China: Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's notice on approval, recall, and online software upgrade management of intelligent connected vehicle products entered into force

On 28 February 2025, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) regulation of intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs) enters into force. The regulation focuses on market access control, recall procedures and over-the-air (OTA) software update management of ICVs. Manufacturers must test and report on vehicle safety features, submit detailed OTA update plans and ensure compliance with national safety standards. The Notice also introduces a sandbox monitoring system to identify and address safety risks and requires manufacturers to report any vehicle-related incidents. OTA updates that affect essential vehicle functions must be registered and approved prior to implementation, and when used for defect rectification or recall, manufacturers must stop sales and production of the affected model until corrective measures are approved. The MIIT and SAMR will work together to establish a voluntary quality certification system alongside mandatory national standards for ICVs. Finally, the MIIT and SAMR will enforce compliance through inspections, defect investigations and safety standardisation, impose penalties for false reporting, and safeguard cybersecurity and data protection.