Overview
- Beijing published a draft national standard on February 4–5 requiring exterior and interior mechanical door handles on nearly all vehicles, excluding tailgates.
- Sales of cars with flush or retractable handles will be prohibited starting January 1, 2027, with a two‑year compliance grace for models already approved in China.
- The move follows multiple accidents where electronic handles could not be opened after crashes or fires, including a widely reported fatal case in October 2025.
- The rule applies to domestic and foreign brands, with companies such as Tesla and Kia expected to redesign models and adjust production for the Chinese market.
- With retractable handles used on roughly 60% of China’s electric and hybrid fleet, analysts say the standard could influence automotive safety norms beyond China.