What is the China III Emission Standard?
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China III standard refers to the third stage of China's vehicle emission standards. The national third-stage emission standard is equivalent to the Euro III emission standard, meaning the content of tailpipe pollutants is comparable to that of Euro III. According to the regulations of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, starting from January 1, 2008, diesel vehicles, natural gas vehicles, and liquefied petroleum gas vehicles with a maximum total mass exceeding 3,500 kg began implementing the "China III Standard," excluding gasoline vehicles. From July 1, 2008, all vehicles with a maximum total mass of 3,500 kg or less started implementing the "China III Standard." After the implementation of the China III Standard, a one-year transition period was granted for the production and sale of vehicles manufactured under the "China II Standard" to allow manufacturers and sellers time to adapt to the new standards. The China IV Emission Standard was introduced in 2011 and remained in effect until the implementation of the China V Standard in 2018. Therefore, vehicles produced between 2011 and 2017 comply with the China IV Standard. The China IV Standard requires a reduction of approximately 50% in the emission levels of various pollutants compared to the China III Standard.
The China III emission standard is the third-phase regulation established by China to address vehicle exhaust pollution, fully implemented around 2007, with the aim of reducing emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). Specifically, for gasoline vehicles, the CO emission limit is below 2.3 grams per kilometer, while the combined HC and NOx emissions must not exceed 0.20 grams per kilometer. For diesel vehicles, greater emphasis is placed on PM emissions, which are controlled to less than 0.1 grams per kilometer. I know this standard references the Euro III standard and primarily achieves emission reductions through improved engine technology and catalytic converters. If a vehicle fails inspection, it may be required to undergo repairs or be forcibly scrapped, reminding us to pay attention to emission labels when purchasing cars. In the long run, China III has helped cities improve air quality and reduce smog, though it has now been replaced by newer standards like China IV. However, understanding it can still help assess the environmental performance of used cars.
The China III emission standard represents the third level of national regulations for controlling vehicle exhaust pollution, setting strict limits on pollutants for both gasoline and diesel vehicles. For example, carbon monoxide emissions from gasoline vehicles must not exceed 2.3 grams per kilometer, while the combined total of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides should be below 0.2 grams. Diesel vehicles must also maintain particulate matter at low levels. From an owner's perspective, after its implementation in 2007, all newly registered vehicles had to meet these requirements. If older vehicles failed emission tests during annual inspections, owners had to spend money on repairs or replace the vehicle. I've seen cases where people were fined for non-compliance, so it's important to regularly maintain the engine and catalytic converter to prevent excessive emissions. The China III standard improved overall air quality and reduced urban smog, marking a significant step forward in environmental protection. Although it's no longer the newest standard, understanding it helps us choose greener transportation options.
