What is the emission standard for vehicles from 2012?
3 Answers
Vehicles from 2012 are generally classified as China IV emission standard, with a small portion meeting China V standards. The methods to determine China IV emission standards are as follows: 1. The simplest and most direct way is to check the vehicle's environmental protection label, which has a clear mark on the back. 2. Visit the website of the Motor Vehicle Exhaust Pollution Supervision and Management Center to inquire. 3. Bring the vehicle registration certificate (original or copy) to the vehicle management office for inquiry. 4. For new vehicles, check the vehicle's factory certificate of conformity. Generally, the vehicle's certificate of conformity is kept at the vehicle management office. A rough distinction can be made based on the year of vehicle registration: 1. Vehicles registered after 2015 are mostly China V. 2. Vehicles registered after 2008 are mostly China IV. 3. Vehicles registered in 2007 may be either China III or China IV. 4. Vehicles registered before 2007 are mostly below China IV, i.e., China II or China III. 5. Vehicles registered before 2005 are mostly China II.
I think most cars from 2012 meet the China IV emission standard, because the country began enforcing China IV in some regions from 2010 and implemented it nationwide by 2013, but new cars produced in 2012 generally already met the standard. China IV requires stricter exhaust control, such as gasoline with sulfur content below 50ppm, reducing nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions. At that time, automakers upgraded catalytic converters and engine management systems, adding OBD monitoring functions to diagnose emission issues in real time. If you paid attention when buying a car, dealers would usually highlight this environmental feature. The verification method is simple: check the environmental label on the windshield or the mark on the engine nameplate. Some remote vehicle models might have delayed implementation, but urban cars mostly comply with China IV. Knowing this is helpful for used car transactions, as certain cities restrict vehicles below China III.
I have a 2012 SUV at home, and the salesperson specifically mentioned it meets the China IV emission standard at the time of purchase. Later, when I went to the vehicle inspection station for the annual check, the green label clearly printed 'China IV' on it. During daily driving, I pay attention to maintaining the catalytic converter and air filter to avoid emission issues. 2012 was a critical period for emission upgrades, with most automakers adapting to the new standards, and fuel quality also improved to reduce exhaust pollution. To confirm your vehicle's emission level, just check the nameplate or environmental label in the engine compartment—it's clearly marked. Some friends overlook this and end up facing trouble when entering urban restricted zones, but fortunately, China IV vehicles generally don't have issues. In the used car market, vehicles from this year are still relatively easy to sell with stable prices. In short, knowing the emission standard is crucial for daily maintenance and driving rights.
