A new action plan designed to stimulate consumption in the smart home sector has been released by eight government departments, including the Ministry of Commerce, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

The plan outlines seven key initiatives, such as expanding the supply of high-quality smart home products, refining the industry's standards framework, supporting consumer spending, and developing age-friendly smart home solutions. In line with the 2026 policy for trade-in programs on consumer goods, it also empowers local governments to set their own product categories and subsidy levels for smart home items, while coordinating support for full-house smart home upgrades.

A representative from the Ministry of Commerce's Department of Consumption Promotion noted that the plan focuses on four critical areas to address growth opportunities and remove bottlenecks in the smart home market.

First, it emphasizes a coordinated approach between supply and demand. The plan encourages manufacturers to intensify research and development of smart home products. It also supports home furnishing malls and shopping centers in establishing experience zones and showrooms for whole-home smart and digital living. Additionally, financial institutions are urged to increase loan support for smart home purchases, making it easier for consumers to acquire these products.

Second, the plan aims to cultivate a diverse and integrated ecosystem. This involves perfecting the grading and evaluation standards for smart home intelligence levels and expediting the implementation of mandatory national standards for interconnectivity, which will help drive the integrated development of whole-home smart solutions.

Third, it seeks to provide precise services for various consumer groups. The plan calls for nurturing large-scale home renovation companies and platforms that can offer personalized and diverse decoration packages. It also encourages the development of customized, order-based, and appointment-based services, alongside guiding businesses to apply age-friendly design principles to enrich the supply of adaptive smart home products.

Finally, the plan aims to streamline convenience services for consumers. This includes guiding local authorities to establish reasonable recycling networks for old home furnishings and encouraging companies to provide combined delivery and pickup services, as well as internet-based recycling options. It also supports the creation of comprehensive home renewal service stations in eligible neighborhoods and communities to integrate a range of convenient and beneficial services for residents.