China publishes mandatory safety standard for autonomous driving systems
China's GB 44721-2026 standard will cover vehicles with L3 and L4 autonomous driving systems. It is due to take effect on July 1, 2027.
Event date: July 30, 2026 · Published: October 12, 2026
The standard "Safety requirements for autonomous driving systems of intelligent connected vehicles" was published on July 30, 2026, and the authority announced it in a statement on August 4. It is a mandatory standard drawn up under the lead of China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
It covers category M and N vehicles equipped with L3 or L4 systems. The document does not cover automated parking systems.
A transition period runs until July 1, 2027, when the standard takes effect. Publishing the requirements does not mean that all L3 and L4 cars are already approved for sale or for use on public roads.
Questions and answers
When is China's GB 44721-2026 standard due to take effect?
On July 1, 2027.
Which systems does it cover?
L3 and L4 autonomous driving systems in category M and N vehicles; it does not cover automated parking.
Fact sheet
| Claim | Value | Source | As of |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard number | GB 44721-2026 | MIIT | Oct 12, 2026 |
| Standard publication date | Jul 30, 2026 | MIIT | Oct 12, 2026 |
| Planned effective date | Jul 1, 2027 | MIIT | Oct 12, 2026 |
| Scope | L3/L4 systems in M and N vehicles; automated parking excluded | MIIT | Oct 12, 2026 |
Sources
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