Universal Isofix adapter – Public warning from the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt
Fig.: Child seat after crash test (Prof. Dr.-Ing. Darius Friedemann – Department of Automotive Engineering at HTW Berlin).
The use of universal Isofix adapters is not permitted and involves serious risks.
The Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) warns against the use of universal Isofix adapters for securing child seats and infant carriers in motor vehicles. Tests of universal Isofix adapters of different designs have shown that a secure attachment of infant carriers or child seats cannot be guaranteed, which leads to a significantly increased risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Tests carried out by the Automotive Engineering department at the Berlin University of Applied Sciences (HTW) have shown that child seats fitted with universal Isofix adapters detached completely in the event of a collision and moved freely in the passenger compartment. Based on the risk assessment carried out by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), the products were classified as a serious risk to the health and safety of persons in accordance with Article 19 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1020. Life-threatening injuries are to be expected in the event of an accident.
The KBA warns against the use of universal Isofix adapters!
The use of universal Isofix adapters is not permitted:
Child seats must bear an approval mark. These may only be connected to the vehicle’s own tested and approved Isofix attachment points, which is not the case with the products mentioned and poses a serious risk to the child.
Therefore, never use universal Isofix adapters to attach child seats and infant carriers!
Some vehicle models offer the legal option of safely retrofitting vehicle-specific Isofix mounts. Please check the operating instructions for your vehicle in this regard. If you have any doubts about the safe and permitted use of products you have already purchased, please contact the vehicle manufacturer or your authorized workshop.
Universal Isofix adapters are sold by various providers on the Internet. As most of these suppliers are based outside the European Union, the KBA is unable to identify the buyers in the Federal Republic of Germany and is therefore informing the public in this way.
Repawelt terms to help you find this warning: Fasten child seats correctly, Fasten baby car seats correctly, Accidents with child seat attachments, Accidents with baby car seat attachments, Warning about universal Isofix adapters.
