As we all know that child car seats have been made mandatory for kids in the Federal Traffic Law. This begs the introduction of new standards and regulations for these seats, which are mostly not properly aligned. In this regard, UAE Cabinet has approved new set of child car seat rules, which were created by the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (Esma).
According to new child car seat rules, all new car seats must meet certain safety standards and dealers have to apply for Esma approval. Only approved seats will be available for sale in the market.
“We want to make sure people strap their children into the right kind of seats, that the seats carry out their purpose and that children are actually safe in them. Good quality seats are designed based on a specific science; they are not just pieces of plastic with some cushion,” said Al Muaini.
“Our idea is to test all car seats imported in to the UAE and make sure they are up to the mark, particularly if there is an accident. The seats and their belts should be able to bear the impact of an accident and protect the child at a time when it matters the most,” he added.
“We have tied up with internationally accredited laboratories in different countries across the world and manufacturers and importers will get a list once they apply for approval. Import of seats will be allowed only if they pass a number of tests at our approved laboratories,” said Al Muaini.
The new rules also demand manufacturers to provide handbooks for installation instructions.
Child Seats as per Age and Weight
Group 0 and Group 0+: Rear-facing infant carriers for children up to 10kg and up to 13kg, respectively (from birth to nine or 12 months).
Group 1: Child seats for children weighing 9kg to 18kg (about nine months to four years).
Group 2 and 3: Full booster seats and cushions for children weighing 15kg to 25kg (about three-and-a-half years to six years) and from 22kg and to 36kg (about six years to 12 years).