UN ADS GTR Approved to Strengthen Automated Driving System Safety Standards

According to information released by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) on June 25, the United Nations Global Technical Regulation on Automated Driving Systems (ADS GTR), led by China, has been officially approved and released. The regulation establishes a globally recognized technical foundation for Automated Driving System (ADS) products and represents an important step toward harmonizing safety expectations for increasingly automated vehicles across international markets.

The newly approved regulation defines the core technical requirements for Automated Driving System (ADS) products. It also establishes manufacturer-level requirements covering safety management process assurance, product safety documentation, comprehensive testing and validation throughout development, and post-deployment vehicle safety. In addition, the regulation specifies the corresponding audit and assessment methods, creating a regulatory framework that addresses the complete product lifecycle from development and validation through deployment and ongoing operational safety.

Key Requirements Introduced Under the UN ADS GTR

The following table summarizes the principal elements covered by the newly approved regulation.

Alongside the release of the global regulation, the MIIT is accelerating the development of China's mandatory national standards for Automated Driving Systems. While these domestic standards fully incorporate the core technical requirements established by the UN ADS GTR, they are also designed to reflect China's industrial conditions and regulatory priorities. The standards introduce more detailed technical requirements for Level 3 and Level 4 ADS while clearly defining the minimum safety expectations applicable to products operating at different levels of driving automation.

Future Direction for China's ADS Standards

China's upcoming mandatory standards also place greater emphasis on user training and information disclosure, reinforcing the importance of safe deployment alongside technical performance. By combining the internationally recognized framework of the UN ADS GTR with additional domestic safety provisions, the country aims to strengthen oversight across the full lifecycle of Automated Driving System products while supporting the safe commercialization and operation of higher levels of driving automation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN ADS GTR and why is it important?
The United Nations Global Technical Regulation on Automated Driving Systems (UN ADS GTR) establishes internationally recognized technical and safety requirements for Automated Driving System products. It defines manufacturer responsibilities, product safety documentation, testing and validation processes, post-deployment safety obligations, and audit methods. The regulation provides a comprehensive framework covering the entire product lifecycle and serves as a common foundation for countries developing or updating their national automated driving regulations.

How will China's national ADS standards differ from the UN ADS GTR?
China's mandatory national ADS standards will fully incorporate the core technical requirements contained in the UN ADS GTR while introducing additional provisions tailored to domestic industry and regulatory needs. The standards provide more detailed technical requirements for Level 3 and Level 4 Automated Driving Systems, establish minimum safety requirements for different automation levels, and strengthen expectations related to user training and information disclosure.