In 2015, GB/T 31849-2015, the “General Technical Specifications for Automotive Sun Control Films,” was released. As China’s first national standard for window films, it established unified requirements for visible light transmission, UV rejection, weather resistance, and infrared performance, thereby ending the era of having no standards at all and paving the way for gradual regulatory oversight.
Consumer behavior became more rational, with a growing focus on technical specifications, warranties, and anti-counterfeiting measures. The rise of e-commerce introduced online window film sales, disrupting the practice of traditional offline auto detailing shops profiting from information asymmetry.
Leading domestic enterprises ramped up their efforts, investing in optical-grade PET substrates and magnetron sputtering production lines. They shifted from contract manufacturing to independent R&D, narrowing the gap with overseas manufacturers, although the high-end market remained dominated by global giants such as Eastman (LLumar/V-Kool) and 3M.
Paint Protection Film (PPF)—often referred to as “invisible car wrap”—emerged in the domestic market; initially, these products were entirely imported and extremely expensive. Color-change films also rapidly gained popularity, expanding the automotive film sector from a single category (window film) into three distinct segments: window film, PPF, and color-change film.
