Is a 2016 Vehicle Compliant with China IV or China V Emission Standards?
4 Answers
It could be compliant with either China IV or China V emission standards. The applicable emission standards vary depending on the region. Below are the relevant details for China IV and China V standards: 1. China IV is an automotive emission standard: It refers to the National Phase IV Motor Vehicle Pollutant Emission Standards. Major vehicle pollutants include HC (Hydrocarbons), NOx (Nitrogen Oxides), CO (Carbon Monoxide), and PM (Particulate Matter). Through technologies such as improved catalytic converter active layers, secondary air injection, and exhaust gas recirculation systems with cooling devices, the standard aims to control and reduce vehicle emissions below specified limits. 2. China V is also an automotive emission standard: Equivalent to the EU's Euro 5 standard, which has been in effect since 2009, it imposes stricter limits on nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and suspended particles. Each upgrade from China I to China IV reduces single-vehicle pollution by 30% to 50%. The nationwide implementation of the fifth phase of national motor vehicle emission standards began on January 1, 2018.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have a good understanding of 2016 model year vehicles. Generally speaking, most cars from that year comply with China 5 emission standards. The reason is that major cities like Beijing and Shanghai began piloting China 5 standards in 2013, with nationwide promotion starting in 2016. Many automakers upgraded their technologies in advance to meet the requirements. If your car was manufactured in the second half of 2016, it almost certainly meets China 5 standards; if it's from the first half, especially those produced in some third- or fourth-tier cities, it might still be China 4 compliant. Why does this matter? China 5 vehicles emit less pollution, with approximately 20% reduction in harmful substances like carbon monoxide in exhaust gases, making them more environmentally friendly and exempt from traffic restrictions. During vehicle inspections, you can check the environmental label on the door frame or the vehicle registration certificate - GB5 indicates China 5 compliance. Always verify this when purchasing a car, otherwise its resale value might be affected in the used car market.
As an owner of a 2016 model year vehicle, my car clearly meets the China 5 emission standard, which is related to environmental policies. While China 5 became mandatory nationwide in 2017, most brands had already switched to the standard by 2016 to comply with new regulations and reduce exhaust pollution. Checking is simple: just refer to your vehicle's manual or the environmental information page. China 5 is significantly more advanced than China 4—fuel consumption remains the same, but nitrogen oxide emissions are much lower, greatly benefiting air quality. If you're buying a used 2016 car, I recommend verifying the specific model and production location, as urban versions are mostly China 5. In cities with driving restrictions like Beijing, only China 5 vehicles were allowed on the road as early as 2016, so pay attention to this when selecting a car—don't try to save money and end up with a China 4 model at a disadvantage.
I think most cars from 2016 were set to meet the China 5 emission standards, as policy requirements mandated upgrades starting that year. Specifically, looking at the transition period from 2013 to 2016, automakers adjusted their equipment in advance to meet the standards. The verification method is simple: check the environmental label on the door frame of the passenger side—GB5 indicates China 5, while GB4 means China 4. China 5 vehicles have cleaner exhaust, reducing pollutants by at least 10%, which is better for health and the environment. When buying a 2016 model, prioritize those produced in big cities for safety and reliability, as they won’t be affected by driving restrictions. The standard was implemented regionally, but overall, most 2016 cars are China 5, making them reliable and practical.
