regulations.
Article 3: Entry into Force
This regulation will enter into force the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, making it immediately binding across all Member States.
The regulation is signed by Maroš Šefčovič, the Executive Vice-President of the Commission, and is applicable to all Member States, ensuring compliance with the common fisheries policy.
Annex Details
The annex specifies:
- Member State: Belgium
- Stock: Hake (Merluccius merluccius)
- Fishing Zones: 8a, 8b, 8d, and 8e
- Closing Date: 1 October 2024
This regulation is part of the broader framework aimed at sustainable fisheries management within the European Union, reflecting the commitment to preventing overfishing and ensuring the long-term viability of fish stocks.
Overview of UN Regulation No 171 – Driver Control Assistance Systems (DCAS)
Introduction
UN Regulation No 171 establishes uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles equipped with Driver Control Assistance Systems (DCAS). This regulation aims to support drivers and enhance road safety through advanced assistance features while ensuring that the driver remains responsible for vehicle control.
Scope
The regulation applies to vehicle categories M and N and specifically focuses on the approval of DCAS. It excludes vehicles with Automatically Commanded Steering Functions (ACSF) or Risk Mitigation Functions (RMF) approved under UN Regulation No 79 unless declared by the manufacturer as part of DCAS.
Definitions
- Driver Control Assistance System (DCAS): A system capable of assisting a driver in controlling the longitudinal and lateral motion of the vehicle.
- Dynamic Control: The real-time performance of operational and tactical functions required to move the vehicle.
- System Boundaries: Verifiable limits within which the DCAS operates effectively.
- Driver Disengagement: The system’s determination of the driver’s inability to safely control the vehicle.
- Automated Driving System (ADS): Systems capable of performing the entire Dynamic Driving Task without driver intervention.
Approval Process
Manufacturers must submit an application to the Type Approval Authority, including detailed documentation of the vehicle type and DCAS design. Approval is granted if the vehicle meets specified requirements. An international approval mark must be affixed to the vehicle, indicating compliance with the regulation.
General Specifications
The regulation outlines general and additional specifications for DCAS, including ensuring driver engagement, system safety, and functional requirements during operation. Key provisions include:
- DCAS must ensure the driver remains engaged with the driving task.
- Strategies to avoid overreliance on the system and to guard against misuse must be implemented.
- DCAS must provide means for the driver to override or deactivate the system at any time.
- Vehicles equipped with DCAS must include Advanced Emergency Braking Systems and compliance with additional regulations.
Monitoring and Validation
Manufacturers are required to monitor DCAS operation and report any safety-critical occurrences. The validation of DCAS includes thorough assessment techniques, including physical tests, in-service monitoring, and documentation of system capabilities.
Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
The regulation emphasizes the importance of HMI design to minimize confusion and ensure clear communication of system status to the driver. Warning systems must effectively inform the driver about disengagement and necessary actions.
Penalties and Compliance
Non-compliance with the regulation may result in penalties, including withdrawal of type approval. Manufacturers must ensure conformity of production and notify the Type Approval Authority of any modifications to the vehicle type.
Concluding Remarks
This regulation sets forth a comprehensive framework for the approval and monitoring of vehicles equipped with DCAS, ensuring that advancements in vehicle technology do not compromise driver responsibility or road safety.
