We previously reported that the Chinese government might be considering an industry-wide ban on fully-flushed and/or powered door handles. However, a new technical draft from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has now shed new light on the situation. According to a report by Autohome, it now appears that these door handles will not be banned, but will instead be tightly regulated.
In essence, the draft proposes the standardisation of door handle structures and imposes requirements for minimum hand clearance to address consumer concerns about the inconvenience of using hidden electric door handles.
The draft also requires both interior and exterior door handles to have a mechanical backup. This is to ensure that in the event of a power failure, the doors can still be opened without the use of tools, allowing occupants to escape or be rescued in an emergency.
Furthermore, the new regulations will require car makers to standardise the location of door handles. They must also include clear safety markings and opening instructions for interior handles, which are aimed at addressing issues like poor visibility and lack of recognition.
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Talks of regulation surrounding flush door handles recently gained traction after the National Accident In-depth Investigation System (NAIS) reported a 47% year-on-year increase in accidents caused by door handle failures in 2024, with hidden handles accounting for a staggering 82% of those incidents.
Additionally, the Consumer Association has noted a 132% year-on-year increase in complaints regarding children’s fingers being pinched by hidden door handles in 2024, including some extreme cases of broken bones.
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