What are the symbols from National 1 to National 6?
4 Answers
The symbols from National 1 to National 6 are I, II, III, IV, V, and VI respectively. On July 1, 2000, China first introduced the National 1 emission standard. Since it was based on European emission standards and aligned with international standards, Roman numerals were adopted for the symbols from National 1 to National 6. New emission standards have been introduced every few years since then. Relevant information about automotive emission standards is as follows: 1. Introduction: Automotive emission standards refer to regulations on the content of harmful gases emitted from vehicle exhaust, such as CO (carbon monoxide), HC+NOx (hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides), and PM (particulate matter, soot). 2. Implementation: Starting from January 1, 2004, Beijing upgraded the vehicle emission standards from Euro I to Euro II. By 2008, the Euro III standard was officially implemented.
I've been in the auto repair business for decades and know these emission standard symbols like the back of my hand. The symbol for China 1 is GB 18352.1-2001. As the oldest standard, it was released in 2001 with very basic tailpipe control, only limiting certain pollutants. China 2 upgraded to GB 18352.2-2001, also introduced in 2001, adding stricter testing requirements. China 3 is GB 18352.3-2005, implemented in 2005, adopting Euro III-like specifications that effectively reduce nitrogen oxides. Although China 4 still uses the GB 18352.3-2005 symbol, it targeted Euro IV-level emissions when enforced in 2008, strengthening monitoring. China 5 progressed to GB 18352.5-2013, effective in 2013, covering more pollutants like PM particulate matter. The latest China 6 is GB 18352.6-2016, published in 2016 with phases a and b, representing the most stringent standard today, driving electric vehicle development. From China 1 to China 6, these symbols demonstrate how automotive technology has progressively reduced environmental pollution. I frequently check these during repairs to diagnose issues.
As an environmental volunteer, I pay close attention to these symbols because they directly impact air quality. The China 1 standard GB 18352.1-2001 marked the beginning of China's vehicle emission control, though its requirements were relatively low. China 2 GB 18352.2-2001 introduced slight improvements by restricting more harmful gases. China 3 GB 18352.3-2005, equivalent to Euro III standards implemented in 2005, contributed to the gradual reduction of urban smog. Although sharing the same symbol GB 18352.3-2005, China 4 enforced Euro IV-level restrictions in 2008 with stricter emission limits. China 5 GB 18352.5-2013, introduced in 2013, significantly reduced nitrogen oxides and CO2 emissions. China 6 GB 18352.6-2016, the current standard effective since 2016, has accelerated the adoption of new energy vehicles. This evolution demonstrates China's commitment to blue skies—each upgraded standard reduces tailpipe pollution and encourages consumers to support environmental protection by purchasing newer vehicles.
When I first bought a car, I researched the emission symbols. China 1 is GB 18352.1-2001, but cars that old are basically phased out. China 2 GB 18352.2-2001 cars can still be found in the used car market, but they face many driving restrictions. China 3 GB 18352.3-2005 cars are still decent to drive, like my old car produced after 2005, which meets this standard. China 4 cars use the GB 18352.3-2005 symbol, but enforcement was strengthened after 2008, so it's best to check certification when buying used. China 5 GB 18352.5-2013 cars are now common, with models from 2013 being more environmentally friendly. China 6 GB 18352.6-2016 is the latest standard, implemented in 2016, and is the top choice for car buyers today, offering easier maintenance. Knowing these symbols helps me avoid driving restrictions in the city and ensures hassle-free travel.
