What are China III and China IV vehicles?
3 Answers
China III and China IV vehicles refer to the emission standards for automobiles. Below is an introduction to the China III and China IV emission standards: Introduction to China III emission standards: China III vehicles are those that comply with the China III emission standards. After 2011, vehicles meeting the China III emission standards could no longer be sold or registered, though already registered vehicles could continue to be used. The vehicle's emission standard can be determined by checking its environmental label. Introduction to China IV emission standards: Starting from May 1, 2018, the acceptance of China III product applications was discontinued, and only China IV product applications were accepted. After July 1, 2018, no further announcements for China III vehicle models were made. When applying for China IV vehicle model announcements, new model specifications should be used to distinguish them from China III models. Since the new standards already specify the technical routes, China IV vehicle models no longer provide separate recommended technical solutions, adhering strictly to the standard requirements.
China III and China IV refer to the domestic vehicle emission standard codes in our country. China III represents the third-phase standard, initially implemented in 2007. Vehicles under this standard feature relatively basic engine technology and simpler exhaust treatment, such as possibly having only a single-stage three-way catalytic converter. China IV, introduced around 2009 as an upgraded version, imposes much stricter control over exhaust pollutants. For example, manufacturers are required to install OBD self-diagnostic systems, and both the engine combustion chamber structure and fuel injection methods must be optimized. In major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, China III vehicles are largely restricted from driving, while China IV vehicles can still operate but face limitations in ownership transfers. When buying used cars, it's essential to check the GB-prefixed number on the environmental label—vehicles marked with IV at the end are generally China IV compliant.
I've come across many car owners who are confused about these two concepts. Actually, if you look at the small green environmental label on your car's windshield, the bottom row clearly states whether it's China III or China IV. Simply put, the government has set different exhaust emission thresholds for vehicles produced in different years: China III vehicles were generally manufactured before 2008, and their particulate matter concentration at idle can be more than four times higher than China IV vehicles; China IV vehicles can still be driven in third- and fourth-tier cities, but they'll basically be restricted if transferred to first-tier cities. Two years ago, I accompanied a friend for his vehicle inspection - his China III Passat's nitrogen oxide emissions were directly three times over the limit during the test, which ultimately led to it being scrapped with subsidy compensation.
