How to Check the Vehicle Emission Standard (China National Standard Level)?
3 Answers
There are generally four methods. First: Check the back of the vehicle's environmental protection compliance label, which indicates the emission standard. Second: Refer to the vehicle conformity certificate. Third: Determine based on the manufacturing date. Fourth: Inquire at the local vehicle management office. Related Information: Vehicle Emission Standards: Vehicle emission standards regulate the permissible levels of harmful gases emitted from vehicle exhaust, including CO (carbon monoxide), HC+NOx (hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides), and PM (particulates, soot). Starting from January 1, 2004, Beijing upgraded its vehicle emission standards from Euro I to Euro II, and by 2008, officially implemented the Euro III standard. China Standards: Compared to advanced countries, China's vehicle emission regulations started later and were initially less stringent. Based on China's actual conditions, a phased implementation approach was adopted from the early 1980s, prioritizing easier measures first. The implementation has mainly been divided into three stages up to now.
Checking the car's emission standard is a piece of cake. For seasoned drivers like me, the easiest way is to flip through the vehicle license. The first page has an environmental protection section that clearly states China IV, China V, or China VI. This matters a lot—it affects urban driving restrictions and annual inspections, especially in big cities where anything below China V might not even enter downtown. For new cars, there's usually an environmental label stuck on the top-left corner of the windshield; you can also scan the QR code to check. No label on an older car? No problem—just call the 4S dealership, provide your license plate number, and they’ll look it up for free, quick and easy. Remember, check your emission label regularly and don’t lose it, or you’ll face a heap of trouble on the road. It’s smart to verify it every six months to avoid getting caught off guard by policy changes.
How to check the emission standard level? My favorite technical method is to download the Autohome APP, enter the VIN code, and get instant results online. The VIN is located at the bottom left of the windshield or on the door frame—just input the 17-digit alphanumeric combination. You can also check on the official website of the environmental protection department by entering the license plate number. Why is this important? Because vehicles with lower emissions are more fuel-efficient, eco-friendly, and can save you money by avoiding high-restriction zones. Don’t forget to compare old and new models—the difference between China 6 and China 5 standards is significant, so always opt for the latest emission-friendly upgrades when choosing. Check occasionally to avoid violations, as these tools are free and easy to use.
