The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and three other departments have released a draft notice regarding automotive design and testing. The document proposes a ban on fully hidden door handles for new vehicle models, aiming to prioritize safety over aesthetic design choices.
According to the draft, new vehicle applications submitted after January 1, 2027, must include specific technical parameters for innovative designs. Products that fail to meet testing requirements or provide false documentation will not be approved for market entry.
Vehicles already on the market must submit relevant technical data and verification materials by July 1, 2027. If a vehicle is found to have safety hazards and cannot be modified, manufacturers may be required to halt production and initiate a recall process.
The regulations also address other features like zero-gravity seats, which must now include locking mechanisms to prevent activation while the vehicle is in motion. These changes are expected to impact supply chains, including door modules, seat frames, and software.
Industry experts suggest that these standards will favor larger manufacturers with stable supply chains. Smaller companies may face increased pressure to meet the new compliance and testing requirements, as the policy focuses on safety verification rather than a blanket ban.
