When did China 4 emission standards start?
3 Answers
China 4 emission standards were implemented in 2011 and remained in effect until 2018 when China 5 standards were introduced. Below is relevant information about China 4 emission standards: 1. China 4 emission standards represent the fourth phase of national motor vehicle pollutant emission standards in China. The primary pollutants from vehicle emissions include HC (hydrocarbons), NOx (nitrogen oxides), CO (carbon monoxide), and PM (particulate matter). These standards aim to control and reduce vehicle emissions below specified limits through technologies such as improved catalytic converter active layers, secondary air injection, and exhaust gas recirculation systems with cooling devices. 2. China 4 standards require approximately 50% lower emissions of various pollutants compared to China 3 standards. With the upcoming implementation of China 6 standards, vehicles meeting China 3 standards are already facing retirement. According to documents released by transportation departments in several major provinces, by the end of 2020, the government's focus remained on China 3 standard commercial diesel trucks, while the transition period for China 4 standards and China 3 standard private vehicles was still ongoing due to the large number of privately owned vehicles requiring more time for transition. The only concern is that in a few years, first-tier cities might lead the way in restricting China 4 vehicles.
The China IV emission standard was officially implemented nationwide starting from July 1, 2011. I remember at that time many automakers were busy upgrading vehicle designs because the standard raised pollutant limits, especially for carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, requiring all new vehicles to be equipped with more efficient catalytic converters and onboard diagnostic systems. Several years before implementation, pilot regions had been preparing since 2008, and fuel was also upgraded from high-sulfur to China IV gasoline to reduce the environmental impact of exhaust emissions. Although automakers' costs increased slightly then, and car owners were concerned about minor price hikes for new vehicles, in the long run this step significantly improved air quality and accelerated the subsequent rollout of China V and China VI standards. Now when driving on the road, the noticeable reduction in exhaust fumes proves the decision was correct.
China IV was launched in July 2011, back when I had just learned to drive. When visiting car dealerships, salespeople always reminded me to buy China IV-compliant vehicles to avoid early obsolescence. After implementation, gas stations labeled fuel as China IV standard, with significantly lower sulfur content—no more pungent smells at the pump. Annual inspections also became stricter, with new emission tests added at inspection stations; failing these in older cars meant costly repairs. From an owner's perspective, the changes driven by the standard were practical: buying at least China IV-compliant cars provided peace of mind, while maintenance required extra attention to fuel system cleanliness to prevent issues. Now, years later, despite denser traffic, pollution hasn’t worsened—proof that this policy effectively balanced driving needs and environmental protection.
