China's auto regulator has proposed a sweeping set of rules that would force carmakers to prove the safety of novel design features—such as hidden door handles and folding screens—before their vehicles can be approved for sale. The move, outlined in a draft notice from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and three other departments, aims to shift safety oversight from after-market recalls to the pre-production approval stage.
The draft, open for public comment until November 10, adds 51 technical parameters to the vehicle filing form, including 41 related to innovative design and 10 to testing and verification. It responds to concerns that rapid product iteration in China's EV market has led to insufficient validation of new features, according to MIIT chief engineer Wang Weiming at a State Council press conference.
What's banned and what's restricted
The draft includes a ban on fully hidden door handles, citing data from the China Insurance Automotive Safety Research Institute showing that in side collisions, doors with such handles opened successfully only 67% of the time, versus 98% for traditional mechanical handles. Also banned are folding or flexible screens, which can create hard impact points in crashes and interfere with airbag deployment. Zero-gravity seats, rotating seats, and pop-up roofs are allowed but must be locked while the vehicle is moving, with technical measures to prevent misuse. Electronic exterior mirrors are permitted but will require extra safety assessments for mud and extreme weather conditions.
Carmakers must also ensure that emergency controls—such as for escape, braking, and power cut-off—remain physical and clearly marked. Powered doors must be manually operable in the event of power failure.
Real-world testing becomes mandatory
The rules require that innovative designs be validated through actual vehicle testing, not just simulation or bench tests. Reliability testing must cover at least 30,000 km, and environmental testing must span at least one year, including both cold and hot cycles. All test data must be traceable and retained for at least six years. Carmakers cannot rely solely on supplier test reports; they must conduct vehicle-level incoming inspections for components like door handles and screens.
The new requirements apply to new models from January 1, 2027, with existing models given until July 1, 2027, to file supplementary data. According to D1EV, a Chinese EV news outlet, the rules are expected to affect models in the design phase, as a typical new car takes 36-48 months from concept to production.
The draft also aligns with global trends, as the UN's World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations has adopted a framework for autonomous driving that emphasizes reliable verification methods and post-deployment responsibility.
