The proposal was submitted by IMMA and adopted as a reference document at the 78th WP.29/GRBP Working Party on Noise and Tyres in August 2023, marking a significant milestone in enhancing tamper-proof design standards for motorcycle exhaust systems. The initiative will also harmonise the conformity assessment of the anti-tampering provisions both from market surveillance authorities and law-enforcement authorities.
The guidelines were developed by IMMA member ACEM, the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers. Prior to bringing the proposal to Geneva, the guidelines had been reviewed with European type approval and market surveillance authorities and European Commission. In addition, to promote the guidelines, the sector had already organized various additional meetings with motorcycle OEMs, industry associations, and aftermarket exhaust manufacturers to increase awareness among the stakeholders.
Mr Serge Ficheux, Chairman of the GRBP stated with the adoption of the reference document:
‘GRPB greatly welcomes the proposal and effort by IMMA with these guidelines to address the concern in many countries with regards to modification of exhausts systems on motorcycles. The guidelines are a good step forward, and we will continue our efforts to prevent inappropriate aftermarket exhaust systems from being available for consumers’.
Mr Alex Desplenter, Chairman of IMMA’s Noise Working Group commented:
‘The reference document puts forward state of the art solutions that will help the industry and type approval authorities towards a more harmonised assessment of conformity of aftermarket exhaust silencers therewith greatly reducing inappropriate manipulation. The guidelines will help avoid diverging, non-effective interpretations of anti-tampering rules for exhaust silencers, in particular for non-original equipment’.
IMMA and its members will continue efforts to periodically update the reference document (ECE-TRANS-WP29-2023-17) and continue discussion in GRBP.
About GRBP
The GRBP (The Working Party on Noise and Tyres) is one of the six permanent working parties of the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations WP.29. It convenes officially twice a year.
The Working Party is open to governmental experts from any member country of the United Nations, and to any regional economic integration organization set up by member countries of the United Nations, and to experts of governmental organizations. Experts of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) may participate in a consultative capacity. Final decisions are taken by Government representatives by vote at the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29).
About IMMA
IMMA, as the voice of the global Motorcycle Industry, has a membership of Powered Two- and Three-Wheeler (PTW) manufacturers’ associations from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, USA, and Vietnam. IMMA promotes solutions for safe, sustainable, socially responsible and economically viable motorcycling.
IMMA advances inclusive policies and engages in the development and progressive harmonization of vehicle requirements in global forums. IMMA is based in Geneva, Switzerland.