The new version of the National Standard titled “Protection of Occupants in Side Impact Collisions” has been released. What are the key changes?
On May 30, 2025, the State Administration for Market Regulation announced the release of the new version of the National Standard. This update aims to enhance the protection of vehicle occupants during side collisions, particularly concerning the safety of passengers.
The existing “Protection of Occupants in Side Impact Collisions” standard was introduced in 2006. Currently, the standard’s performance criteria and testing conditions have been revised significantly, as many performance metrics no longer meet the requirements for protecting passengers in side-impact scenarios.
According to Liu Rixin, a spokesperson for the National Vehicle Standardization Technical Committee, compared to the new energy vehicles, the quality of traditional internal combustion engine vehicles has lagged. The new standards aim to improve the overall quality and safety of vehicles, including those with high-strength steel and aluminum alloy components.
Metrics for side-impact tests have been updated, with the weight threshold rising from 950 kg to 1400 kg. The new standard primarily targets the protection of adult occupants in vehicles involved in side impacts, as evidenced by assessments conducted on 214 vehicles. The average weight value achieved has reached 1400 kg.
The updates intend to enhance the safety performance of vehicles in side-impact scenarios. New technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes have been integrated to provide improved occupant protection.
The updated national standard has undergone rigorous evaluation and testing protocols to ensure that vehicles are now better equipped to withstand side-impact collisions.
The 2025 standard will formally come into effect on July 1, 2026.
What are the specific changes in the new version of the “Protection of Occupants in Side Impact Collisions” standard?
The new version introduces stricter requirements and evaluation systems aimed at enhancing occupant safety during side-impact collisions, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Among the new attributes, the standard mandates that in side-impact tests, vehicles must be able to withstand impacts with greater intensity. This approach enhances the overall safety ratings and ensures that vehicles can better protect occupants during side collisions.
This is a notable shift in safety considerations, as the updated standards focus on ensuring that every vehicle, regardless of its size or weight, meets these stringent safety protocols.
Additionally, the new regulations will also apply to vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tons, reflecting a comprehensive approach to vehicle safety across various categories.
According to the latest standards, vehicles must be equipped with advanced automatic safety features to alert drivers during critical situations, especially during side collisions.
In summary, the enhancements to the “Protection of Occupants in Side Impact Collisions” standard represent a significant advancement in vehicle safety regulations in China, aimed at protecting occupants more effectively during accidents.
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