How to Check if a Vehicle Meets China 6 Emission Standards?
3 Answers
In the vehicle's manual, the parameters section will indicate the emission standard. It is also noted on the environmental protection green label and the vehicle conformity certificate. Additionally, you can check on automotive websites by searching for the specific model and correct year to view the parameter configurations. Below is relevant information: 1. About vehicle emission standards: Vehicle emission standards refer to regulations on the content of harmful gases emitted from vehicle exhaust, such as CO (carbon monoxide), HC+NOx (hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides), and PM (particulate matter, soot). 2. Purpose of setting vehicle emission standards: To curb the production of these harmful gases and encourage automobile manufacturers to improve their products to reduce the emission of these gases, both Europe and the United States have established relevant vehicle emission standards. Among them, the European standard is the emission standard that China references, and domestically produced new vehicles will indicate the European standard that the engine's exhaust emissions meet.
I just bought a used car recently and looked into this, so I have some tips to share. The most reliable method is to check the vehicle registration certificate, that green booklet. Flip to the environmental information page—it clearly states whether the emission standard is China 6 or something else. If the certificate is missing, try the environmental query mini-program on WeChat Official Accounts. Just enter the license plate number or VIN (that 17-digit code under the windshield), and you'll get instant results. For used cars, make sure to verify it with the seller in person, as cars produced after 2020 are mostly China 6 compliant. I also found some apps that can scan the vehicle’s chassis plate to identify the standard directly, but don’t blindly trust what the seller says—verify it yourself for safety. Getting the emission standard wrong can affect transfer procedures, annual inspections, and even the car’s resale value. Spending a few extra minutes to check can save you a lot of trouble later.
After working in the auto repair shop for a long time, I often help car owners check emission standards. The most accurate method is to check the vehicle registration certificate, where clear data is available on the first page. The VIN is a crucial clue: the 10th digit of the 17-digit code represents the year—2020 is L, 2021 is M, etc., and most vehicles after that are China 6 compliant. The environmental label on the car should also be examined carefully; if it's blurred, use a mobile app to input the VIN for a quick and cost-free query. Never rely solely on the production date to guess, as imported vehicles sometimes have different standards. China 6 vehicles have stricter emissions and more sensitive exhaust systems, so incorrect judgments could lead to unnecessary repairs. It's advisable to check during routine maintenance to avoid issues later on.
