How to Identify the National Emission Standard of a Car?
3 Answers
Methods to identify the national emission standard of a car are as follows: 1. Check the vehicle's factory certificate. Every car comes with a certificate stamped by the manufacturer, which contains various details about the car, including the explicit emission standard. However, the wording might be somewhat cryptic, not directly stating which national standard the car meets but instead using a code, such as GB18352.5-2013. This string of information can help determine the emission standard. 2. Look at the car's environmental information list, which specifies the exact emission standard. Consumers can easily identify the emission standard of their purchased car by referring to this list. 3. Examine the conformity certificate, a crucial document required for vehicle registration. Only cars that meet national standards can be registered, so this certificate includes detailed emission standard information.
As a car owner, I remember paying special attention to this issue when buying a car last year. The sales consultant directly showed me the environmental information sheet, which had 'China VI b' marked in red font. I also noticed that the yellow-green label at the lower corner of the windshield indicated the emission level, simple and clear. It's a bit more troublesome to identify for used cars—you need to check the vehicle registration certificate, that big green booklet, where the emission standard is clearly stated in the emission information section. If the documents are lost, you can use the VIN code to check on the Ministry of Environment's official website; just enter it, and the results come out in seconds. Urban traffic restriction policies often consider emission standards; vehicles below China III are banned from entering many city areas. Don't choose a lower-standard car just to save a little money, or you'll face major travel inconveniences later. I recommend all new car buyers confirm this in person—it concerns your road rights, so avoid getting the short end of the stick.
The most practical way to check a vehicle's emission standard is by looking up its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You can find this 17-digit code on the engine compartment's nameplate near the motor. Use your phone to access the environmental department's emission-checking app, scan or enter the VIN, and it'll instantly display the national emission standard (e.g., China 5 or 6). I've researched this - the 10th digit indicates the model year, and when combined with the engine type, the accuracy rate reaches 90%. If the app doesn't work, contact the manufacturer's customer service with your chassis number; their backend system can verify it. Emission standards affect annual inspections and warranties. China 6 vehicles have more complex exhaust control systems than China 5, making maintenance costlier but more eco-friendly. Older models might have undergone upgrades, but their standards remain unchanged. Avoid unauthorized modifications to the exhaust system to prevent compliance issues.
