How to Identify Vehicle Emission Standards?

[AlexandraLynn]

Identifying vehicle emission standards can be done by production year: vehicles produced before 2011 are either China II or China III standards; those produced after 2011 are China IV or China V standards; vehicles manufactured in 2019 comply with China VI standards. Starting from 2019, many cities and regions across the country began implementing the China VI standard. Vehicle emission standards refer to national regulations established to limit the emission of harmful gases such as CO (carbon monoxide), HC plus NOx (hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides), and PM (particulate matter, soot) from vehicle exhaust.

[OIsabela]

When I first bought a car, I didn't understand emission standards either. Later I found the easiest way is to check the environmental label on the windshield. From China III to China VI, they're clearly marked - like Old Zhang's Passat in our neighborhood with a light yellow China IV label, while my newly purchased Song PLUS has a green China VI label. Don't worry if the label is missing - just open the passenger door to check the B-pillar nameplate, or look through the vehicle conformity certificate where you'll definitely find the environmental information page. For those who still can't find it, you can log into the 'Traffic Management 12123' app on your phone, and after binding your vehicle license, you can even check the model of your car's exhaust treatment device. Recently when helping a colleague check a used car, I noticed some older vehicles require special attention to label modifications - it's best to actually test the emissions for confirmation.

[CatherineLee]

As a mechanic with ten years of experience, I have some practical methods to identify emission standards. First, check the vehicle registration year: pre-2008 models are mostly China III, around 2014 are China IV, and post-2017 are generally China V or above. Second, open the hood to inspect components: China IV vehicles have thick intake pipes and catalytic converters, while China VI models often come with particulate filters. The most accurate method is plugging in an OBD scanner to read ECU data streams—environmental parameters showing 'CHINA V' indicate China V, and 'CHINA VI' means China VI. Last time I helped a customer inspect a used car, the nameplate claimed China V, but the OBD revealed it was modified—such cars will likely fail annual inspections. Remember to bring a scanner when buying older vehicles to verify actual data.

[Martin]

I recently learned how to identify car standards while helping my daughter pick a used car. First, remember the 10th letter in the VIN - 'L' means it was manufactured in 2020 and meets China 6 standards. Then listen to the engine; China 6 cars are exceptionally quiet during cold starts, unlike older models that sputter black smoke. The most reliable method is checking the environmental protection website: enter the VIN on the Vehicle Environmental Protection website, and it immediately shows the registered emission level. Last weekend at the used car market, I found a 2009 Corolla labeled as China 4, but actual queries revealed it was an upgraded China 3 model - such cars can't be registered in cities like Beijing or Shanghai. Always verify before paying any deposit.