UN Regulation R43
Regulation R43 was published in 1981 by the United Nations in Geneva. Its aim was to replace the different national standards existing in Europe. Since then, thirty-two countries have signed the Agreement.
Regulation R43 is used for all automotive safety glazing used in vehicles with the exception of security glazing and glazing used in lighting devices. It concerns laminated* and tempered glass**.
The purpose of the Regulation is to define which type of test should be carried out and which test outcome should be obtained in order to verify that the glazing limits physical injuries to passengers. The glazing should exhibit a resistance that is strong enough to avoid injuries that may occur under normal traffic conditions and use. It should also resist to atmospheric agents, weathering and abrasion.
The Regulation also aims to check light transmission. The windscreen should not cause any major optical distortion of objects.
These tests are compulsory. They are usually performed in a laboratory that is officially recognised by the Transport Department of the country where approval is requested. The glass producer has to carry out regular conformity of production controls at a fixed frequency. The authorities check these controls twice a year.
Official Texts:
- UN Regulation R43: Uniform Provisions Concerning the Approval of Safety Glazing Materials and their Installation on Vehicles English French
- UN Regulation R43 Amendment I English French
- UN Regulation R43 Amendment 2 English French