New National Standard Mandates Mechanical Door Handles for All New Cars Starting 2027

China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) recently jointly issued the mandatory national standard "Safety Technical Requirements for Automotive Door Handles" (GB 48001-2026), which will take effect on January 1, 2027. The new regulation explicitly requires all passenger vehicle doors (excluding tailgates) to be equipped with mechanical interior and exterior door handles, ensuring they can still be manually operated under extreme conditions such as power failure, collision, or battery fire—addressing safety risks associated with electric or hidden handles that may become inoperable during emergencies, potentially trapping occupants inside. The exterior handle must withstand a pulling force of at least 500 newtons, while the interior handle must be positioned within an easily accessible area and feature high-contrast markings along with Chinese-language instructions. The standard also specifies rigorous testing procedures, including power-loss and crash simulation tests. Developed collaboratively by over 40 companies—including Geely, BYD, and Volkswagen Group China—and more than 100 experts, the standard aims to refocus automotive design on fundamental safety principles and enhance occupant evacuation and rescue efficiency during accidents.