How to read an R129 approval label

1. The circle with “E” and a number

The “E” and the number identify the country whose authority granted the approval (§5.4.1.1) — for example E4 for the Netherlands or E2 for France. The approval is recognised by the other contracting parties applying R129.

2. The approval number and the series

The first two digits of the approval number give the series of amendments in force when the approval was granted (§5.2). “04…” means the current 04 series; “03…” means it must be checked against the 2026/2027 transitional dates. The mark also states “UN Regulation No. 129/04” (§5.4.1.2).

3. The category

Look for the wording: “i-Size universal ISOFIX”, “i-Size booster seat”, “specific vehicle ISOFIX”, “specific vehicle booster seat”, “Universal Belted” or “Specific vehicle Belted” (§5.4.2.1). Specific vehicle seats come with a vehicle list.

4. The size range

The stature range in centimetres (§5.4.2.2) — for example 40–87 cm for a carrier or 100–150 cm for a high-back booster. Harnessed seats also state the maximum occupant mass on the product (§4.3).

5. Module marks

If the product is a module used with bases (such as a carrier), the size range and mass limit are on a separate module mark starting with “R129-” plus the approval number, one per base or orientation (§5.4.3).

6. The other labels around it

• The airbag warning near the child’s head on rear-facing seats (§4.4).
• The “15 M” label on integral seats showing when forward-facing is allowed (§4.5).
• Green belt-route markings — the only colour allowed for approved routes (§4.6).
• The i-Size logo on i-Size seats and boosters (§4.7.1, §4.8.1).
• A QR code or weblink if no paper manual is supplied (§4.15).

Full details: R129 markings and approval label.