Release of China-led Revised International Standard for Electrical and Pneumatic Connection Between Tractors and Trailers

On April 27, 2026, the international standard Positions of Electrical and Pneumatic Connections Between Tractors and Trailers of Commercial Vehicles, revised under China’s leadership, was officially approved and released by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It marks the arrival of unified, standardized and safe technical criteria in the global field of electrical and pneumatic connections for vehicle combinations, laying a solid foundation of international standards for improving the safety and efficiency of trunk road freight transport.

As a national high-tech enterprise specializing in the R&D and manufacturing of semi-trailer accessories, Shandong Zonxin Auto Parts Co., Ltd. immediately organized its technical team to study the key points of the standard. The company will fully benchmark against the new international regulations to optimize product design and production processes, safeguarding global freight safety with higher standards.

Vehicle combinations are the mainstream model for global trunk freight transport, with their cargo turnover accounting for over 50% of the global average, and nearly or more than 80% in major economies including China, the United States and Europe. The electrical and pneumatic connection between tractors and trailers is directly related to braking safety and driving stability, serving as a key link in road transportation safety.

This international standard focuses on core elements including connector arrangement, installation sequence, operating clearance and pipeline protection. It formulates clear specifications for safety risks such as incorrect connection and abrasion of brake pipelines, effectively improving the safety and convenience of coupling between vehicles of different brands and specifications. Pooling the consensus of experts from China, the UK, France and other countries, it promotes the standardized technological upgrading of global vehicle combination equipment.

Key provisions of the standard are clarified as follows:

The control pipeline shall be arranged on the far left or upper side, and the energy supply pipeline on the far right or upper side. Standard electrical connectors, auxiliary electrical connectors and ABS/EBS sockets shall be arranged in sequence at the lower part, fundamentally avoiding the risk of brake failure caused by pipeline misconnection. New requirements for flexible pipeline protection have been added to strengthen protection for pipelines with a ground clearance of 200–250 mm, reduce the probability of abrasion accidents on bumpy roads, and comprehensively enhance transportation safety.

The release of this international standard provides an authoritative basis for the R&D, production and testing of semi-trailer electrical and pneumatic connection accessories. Shandong Zonxin Auto Parts will respond promptly in three aspects:

First, fully comply with standard requirements to optimize the structural and layout design of products such as electric-pneumatic connectors and pipeline protection assemblies, ensuring full compliance with international specifications;

Second, upgrade production and testing procedures, strengthen the control of key links including pipeline protection and installation accuracy, and improve product reliability;

Third, promote the transformation of technological achievements, integrate international standards into product iteration, and provide safer, better-matched and more compliant semi-trailer accessory solutions for customers at home and abroad.