What is the emission standard for 2019 vehicles?

[ElliottMarie]

Vehicles sold before July 1, 2019 could meet either the China 5 or China 6 emission standards, while those sold after July 1, 2019 definitely comply with the China 6 standard, as the sale of China 5 standard vehicles was prohibited after that date. Therefore, most vehicles sold after July 1, 2019 adhere to the China 6 emission standard. The differences between China 5 and China 6 standards are as follows: Carbon monoxide emission levels differ: China 5 allows 1,000 milligrams of carbon monoxide emissions, while China 6 permits 700 milligrams. Emission limits vary: China 5's emission limit is 0.0045 grams per kilometer, whereas China 6's is 0.25 grams per kilometer. Issuing authorities differ: The China 5 standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, while the China 6 standard was jointly issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine. Letter representations differ: China 5 is denoted by 'V', and China 6 is represented by 'VI'.

[AdrianaLee]

I bought my car in 2019 and specifically asked the salesperson about this. The China 6a standard was implemented nationwide starting July 2019, but major cities like Beijing and Shanghai had already enforced it half a year earlier. So if you bought a car in 2019, it's most likely China 6 compliant, though vehicles purchased in third- or fourth-tier cities early that year might still be China 5. I recommend checking your vehicle's compliance certificate for the most accurate info - if it's marked with GB18352.6-2016, then it's China 6. The used car market now differentiates this very carefully; China 6 vehicles hold their value much better than China 5 ones and also pass emissions tests more easily.

[VanAllie]

Last time I helped a friend look at a used car from 2019, I specifically researched the emission standards. Cars produced in 2019 fall into two categories: those made in the first half of the year might be China 5, while those from the second half are mostly China 6a. This is because the national mandate for China 6a started from July, but manufacturers like Geely switched their production lines six months earlier. China 6 vehicles have a particulate filter in the exhaust pipe, making the exhaust smell noticeably lighter. If the car's nameplate shows it was manufactured before June 2019, it's best to ask the seller to provide the environmental compliance certificate for confirmation.

[JourneyMarie]

I checked the policy documents, and vehicles in 2019 implemented the China 6a standard. That year, I bought a car in Guangzhou, and the 4S store said I had to wait for a China 6 compliant vehicle, as China 5 vehicles were no longer eligible for registration. The China 6 vehicles have an additional sensor in the three-way catalytic converter, and their emission data is only one-third of that of China 5 vehicles. I suggest you look for the Vehicle Conformity Certificate, where item 15 clearly indicates whether it's China 5 or China 6. The new annual inspection regulations are stricter for older vehicles, and China 6 vehicles are indeed more hassle-free.