China Mandates Mechanical Door Handles in Groundbreaking Automotive Safety Regulation

02.02.2026

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has enacted comprehensive safety regulations requiring all vehicles sold in the country to feature mechanical door release mechanisms. The policy, effective January 1, 2027, marks a significant regulatory shift that will prohibit the concealed, electronically actuated door handles that have become prevalent in modern electric vehicles.

Under the new Safety Technical Requirements for Automobile Door Handles standard, manufacturers must equip each door (excluding tailgates) with mechanically released external door handles. Additionally, vehicles must incorporate mechanical release mechanisms on the interior, ensuring occupants can exit the vehicle even during electrical system failures.

Regulatory Response to Safety Incidents

The regulation follows multiple high-profile fatal incidents where vehicle occupants became trapped due to electronic door lock failures. Investigations revealed critical vulnerabilities in electronically actuated door systems, particularly when vehicle battery systems fail to provide sufficient power to electronic locks during emergency situations.

Fatal incidents involving electric vehicles, including a crash involving a Xiaomi SU7 sedan, accelerated regulatory action. China becomes the first jurisdiction globally to implement such comprehensive door handle safety requirements.

Development Process and Industry Participation

The regulatory framework development commenced in May 2025, involving extensive collaboration across the automotive ecosystem:

• Over 40 domestic vehicle manufacturers and parts suppliers

• Multiple testing institutions

• More than 100 industry experts participating in multiple discussion rounds

• Participation from major OEMs including BYD, Geely Holdings, SAIC, Xiaomi, General Motors, Ford, Hyundai, Nissan, Porsche, Toyota, and Volkswagen

Global Regulatory Implications

While China leads in implementing mandatory mechanical door release requirements, regulatory scrutiny has intensified globally. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has initiated defect investigations into specific vehicle models, citing concerns about manual release accessibility and owner awareness. U.S. lawmakers have proposed similar legislation requiring manual door releases in all new vehicles.

The regulation represents a critical precedent in automotive safety standards, potentially influencing global vehicle design requirements and manufacturing practices across the electric vehicle industry.

Sources:

China Ministry of Industry and Information Technology

Safety Technical Requirements for Automobile Door Handles

NHTSA Defect Investigation

Tags: regulatory compliance electric vehicles China automotive safety vehicle design

Share: VK Telegram Twitter