How to Identify China IV and China V Emission Standards for Vehicles?
3 Answers
Methods to identify China IV and China V emission standards for vehicles: Check the environmental protection label in the upper right corner of the car's windshield, as there are clear markings on the back of the environmental protection label. You can also roughly distinguish based on the year the vehicle was registered. Vehicles registered after July 1, 2017, are generally China V standard, while most vehicles from 2008 to 2017 are China IV standard. Compared to China IV, the China V standard reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 25% for light-duty vehicles and 43% for heavy-duty vehicles. It also includes standards for particulate matter particle count and hydrocarbons other than methane.
As a car enthusiast, I always enjoy studying vehicle details. The most straightforward way to determine whether a car meets China IV or China V emission standards is to check the vehicle's registration certificate or license plate, which usually clearly indicates the emission standard, such as 'China IV' or 'China V'. If these documents are not at hand, you can check the vehicle's production date. China IV standard vehicles were generally produced between 2011 and 2017, while China V standard vehicles are more common among those produced after 2017. I also help friends use online tools to check the vehicle's VIN code by entering it into the environmental protection bureau's website or app for quick confirmation. Additionally, China V vehicles are usually more environmentally friendly, with upgraded exhaust treatment systems, making them suitable for driving in large cities without traffic restrictions. This is less critical in small towns, but it's essential to distinguish when buying a used car to avoid transfer hassles. In short, checking the documents or production date and combining it with professional inquiries ensures accuracy.
Those who have been driving for 30 years know that distinguishing between China IV and China V emission standards is quite crucial, especially as it affects vehicle annual inspections and resale value. The method I most commonly use is checking the remarks column on the vehicle conformity certificate or purchase invoice, where the emission standard is often indicated. Another trick is to remember the model year—for instance, most vehicles before 2014 are China IV, while those after 2017 have generally upgraded to China V. Older vehicles might face rejection when transferring ownership to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen, which require China V standards. I recommend owners regularly clean the intake system and replace spark plugs to maintain proper emissions. China V standards are stricter than China IV, reducing PM2.5 emissions and helping control air pollution. If unsure, consult a mechanic—don’t delay and risk compromising safe travel.
