China rolls out plan to spur smart home consumption

China has rolled out an action plan to spur smart home consumption, with a focus on expanding high-quality supply, improving product standards and strengthening fiscal and financial support, the Ministry of Commerce said on Monday.

The plan was jointly issued by the ministry, the National Development and Reform Commission and six other government departments, according to a notice published on the ministry's official website.

Under the plan, manufacturers are encouraged to step up research and development. Home furnishing stores and shopping malls will also be supported in setting up smart home experience centers and showrooms for whole-home systems, the ministry said.

The plan also calls for more smart home hardware, software and integrated solutions based on domestic open-source operating systems.

Meanwhile, China will accelerate work on mandatory national standards for smart home connectivity and interoperability and set basic smart product requirements for newly built, fully furnished homes, according to the plan.

Local authorities may determine eligible product categories and subsidy levels based on local conditions under the 2026 consumer goods trade-in program, the ministry said. The plan also calls for support for purchases of whole-home smart systems.

In addition, the plan encourages financial institutions to utilize interest subsidies for personal consumption loans and step up lending for smart home purchases.

It also promotes home service robots, health-monitoring devices and smart care products for older consumers, with companies encouraged to make them easier and safer to use.