China has introduced new standards to improve child safety in vehicles, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO). These updates to China’s child safety restraint regulations, such as child car seats, aim to reduce deaths and injuries in road accidents.
Impact of Road Traffic Crashes on Children
Road traffic crashes are a major cause of death for children and young adults globally, including in China. Proper child safety restraints can reduce fatalities by up to 71% among infants. The new standards require children under 15 months to be seated in rear or side-facing restraints, which lowers the risk of severe injury in a crash. The guidelines also include better protection for infants’ heads and necks and clearer instructions for proper use and installation.
Simplified Guidelines for Choosing the Correct Restraint
The standards also make it easier for parents to choose the correct restraint based on a child’s height, which will help enforce the rules more effectively.
WHO’s Role in Supporting the Standards
WHO is proud to support these changes, which align with global safety recommendations. The new standards, adopted on 29 September 2024, will take effect on 1 July 2025. WHO will assist with their implementation. Since 80% of child safety restraints are made in China, these changes could improve child safety worldwide.
Collaboration Between WHO and Chinese Authorities
WHO has worked closely with the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC) to develop these standards based on evidence and global best practices. China’s experience will also help other countries develop similar standards as part of the effort to halve global road deaths by 2030.
