On September 17, 2025, the National Technical Committee of Auto Standardization (NTCAS， SAC TC114) released a draft mandatory national standard titled Intelligent and connected vehicle — Safety requirements of combined driver assistance system, open for public consultation until November 15, 2025.
This initiative aligns with China’s existing policies, including Opinions on Strengthening the Access Management of Intelligent and Connected Vehicle Manufacturers and Products issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the National Vehicle Networking Sector Standards System Construction Guide (Intelligent and Connected Vehicles) (2023 Edition) released by MIIT and National Standardization Administration (SAC). In this context, the mandatory standard aims to define CDAS performance requirements, enhance product safety, reduce accidents caused by system deficiencies, and provide crucial technical support for market surveillance.
The drafting process has incorporated a thorough analysis of international regulations, including UN Regulation No. 171 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to Driver Control Assistance Systems (UN R171) and UN Regulation No. 79 Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to steering equipment (UN R79). The draft standard is a refined version that integrates technical content from UN R171, risk mitigation strategies from UN Regulation No. 79, existing Chinese national standards, and findings from multiple project group seminars. Nonetheless, specific provisions within the draft standard diverge from international regulations, particularly concerning driver state monitoring, system deactivation rules, user notification, test scenario specifications and pass/fail criteria, as well as in-vehicle date recording.
The draft standard specifies technical safety requirements and test methods for fundamental single-lane, multi-lane, and navigation-guided CDAS. It applies to M and N category vehicles equipped with these systems but explicitly excludes parking assistance functions. Meanwhile, a phased implementation timeline is proposed, starting from January 1, 2027. New vehicle types seeking approval must comply with all requirements except data recording from that date, with full compliance required by January 1, 2028. For models already approved, a longer grace period applies: they must meet the standard excluding data recording by January 1, 2028, and achieve full compliance by January 1, 2029. This move marks a significant step in formalizing the safety landscape for assisted driving technologies in China.
While the draft standard is not yet finalized, its 2027 implementation timeline and role in product approval necessitate proactive adaptation. Foreign firms should closely track all revisions, as the definitive requirements will be based on the published final text. SESEC will keep updating on the standard.
The Chinese draft for comments and the drafting notes of the standard have been attached. Please contact us if you need the English version.
Chinese source of the article: http://zxd.catarc.org.cn/zxd/portal/detail/zqyj/702
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