When will ECE R129 completely replace ECE R44?

Sep-23, 2022

ECE R129 Regulation Seat Classification
We all know that ECE R44 is grouped according to the weight of the child.

Group	Weight	Age
0	0-10kg	0-9 months
0+	0-13kg	0-18 months
I	9-18kg	9 months -4 years old
II	15-25kg	4-7 years old
III	22-36kg	7-12 years old

Compared with ECE R44, ECE R129 has a major change, that is, it is segmented according to the child's height (size range).

Height Range	Car Seat and Installation Direction	Age
40-87cm	Rearward installation infant car seat	0-15 months
76-105cm	Forward installation baby car seat	15 months to 4 years old
40-105cm	RNF installation baby car seat	0-4 years old
100-150cm	Forward installation child car seat	4-12 years old
76-150cm	Forward installation child car seat	15 months to 12 years old

When will ECE R129 completely replace ECE R44?
It is still in the transition period from ECE R44 to ECE R129, and there is no clear regulation stating the time point when ECE R129 will completely replace ECE R44. However, the rumor circulating in the industry is that European brands are not allowed to re-import ECE R44 safety seats from September 1, 2023, and European dealers cannot sell them from April 1, 2024. But consumers who have already purchased can still continue to use it. In addition, we can see from another angle that ECE R129 is not far from replacing R44, because from September 1, 2022, ECE R44 certified safety seats can no longer be extended. However, it should be noted here that ECE is only a regulation for the European market, which means that this is only for the European market.