Key data
| Regulation | Regulation No. 145 of the United Nations — Homologation of vehicles: ISOFIX anchor systems, ISOFIX upper anchors and i-Size seat positions |
|---|---|
| Official reference | OJ:L_202600906 [2026/906] |
| Publication | 24 April 2026, Official Journal of the EU |
| Entry into force | Not specified in the available publication |
| Affected parties | Manufacturers, importers and homologators of vehicles and child restraint systems |
| Category | European Regulation |
| Year | 2026 |
Vehicle manufacturers and importers in Europe face a new mandatory technical standard that directly affects type-approval of their models. UN Regulation No. 145, published in the Official Journal of the EU on 24 April 2026 with reference [2026/906], establishes uniform technical requirements for ISOFIX anchor systems, ISOFIX upper anchors and i-Size seat positions.
This is not a recommendation: compliance with these standards is a necessary condition for obtaining type-approval in the EU. Any model that does not meet the technical anchor specifications cannot be marketed in the European market.
What does this regulation establish?
UN Regulation No. 145 sets uniform technical requirements in three specific areas that affect vehicle design and certification:
| Regulated element | What is required |
|---|---|
| ISOFIX anchor systems | Structural design, strength and compatibility with homologated child restraint systems |
| ISOFIX upper anchors | Uniform technical requirements for their design and integration in the vehicle |
| i-Size seat positions | Configuration standards and compatibility with homologated i-Size child seats |
The stated objective of the standard is to harmonize child safety standards in transport at international level, aligning European requirements with UN standards. This means that manufacturers must review their engineering and certification processes for new vehicle models to ensure that anchor points meet the required technical specifications.
Economic and operational impact
The impact of this regulation is not exclusively technical: it has direct consequences on vehicle product development, certification and commercialization processes in Europe.
- Engineering review: Manufacturers must review the structural design of ISOFIX anchor points and i-Size positions in new models and those undergoing homologation. This may involve modifications to the cabin structure and new strength tests.
- Certification processes: Obtaining type-approval in the EU is conditional on compliance with these requirements. Certification processes for new models must incorporate verification of these requirements as a mandatory step.
- Importers and distributors: Before marketing any vehicle in the European market, importers must verify that imported models comply with the requirements of UN Regulation No. 145. Non-compliance blocks commercialization.
- Compatibility with child restraint systems: Vehicles must be compatible with child restraint systems homologated under current ISOFIX and i-Size standards, which may require additional validations with suppliers of these systems.
Who does it affect?
The regulation directly impacts the following sector actors:
- Vehicle manufacturers (OEM): Must adapt the structural design of ISOFIX anchors, upper anchors and i-Size positions in their new models and review engineering and certification processes.
- Vehicle importers: Required to verify compliance with the technical requirements of Regulation No. 145 before marketing any model in the European market.
- Vehicle distributors: Must ensure that vehicles they place on the market have the corresponding type-approval under this regulation.
- Homologators and technical bodies: Type-approval processes must incorporate verification of ISOFIX anchor, upper anchor and i-Size requirements in accordance with Regulation No. 145.
- Child restraint system manufacturers: Although the standard directly regulates vehicles, the required compatibility with homologated child restraint systems also affects this sector.
Practical example
A European importer marketing vehicles manufactured outside the EU receives a new batch of models for distribution in Spain. Before proceeding with registration and sale, it must verify that each model has type-approval certifying compliance with UN Regulation No. 145 regarding:
- The design and strength of ISOFIX anchor points on rear seats.
- The correct installation and strength of ISOFIX upper anchors.
- The configuration of i-Size seat positions and their compatibility with homologated i-Size child seats.
If any of the models does not have this homologation or does not pass the required strength tests, the importer cannot market it in the European market until the manufacturer certifies compliance or makes the necessary technical modifications. This process may involve delays in market launch and additional certification costs.
What should companies do now?
- Identify affected models: Review the catalog of vehicles in development, undergoing homologation or pending import to determine which are subject to the requirements of UN Regulation No. 145.
- Audit anchor point design: Verify that the structural design of ISOFIX anchors, ISOFIX upper anchors and i-Size seat positions meets the technical strength and compatibility requirements specified by the standard.
- Review certification processes: Incorporate verification of Regulation No. 145 as a mandatory step in the process of obtaining type-approval in the EU for new models.
- Coordinate with child restraint system suppliers: Validate the compatibility of vehicle anchor points with child restraint systems homologated under current ISOFIX and i-Size standards.
- Verify compliance before importing: Importers must require their suppliers to provide documentation certifying compliance with Regulation No. 145 before introducing new models to the European market.
- Check the entry into force date: Since the application date is not specified in the available publication, it is necessary to consult the official source at EUR-Lex to determine the exact compliance deadlines.