Overview
- The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued binding rules effective January 1, 2027, covering all cars sold in China.
- Models already approved for launch get until January 2029 to redesign, with requirements for mechanical releases inside and outside each door.
- The standard specifies an exterior recessed space of at least 6 cm by 2 cm and minimum interior signage of 1 cm by 0.7 cm indicating how to open the door.
- About 60% of China’s top 100 new‑energy models use hidden handles, affecting vehicles from Tesla, BMW, Nio, Li Auto, Xpeng and Xiaomi.
- Automakers are assessing changes as U.S. regulators investigate Tesla’s electronic handles, while industry voices say China’s stance could shape global design norms.