China to ban “hidden” car door handles from 2027
Latest news on WhatsApp أجدد الأخبار على واتسابChina has approved a new mandatory national safety standard requiring mechanical door-release capability from both inside and outside the vehicle, effectively banning “hidden/flush” handle designs that rely on electronic operation alone or press-to-pop mechanisms.
The rules take effect for new models on Jan. 1, 2027, while already-approved models will have a transition period until Jan. 1, 2029 to comply.
The move follows growing safety concerns that flush or electronic-only handles can hinder escape and rescue efforts after crashes—especially if a vehicle loses power—prompting regulators to prioritize reliable manual access in emergencies.
Given China’s size and influence in EV manufacturing and sales, analysts expect the standard to shape design choices beyond the Chinese market as automakers seek to streamline global platforms.
