The United Nations Global Technical Regulation Number 13 (GTR 13; "Global Technical Regulation on Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Vehicles") is the defining document regulating safety requirements in hydrogen vehicles, and in particular fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) [1]. GTR 13 was formally implemented in June of 2013 and will serve as the basis for the national regulatory standards for FCEV safety in North America (led by the United States), Japan, Korea, and the European Union. GTR 13 will thus provide the framework to internationally harmonized national FCEV safety regulations, which will serve to facilitate hydrogen vehicle market development and trade. The various vehicle safety requirements and regulations prescribed within GTR 13 are to be implemented and enforced by national authorities. For example, within the U.S., the national authority for vehicle safety is the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the regulatory code will be the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS). GTR 13 covers electrical, mechanical, pressure and other safety requirements for FCEVs, including allowable hydrogen emission levels in certain modes of operation. Specifically, the GTR regulates hydrogen levels in vehicle enclosures during normal use and in post-crash test conditions, and on the allowable hydrogen content in vehicle exhaust. Section 5.2.1.3.2 (Vehicle Exhaust System) of the GTR stipulates that "At the vehicle exhaust system's point of discharge, the hydrogen concentration level shall: (a) Not exceed 4 per cent average by volume during any moving three-second time interval during normal operation including start-up and shutdown; (b) And not exceed 8 per cent at any time."
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