
Euro 6 is equivalent to China 6, but the China 6 emission standards are slightly stricter than Euro 6. They are more stringent than China 5 standards but do not fully reach China 6 levels, falling between China 5 and China 6. Currently, the country divides the "China 6 standard" into two phases: "China 6a" and "China 6b." Automobile emission standards regulate the levels of harmful gases emitted from vehicle exhaust, such as CO (carbon monoxide), HC plus NOx (hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides), and PM (particulate matter, soot). To curb the production of these harmful gases and encourage automobile manufacturers to improve their products to reduce emissions, both Europe and the United States have established relevant automobile emission standards.

I've been into cars for several years and am quite familiar with emission standards. Euro 6 is the latest emission requirement in Europe, with particularly strict controls on exhaust, such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which must be kept very low. China's China 6 standard is divided into two phases: China 6a and China 6b, with China 6b basically aligning with Euro 6, while China 6a is more similar to the older Euro 5. To put it simply, starting from 2023, all new cars in China must meet China 6b, and imported Euro 6 cars are generally compatible. Why is this important? Because only when emission standards are met can the car be registered, and it also saves fuel when driving. I recommend checking the environmental label or searching for model information online when buying a car to ensure you don’t make a mistake that could affect its use.

Last time when I accompanied my buddy to pick a car, I specifically asked the salesperson about the emission standards. He said Euro 6 vehicles perform stably, but in China, they must comply with the China 6b standard. China 6 is divided into a and b, with b being the true match for Euro 6 requirements, while China 6a is slightly more lenient. Nowadays, most new cars are already China 6b compliant, so there's no issue looking at imported Euro 6 cars. If buying a used imported car, you should also be extra careful to check if it can be transferred. I remember before replacing my car, I confirmed it had the China 6b label, which gave me peace of mind. You can usually download a car app, enter the VIN code to check the standard, making driving worry-free.

As an environmentally conscious individual, I believe emission standard upgrades are crucial. Euro 6 significantly reduced pollution in Europe, and China's China 6b has reached similar levels, primarily limiting harmful gases like PM2.5 and nitrogen oxides. In the past two years since the promotion of China 6b, air quality has noticeably improved, making travel healthier. Choosing vehicles that meet China 6b, equivalent to Euro 6, benefits society in the long run and is also good for individuals. Remember this tip: when selecting a new car, prioritize models with the environmental label and opt for the B version.


