On September 3, 2026, the Department of Science and Technology of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) issued a notice to seek public comments on 14 proposed mandatory national standard formulation and revision projects, together with the Plan for Formulation and Revision of Mandatory National Standards (Draft for Comments) (hereinafter referred to as “the Draft Plan”). The public consultation ran from September 4 to September 10, 2026.

Among the 14 projects, 11 relate directly to sectors frequently concerned by foreign manufacturers and technology companies, particularly automotive and electric vehicles (EVs), ICT infrastructure and AI-enabled consumer products. Key information of relevant standards is summarized below:

The three EV charging-connection projects are particularly noteworthy. The existing GB/T 20234 series is currently voluntary, with the official English titles Connection set for conductive charging of electric vehicles—Part 1: General requirements, Part 2: AC charging coupler and Part 3: DC charging coupler. The Draft Plan proposes developing mandatory standards to replace these existing GB/T standards, potentially elevating charging-interface requirements from voluntary technical standards to mandatory national requirements once the projects are completed and approved.

The Draft Plan also shows expanding mandatory-standard activity in emerging technologies. One project propose requirements for audio and video data collection by AI glasses. A further project targets physical security for network operation in information and communications equipment rooms.    

Foreign stakeholders are advised to note that these items are proposed standard projects rather than published standards. The 18-month periods specified in the Draft Plan are project development cycles, not implementation or transition periods, and the existing standards have not yet been replaced. Relevant manufacturers are nevertheless advised to monitor subsequent project approval and drafting activities, particularly in EV charging, automotive batteries, UAVs and AI-enabled devices, where future mandatory requirements may directly affect product design and China market access.