New Safety Standard GB 48002-2026 Released for Global Compliance

China released the new national standard GB 48002-2026 Safety Code for Earth-Moving Machinery in January 2026, which will take effect in February 2027. The standard covers full-lifecycle safety requirements for mini excavators and aligns with ISO and EN international rules. It specifies strict targets for ROPS, FOPS, operation stability and emergency control, filling the safety standard gap for compact equipment. The new rule helps Chinese manufacturers better meet EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and US safety requirements, improving certification efficiency and export competitiveness. Products that meet GB 48002-2026 are more accepted in Europe, North America and high-standard markets. The standard reflects China’s machinery industry moving toward higher safety and global alignment, supporting sustainable overseas expansion.