How to Distinguish Between China 5 and China 6 Emission Standards?
3 Answers
China V and China VI represent the national vehicle emission standards, with the full names being the China Fifth/Sixth Stage Motor Vehicle Pollutant Emission Standards, also known as the "China 5/6 Standards." The China 6 emission standard is an upgraded version of the China 5 standard, imposing stricter limits on emissions of CO (carbon monoxide), THC (total hydrocarbons), NMHC (non-methane hydrocarbons), NOX (nitrogen oxides), and PM (particulate matter) compared to the China 5 standard. Below are methods to distinguish between China 5 and China 6 vehicles: 1. The China 5 emission standard is marked with a "V," while the China 6 emission standard is marked with a "Ⅵ," using Roman numerals. 2. The vehicle's nameplate indicates the model number.
I usually enjoy researching cars, and distinguishing between China 5 and China 6 emission standards is quite simple. Just check the vehicle's nameplate, which is often attached to the door frame or inside the engine compartment. It will indicate the emission standard type—China 5 is labeled 'CN V,' while China 6 is labeled 'CN VI.' You can also use the VIN code to check; input the code into certain car apps or websites, and it will directly display the result. The production date is crucial—most cars produced after 2019 are China 6, especially in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, where it was implemented earlier. When buying a car, don’t forget to check the environmental compliance list, as it will specify the standard. Policies vary significantly between cities—for example, major cities may restrict China 5 vehicles, so extra caution is needed when buying used cars, especially regarding the production date. My friend bought a cheap 2018 model, only to find out it couldn’t be registered with a new license plate, resulting in a huge loss. In short, verifying in person or consulting the salesperson is the easiest way to avoid issues.
I've been in the used car trade for several years, and distinguishing between China 5 and China 6 standards relies on official documents. Priority should be given to checking the environmental information vehicle list or the certificate of conformity, which clearly states the standard. If the documents are lost, the vehicle model code can be used for judgment. For example, the tenth letter in the VIN of a Volkswagen indicates the standard (e.g., G for China 5, H for China 6). The production date is another reference point—vehicles manufactured after July 2019 are mostly China 6, while those before may be China 5. This standard has a significant impact: China 6 vehicles have lower environmental taxes, are easier to license in cities with restrictions, and command higher prices in the used car market. I've seen buyers overlook verification, only to discover after signing a contract that the car was China 5, leading to disputes over transfer issues. It's advisable to inspect the vehicle in person or use third-party tools for testing to ensure everything is in order.
