China Could Fully Stop Production Of Cars With Hidden Door Handles

China’s market regulator has drafted rules that would sharply limit fully electric hidden door handles starting January 1, 2027. Under the proposal, external handles that retract flush with the body and then pop out electronically would be banned if they depend entirely on power for presentation and release. Doors would still need to open if power fails. The draft also introduces a July 1, 2027 deadline for manufacturers to submit extra technical and safety-validation documentation for models already on sale; those not meeting requirements could face an immediate production halt and a recall plan. The rule extends beyond handles, requiring physical controls for safety-critical functions such as exterior lights, windshield wipers, and defogging, moving these away from touchscreen-only menus. The transition for already approved vehicles varies under a separate door-handle safety standard. The documentation lists 51 additional parameters and mandates durability testing of at least 18,600 miles.