How to Check if a Car Meets China 6 Emission Standards?
4 Answers
Methods to check if a car meets China 6 emission standards include: 1. Look for the car's environmental protection compliance label; 2. Check the first page of the vehicle qualification certificate for the standard number; 3. Estimate the emission standard based on the vehicle's manufacturing year; 4. Use the original or a copy of the motor vehicle registration certificate to inquire at the local vehicle management office. The China 6 standard is established to prevent environmental pollution caused by compression-ignition and gas-fueled ignition engines, protect the ecological environment, and safeguard human health. The China 6 emission standards specify: 1. Carbon monoxide emission limit of 700mg; 2. Non-methane hydrocarbon emission limit of 68mg; 3. Nitrogen oxide emission limit of 60mg; 4. Particulate matter emission limit of 4.5mg.
When I help friends check used cars, the most straightforward method is to open the hood and look for the metal plate. Inside the engine compartment, there's usually a small stainless steel plate stamped with the emission standard, typically labeled as 'China 6' or 'GB18352.6-2016'. If the plate isn't found, the vehicle information sticker below the B-pillar on the passenger side also lists it. Currently, China 6 is divided into two phases, a and b. Pay extra attention to cars manufactured before July 2019, as some manufacturers were still in the transition period then. Before transferring ownership at the DMV, it's advisable to check in advance, as some cities no longer allow the registration of even China 6a vehicles.
Bringing a larger phone or tablet when buying a car can be quite useful. Ask the seller to take a photo of the environmental protection list from the vehicle documents and show it to you. The 'Emission Stage' column must clearly state 'China 6'. If the documents are missing, don't panic. Open the car door and check the lower left corner of the windshield. The 10th digit of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) indicates the year. Cars manufactured after 2020 are generally China 6 compliant. For 2019 models, 'L' represents China 6a and 'M' represents China 6b. Remember, distinguishing between the 'a' and 'b' stages is crucial, as port cities like Tianjin now require China 6b compliance.
Here's a little-known tip: check the environmental information and vehicle list in the glove compartment—this document is filed with both the manufacturer and the environmental protection bureau. A fan previously reported that a certain German car’s nameplate only stated 'China VI,' but this list clearly indicated it was China 6b. If you can’t find the materials, I usually check the VIN on the Motor Vehicle Environmental Protection Website—it’s much faster than flipping through paper documents. The environmental label is also a clue, though it’s no longer mandatory for new cars.
