Four Departments Seek Public Input on Strengthening Management of Automotive Product Innovation Design

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and three other departments have jointly issued a notice (for public comment) on further strengthening management related to automotive product innovation design and R&D testing verification. This move aims to enhance product safety performance and promote high-quality development of the automotive industry. Regarding access management for innovative designs, the notice stipulates that starting January 1, 2027, newly declared products involving innovative designs must submit additional technical parameters and undergo enhanced safety and environmental assessments in accordance with the 'Technical Guidelines for Automotive Product Innovation Design.' Products failing to meet testing verification requirements, undergoing insufficient verification, or submitting false materials will not be announced. Existing announced products must submit relevant technical parameters and verification materials by July 1, 2027; those with safety hazards after the deadline will face production suspension and recalls. The notice also explicitly prohibits equipping vehicles with fully hidden door handles and mandates that foldable or flexible displays shall not be used. Related innovative designs must undergo thorough testing and verification to ensure safety and reliability.