EU testing of child car seats reveals multiple failures

Seven out of nine child car seats tested in an EU-organised campaign failed dynamic testing requirements (crash tests) set out in UN Regulation No.129, the latest European safety regulation for child car seats. Six failed checks of features like markings and user instructions. 

These were the findings of a campaign organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW).

The main crash test failures were due to components like headrests breaking and insufficient protection of a child’s head, neck and chest from sudden deceleration or compression.

In addition, a series of static checks against selected clauses of UN Regulation No.129 were performed on items, including buckles, components and adjusting devices: six of the nine seats and bases for three of them failed these checks

Only one of the nine seats passed all the dynamic tests and selected clauses from the regulation.

Eight countries

A total of 12 child restraint systems (nine seats and bases for three of them) were randomly selected by national market surveillance authorities (MSAs) in eight countries: Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Croatia, Malta, Ireland, Finland and the Netherlands. They were from seven brands, suitable for ages 0-15 months and beyond, both rear- and front-facing and compatible with ISOFIX systems and/or seatbelts.

They were subjected to three dynamic tests: a front impact at 50 km/h, rear impact at 30 km/h and side impact at 24 km/h. These were intended to determine the risk of injury to the head, neck and chest and the effectiveness of energy-absorbing materials and barriers.

The static checks also looked at the presence of warnings, markings and instructions, corrosion risk of metal parts and whether the seat is suitable for the height of the child declared by the manufacturer. 

The main static tests failures were missing or incomplete warnings, markings and instructions, incorrectly declared height range and corrosion.

Appropriate measures 

Based on the test results, MSAs classified six of the products as serious risk, one as high risk and two as medium.

Two were recalled from consumers. Assessments are ongoing to determine appropriate measures for nine models.

Recommendations

Market surveillance authorities recommended that before buying a seat, consumers check that markings and information labels are present, and to purchase seats placed on the market after September 2024 as they meet the latest safety standard, R129. Seats that conform to the old R44 standard should be avoided. Economic operators are no longer allowed to place them on the market. 

Consumers should also pay attention to the following

• Ensure correct installation and securing of the seat: the child car seat must be compatible with the vehicle, correctly installed and always locked in the proper travel position before driving.
• Take special care with 360° rotating seats: the rotating mechanism and locking systems are not specifically tested under current regulations. Check regularly that the mechanism functions properly and contact the retailer if in doubt.
• Choose a seat that suits your child: the child car seat should be correctly adjusted in size and appropriate for the child’s age and height.
• Understand rear- and forward-facing use: once the child reaches a certain height or weight, the seat must either be turned forward-facing or replaced.
• ISOFIX is a safer option when available: When choosing between attachment systems, ISOFIX is recommended over seats that are secured using only the vehicle’s seat belt.

Manufacturers should provide clear and visible information on height and installation to help consumers choose the correct seat and establish robust quality assurance systems. Importers are advised to monitor product quality and get independent re-testing done, if this is feasible.

Protecting the Single Market

“Market surveillance campaigns like this are crucial for the smooth running of the Single Market. They help to protect consumers and businesses from unfair competition by those who do not comply with the rules,” said Vanessa Capurso, Policy Officer at DG GROW.

The testing was done during the Joint Actions on Compliance of Products (JACOP) 2024 project. Market surveillance authorities across the EU jointly selected and checked the compliance of products sold on the Single Market with EU health, safety and environmental standards. Child car seats were one of 16 product categories tested.

More information

Market surveillance webpage

Contact: jacop2024esn [dot] eu (jacop2024[at]esn[dot]eu)