Can China 5 Standard New Vehicles Still Be Registered in 2021?

[LeAmir]

In some regions, China 5 standard new vehicles can still be registered in 2021. Below is some information about the China 5 standard: Standard Introduction: The China 5 standard, equivalent to the EU's Euro 5 standard, which the EU has been implementing since 2009, imposes stricter limits on nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter emissions from motor vehicles. From China I to China IV, each upgrade in the standard reduces vehicle pollution by 30% to 50%. As of January 2013, the China 5 standard was still in the opinion collection phase. Implementation Time: The China 5 standard has been implemented nationwide since January 1, 2017, as the fifth stage of the national motor vehicle emission standard. Cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, and some cities in Guangdong have already begun enforcing the China 5 standard. Starting from April 1, 2016, all imported, sold, and registered light-duty gasoline vehicles, light-duty diesel passenger vehicles, and heavy-duty diesel vehicles in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region must comply with the China 5 emission standard.

[McLyla]

In 2021, it's basically impossible to register a new China 5 standard vehicle because the country implemented the China 6 emission standard nationwide starting from July 2020, phasing out vehicles with older standards. I heard from environmental experts that this was done to reduce air pollution. All new vehicles must now carry the China 6 label for registration. Some leftover China 5 vehicles might have been sold at discounts back then, but when I checked with the DMV, they said the policy is very strict—even if you buy one, you can't complete the registration. I suggest you check the vehicle's compliance certificate; if it's marked as China 5, don't bother to avoid wasting money and time. In the long run, China 6 vehicles are more cost-effective, easier to maintain, and hold better resale value. The transition period is long over, and all 2021 models now comply with the new regulations, so sticking with China 6 is the safest choice.

[Bernice]

As an average car buyer, I was also looking at cars in 2021 when salespeople told me that new vehicles must meet China 6 emission standards for registration. I visited several 4S stores and found China 5 inventory cars attractively priced, but the vehicle management office refused to issue plates after test drives. It turns out the China 6 standard was implemented from mid-2020, rendering China 5 new cars ineligible. My personal experience is that you must clarify emission levels before purchasing, checking vehicle databases or sales documents. If you buy a China 5 car, it can only serve as decoration or be resold as inventory. The new environmental regulations are good - less exhaust pollution. I ultimately chose a China 6 version, driving with peace of mind. Don't try to save this small amount of money to avoid plate inspection troubles on the road.

[RyleeRose]

I've dealt with the automotive industry and know that vehicles newly registered in 2021 must comply with the China 6 emission standards, while China 5 models have been phased out. After the policy update in 2020, China 6a was implemented first, with strict enforcement by local vehicle management offices. I often advise friends not to buy new China 5 vehicles as getting them registered is quite difficult. Vehicles manufactured in 2021 have mostly been upgraded, while China 5 models are older versions, and even inventory is hard to clear. Checking the VIN code to confirm the emission level can save a lot of hassle. Policies follow environmental protection trends, and it's better to adapt to these changes.