For years, SAE J3016 gave us the vocabulary of automated driving: Level 0 to Level 5. In 2026, China turned vocabulary into obligation: GB 44721-2026, "Safety requirements for automated driving systems," is the world's first mandatory national standard for Level 3 and Level 4 systems. Issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, it applies to M- and N-class vehicles and becomes binding on 1 July 2027.
Key takeaways
The world's first mandatory national standard for Level 3 and Level 4 automated driving systems.
Binding on 1 July 2027 for M- and N-class vehicles, with an independent verification regime.
ISO 26262, SOTIF and AI-specific verification must be aligned with the new regime.
What makes GB 44721 remarkable from a systems engineering perspective:
Safety baseline above the human driver. The automated driving system must demonstrably perform at least as safely as a qualified, attentive human driver.
Lifecycle safety assurance. Manufacturers must establish safety capabilities across design, manufacturing and post-deployment use: safety policy, risk management, assurance and continuous improvement.
Minimum risk strategies. The standard defines triggers and behavior for minimal risk maneuvers when the system cannot continue safely.
Takeover monitoring for L3. Driver availability must be actively monitored; human–machine interfaces are standardized.
Verification regime. Simulation testing, road testing and independent third-party verification are combined with an inspection system covering enterprise capability, safety documentation and confirmatory testing.
For European suppliers and OEMs this means: functional safety work (ISO 26262), SOTIF and AI-specific verification must be aligned with a new, mandatory regime for one of the world's largest markets, with a hard deadline.
SYSIOPEYA supports automated-driving programs with requirements engineering, safety architecture up to ASIL D and AI-accelerated compliance processes. Get in touch.
