Mandatory National Standard for Automotive Door Handles Released

[Policy & Regulation] The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has issued the mandatory national standard GB 48001-2026, 'Safety Technical Requirements for Automotive Door Handles.'

Key Development: Starting in 2027, all new door handles must include an independent mechanical release mechanism

Effective January 1, 2027, the GB 48001-2026 standard mandates that both interior and exterior door handles be equipped with an independent mechanical release device, ensuring doors can still be opened under extreme conditions such as power failure or collision. Doors on the non-impact side must be openable without tools, fully eliminating the risk of being unable to open doors due to power loss.

Critical Specifications: Dual constraints on operating area and structural strength

Exterior handles must be located within a defined shadow zone or adjacent zone, with mandatory compliance for hand-operable space starting in 2028. Interior handles must be installed within 0–680 mm vertically from the seat R-point centerline and no more than 300 mm from the door edge, unobstructed and clearly visible. Handles must withstand a force of at least 500 N without detaching.

Strategic Rationale: Aligning with new safety demands of the electrification era

This standard applies to Class M1, Class N1, and multipurpose trucks. Led by MIIT, it was developed with participation from over 40 enterprises and more than 100 experts, aiming to standardize designs of flush-mounted and electronic door handles and enhance overall vehicle passive safety.