The R44 sales ban: what it means for retailers, importers and parents

Key facts: in the EU, R44-approved child seats can no longer be sold by retailers, marketplaces or online shops since 1 September 2024. Seats bought before that date may still be used. The UK did not follow the EU sales stop.

What the sales stop covers

• Placing R44 seats on the EU market — in shops, on marketplaces and through e-commerce.
• National authorities, such as Ireland’s Road Safety Authority, confirm that a seat conforming to R44 bought before 1 September 2024 can still be used.
• Some countries take a strict line on second-hand sales of R44 seats after the deadline. Check the rules in your country before reselling.

What it means for importers and brands

Any range still built around R44 weight groups has to move to R129 for the EU. That is more than relabelling: R129 sizes by stature, requires side-impact testing and limits forward-facing use to children over 15 months and at least 76 cm. In practice:

• Group 0+ carriers become R129 infant carriers (max. 87 cm), often as module + ISOFIX base.
• Group 0+/1 and 1 seats become rear-facing or convertible i-Size seats with a 15-month rear-facing rule.
• Group 2/3 high-backs become i-Size booster seats from 100 cm with lateral protection to 135 cm.
• Group 2/3 cushions can only continue as R129 booster cushions from 125 cm.

And R129’s own deadlines

R129 itself is moving to the 04 series: from 1 September 2026 contracting parties need not accept newly issued 03-series approvals, and from 1 September 2027 no 03-series approvals at all, unless the seat is unaffected by the 04 changes. A brand replacing R44 today should develop straight to the 04 series. See series and deadlines.