Child Restraint Standards

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Child restraints (i.e. child car seats) reduce the risk of young children sustaining severe injuries in a traffic accident. In Singapore, all drivers are required to properly secure a child below the height of 1.35m and travelling in a motor vehicle, with an approved child restraint. Failing to do so is an offence.

The Traffic Police (TP) periodically reviews Singapore's child restraint standards to ensure that they are up-to-date and in line with internationally recognised standards and industry developments. Having completed its latest review, TP will be updating the list of approved child restraint standards with the following changes:

The European Standard ECE R129 will be added as an approved child restraint standard with immediate effect. This standard has undergone rigorous testing and meets international requirements.
The British Standards B.S. 3254: Part 2: 1988, B.S. AU 202a: 1988, or B.S. AU 185: 1983, and the Japanese Standard JIS D0401-1990, will cease to be an approved standard from 1 January 2031. These standards have over time and with technological/industry improvements, been superseded by newer standards, such as the ECE R129. While child restraints bearing these standards remain safe to use, drivers who are currently using these child restraints should switch to the newer standards and will have until 31 December 2030 to do so.

Please refer to the Table below for the updated list of approved child restraint standards in Singapore.

Approved Child Restraint Standards
1.	American Standard FMVSS 213;
2.	Australian Standard AS 1754-1975 (including AS 1754.1-1989 Part 1, AS 1754.2-1989 Part 2 and AS 1754.4-1989 Part 4);
3.	British Standards B.S. 3254: Part 2: 1988, B.S. AU 202a: 1988, or B.S. AU 185: 1983 *(Note: These will no longer be approved standards w.e.f 1 January 2031.)*
4.	European Standard ECE R44;
5.	[New] European Standard ECE R129;
6.	Japanese Standard JIS D0401-1990. *(Note: This will no longer be an approved standard w.e.f 1 January 2031.)*

Most child restraints manufactured in the past decade should already be compliant with the updated list of approved child restraint standards. Drivers can check if a child restraint meets the approved standards through several ways – by checking the child restraint for a sticker bearing the standard (see Annex for examples); by checking with retailers; or by reviewing information on the child restraint by its manufacturer.

Annex - FAQs

Q	How can I check if my child restraint meets the approved standards?
A	Here are some ways you can check for the child restraint standards: Retailer Assistance: You may approach retailers for information on the child restraint, including whether it is compliant with the Singapore approved standards. Manufacturer Information: Check the child restraint manufacturer's website or product manual. They often provide information on compliance with safety standards. Please see images below for examples of labels that can be found on a child restraint should they bear one of the standards approved for use in Singapore: European Standard ECE Regulations No. 44 or No. 129 American Standard FMVSS 213 Australian Standard AS 1754
Q	What is ECE R129?
A	ECE R129, also known as the i-Size regulation, is a European safety standard for child restraints. Some key features of ECE R129 are: Height-based Classification: Unlike older regulations that classified seats by weight, ECE R129 categorises seats based on the child's height, making it easier for parents to choose the appropriate seat. Improved Side Impact Protection: The regulation includes enhanced testing requirements for side impacts, which are crucial for protecting children during collisions. Universal Isofix: i-Size seats must be compatible with the Isofix anchoring system, which provides a secure and stable connection to the vehicle, reducing the risk of incorrect installation. Rear-facing Requirement: The regulation encourages keeping children in rear-facing seats until they are at least 15 months old, as this position offers better protection for their head and neck. Safety Testing: ECE R129 requires more rigorous crash testing and safety evaluations to ensure seats meet higher safety standards.
Q	Can I still use a child restraint seat complying with the British Standards and Japanese Standards?
A	You may continue to use a child restraint complying with the British Standards and Japanese Standards from now till 31 Dec 2030. However, both Standards will be removed from Singapore's approved list of child restraints from 1 January 2031. Based on industry checks, it is uncommon for child seats with the British standards and Japanese Standards to be sold or used in Singapore today.
Q	Does this mean that the British Standards and Japanese Standards are unsafe?
A	While child restraints compliant with the British Standards and Japanese Standards remain safe to use, drivers who are currently using these child restraints should switch to the newer standards and will have until 31 December 2030 to do so. Over the years, newer child restraint standards have been introduced to reflect advancements in safety technology and practices. As British and Japan regulations now recognise the more updated ECE R129 as a recognised standard, TP intends to repeal the British and Japan Standards and have added the European ECE R129 standard into the approved list of child restraints.