BEIJING – On March 31, 2026, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the Standardization Administration of China (SAC) officially released the new mandatory national standard GB 47368—2026, titled Safety Requirements for Indoor Stationary Fitness Equipment.

This release, part of Announcements No. 14 and 15 of 2026, also includes nine complementary recommended national standards (GB/T 17498.1–17498.10—2026). This comprehensive framework is designed to regulate indoor fitness equipment intended for users aged 14 and above, establishing a robust safety and quality system that integrates product requirements with rigorous testing methods.

It has been announced that these new standards will officially take effect on October 1, 2027.

Strengthening Structural and Mechanical Safety

The new standard prioritizes the elimination of structural defects at the source. It specifies 11 key safety requirements that manufacturers must meet, including:

• Overall equipment stability.
• Elimination of sharp corners and edges.
• Prevention of crushing and shearing hazards.
• Anti-slip and anti-detachment mechanisms.
• Sufficient load-bearing capacity.

Strict Limits on Hazardous Substances

To protect user health, the standard imposes strict limits on chemical compositions in materials that come into frequent contact with skin. Regulated substances include lead, cadmium, soluble lead, phthalates, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Furthermore, the standard aligns with regulations regarding hazardous substances in electrical and electronic components within the equipment.

Ensuring Electrical Safety Compliance

The 2026 standards harmonize electrical safety requirements with existing mandatory national standards for sporting goods. Key focus areas include:

• Input power and current limits.
• Leakage current and dielectric strength.
• Secure power connections and external flexible cords.

These measures are designed to mitigate risks such as electric shocks and fires, ensuring maximum protection for consumers and their property.

Reliability and User-Centric Design

The standard emphasizes real-world durability by requiring testing under maximum load and simulated normal exercise frequencies. To prevent accidents caused by misuse, the regulations mandate clear warning labels and instructions, specifically addressing:

• Unsupervised use by children.
• Heart rate monitoring systems.
• Power-off prompts and emergency alerts.

A Comprehensive “Mandatory + Recommended” System

While GB 47368—2026 provides the mandatory safety “floor,” the nine accompanying recommended standards offer specialized requirements for specific equipment categories. This creates a tailored safety network for:

• Strength training equipment and benches.
• Stationary bikes, treadmills, and rowing machines.
• Steppers, stair climbers, and elliptical trainers.

By combining mandatory bottom-line safety with category-specific recommendations, China has established a full-spectrum safety assurance system for the fitness equipment industry.