On 24 July 2026, the National Standardization Administration of China (SAC) commenced its annual statistical analysis of 80 mandatory national standards that took effect in 2023. The full list is attached at the end of the article. These standards cover information and communications technology, automotive and transportation safety, environmental protection and emissions control, hazardous materials and pressure vessel safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and other industrial sectors.

Conducted as part of SAC’s routine oversight program, this review ensures the efficiency and effectiveness of China’s mandatory national standards. The analysis must be completed by 30 November 2026.

I. Analysis Scope

• Listed standards: All mandatory national standards implemented in 2023, analyzed by their administrative departments and national monitoring points.
• Additional standards: State Council departments may include high-risk, high-profile, or rapidly evolving standards; local authorities may add standards relevant to regional industries.

II. Analysis Content

• Implementation: Calculate compliance and conformity rates in enterprises. Assess standards’ adoption in laws and regulations, industrial policy formulation, project approval, market access, supervision and spot-checks, and administrative enforcement. Evaluate standards adoption in testing, inspection, certification, accreditation or appraisal bodies, and public awareness of standards.
• Harmonization: Review alignment with other mandatory standards, supporting standards, and relevant laws, regulations, and industrial policies.
• Applicability: Check if scope covers current technologies and business models.  Verify whether technical indicators are outdated, missing, or below industry averages. Confirm validity of normative references. Assess clarity of requirements and availability of test methods. Compare with international standards for coverage, advancement, and consistency.
• Implementation Barriers: Identify root causes of non-compliance (design, technology, equipment, materials, testing, personnel, comprehension, investment) and propose targeted solutions.
• Effectiveness: Quantify economic (quality, output value), social (public satisfaction, employment), and ecological (pollutant/carbon reduction) benefits.

III. Deliverable

Compile findings into a comprehensive statistical analysis report, ensuring data-rich content, clear focus, precise problem identification, and actionable recommendations.

For European stakeholders active in the Chinese market or involved in Chinese national technical committees, this analysis offers a valuable tool for assessing alignment between the enterprise standards and Chinese mandatory requirements, ensuring continued compliance with evolving obligations. It also provides a formal channel to flag impractical requirements to authorities and help shape future mandatory standards. SESEC encourages EU stakeholders to engage actively in this process, securing timely updates and early insight to stay ahead of compliance developments.

View the full standards list here: GB to be reviewed in 2026

Source: https://www.samr.gov.cn/bzjss/tzgg/art/2026/art_6a4a689ef68a45afa5b93f638ef1a7ae.html