China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has released a draft proposing stricter safety and design requirements for new vehicle models. The proposal targets features such as door handles, display screens, and seat configurations, aiming to integrate design safety assessments directly into the vehicle approval process.
The draft reiterates a ban on fully concealed door handles, which was previously mandated in February 2026. New requirements demand mechanical redundancy for handles and anti-pinch protection for soft-close doors. Additionally, foldable and flexible displays are set to be prohibited, while physical controls must be provided for essential functions like lights and wipers.
Automakers must restrict the use of zero-gravity and swivel seats while the vehicle is in motion. Furthermore, the proposal limits the operation of safety-critical functions, such as door and headlight controls, to the driver only. These measures are intended to prevent safety risks associated with unverified innovative designs.
New testing protocols require passenger vehicles to complete at least 30,000 kilometers of reliability testing. Environmental adaptability testing must span at least one year, covering extreme temperature cycles. Manufacturers are also required to conduct independent inspections of key hardware and software components rather than relying solely on supplier reports.
Applications for new models with innovative designs must include detailed technical parameters starting January 1, 2027. Existing models listed in the manufacturer catalog must submit supplementary validation materials by July 1, 2027. Failure to comply or provide adequate testing documentation will result in the denial of approval or mandatory production halts.
