How to Identify China 5 and China 6 Emission Standards for Vehicles?
3 Answers
Methods to check whether a vehicle meets China 5 or China 6 emission standards: You can check the vehicle's conformity certificate or the environmental protection information list that comes with the vehicle. Additionally, you can find the vehicle model number on the vehicle's nameplate, then enter this number along with the correct verification code on the Motor Vehicle Environmental Protection Website to query the vehicle's details, including the emission standard. The China 5 emission standard is marked as 'China V', and the China 6 emission standard is marked as 'China VI', both using Roman numerals. The China 6 standard imposes stricter requirements on pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. When purchasing a new vehicle, the salesperson will provide a vehicle acceptance form, which includes the model, color, emission standard, engine number, and chassis number.
Last time I went car shopping, I was thinking about this issue. The main difference between China V and China VI is the emission standards, with China VI being stricter and more environmentally friendly. The most reliable method is to check the vehicle conformity certificate in the accompanying documents—it clearly states GBV or GBVI, representing China V or China VI. Alternatively, open the car door and look at the window glass; new cars usually have a yellow environmental label that directly indicates the emission standard level. If the documents are lost, it’s fine—I usually note the production date. China VI cars are generally released after 2019, while China V cars were mostly produced before that. If you’re still unsure, take a photo of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and search for an environmental query platform on WeChat Mini Programs. Input the VIN, and it will display detailed information. This is crucial for vehicle registration and annual inspections—getting it wrong might cause delays. That’s why I always remind my friends to confirm before buying a car to avoid pitfalls.
Hey, as a tech enthusiast, I often use my phone to check the difference between China 5 and China 6 emission standards, and it's pretty straightforward. Just enter the vehicle's VIN code on the official Motor Vehicle Emission Monitoring Center website, and you'll get instant results. Alternatively, you can download apps like 'Autohome' or 'Environmental e-Pass,' scan the label on the car body, and it will automatically identify the standard. The China 6 standard has stricter emission requirements than China 5, implemented for batches produced after 2019. Additionally, the user manual in the glovebox of new cars will detail the standard level in a specific chapter. Older cars might not have this, but the VIN code is always engraved below the steering wheel and can be checked. Distinguishing between these standards doesn't affect daily driving much, but I always share these tool tips on forums to save beginners the hassle of asking dealerships.
