How to Distinguish Between China V and China VI Emission Standards for Cars
3 Answers
Methods to distinguish between China V and China VI emission standards for cars: The China V emission standard is marked with the Roman numeral V, while the China VI emission standard is marked with the Roman numeral VI. When purchasing a new car, the salesperson will provide a vehicle acceptance form, which includes details such as the model, color, emission standard, engine number, and chassis number. For used cars, you can check the vehicle's full model number on the environmental protection website. Car emission standards refer to regulations on the content of harmful gases emitted from vehicle exhaust, including carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and soot. China's emission standards differ from European standards; China's standards are national regulations tailored to the country's specific conditions, while European standards are common among European Union member states, with European standards being slightly higher than China's.
I just researched this a couple of days ago when helping a friend check used cars. The most straightforward method is to check the vehicle license - it clearly states the emission standard. New cars' factory certificates also have markings like 'China VI' or 'China V', as clear as an ID card. Many cars have environmental labels on the windshield - just take a look. Checking the manufacturing date is also reliable: gasoline cars after 2017 are mostly China V standard, while those after July 2019 are basically China VI. If still unsure, you can use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN - that alphanumeric string at the lower left of the windshield) to check on the DMV website or search for mini-programs on WeChat to find registration information.
I've encountered many such issues in recent years. The key is to check two official documents: the Certificate of Conformity and the Environmental Information List, both of which will indicate whether it's China 5 (V) or China 6 (VI). The information plate on the door frame of new vehicles also provides clues—pay attention to the 10th digit of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which represents the year. Be especially cautious with vehicles produced in 2018-2019, as they could be either China 5 or transitional China 6a/b models. It's advisable to directly call the manufacturer's 400 hotline and provide the VIN for confirmation. Never rely solely on the dealer's 'Complies with China 6' label, as it's easy to fall into a trap.
