When did the China 6 vehicle emission standards come into effect?
3 Answers
From July 1, 2020, the China 6 emission standards for light-duty vehicles were implemented nationwide. Below is relevant information about China 6: Definition: The China 6 motor vehicle pollutant emission standards were established to implement the "Environmental Protection Law of the People's Republic of China" and the "Air Pollution Prevention and Control Law of the People's Republic of China," aiming to prevent pollution from the exhaust of compression-ignition and gas-fueled spark-ignition engine vehicles, protect the ecological environment, and safeguard human health. Proposal for Delay: The proposal to delay the nationwide implementation of the China 6 emission standards was mainly based on two considerations. First, due to the impact of the pandemic, there was concern about whether automakers could clear their existing inventory before the implementation of the China 6 standards. Second, the new China 6 standards involve particulate matter emission limits, requiring new vehicles to undergo relevant testing and verification. Since the resumption of work and production had not yet fully returned to normal, it was hoped that an appropriate delay would give automakers more time.
As a long-time auto mechanic, I've noticed that the China 6 emission standards were implemented starting with the China 6a phase on July 1, 2020, and then upgraded to the stricter China 6b on July 1, 2023, which is crucial for reducing vehicle pollution. In actual repairs, new China 6-compliant vehicles have added particulate filters and exhaust treatment systems, making inspections more complex. However, the benefit is cleaner exhaust emissions and less environmental harm. I recommend that car owners regularly perform emission tests and not neglect maintenance, as this makes the vehicle more durable and safer to drive. Having experienced multiple standard changes, the implementation of China 6 has indeed improved urban air quality somewhat. If you notice anything unusual with your car, it's best to seek professional repair as soon as possible and not wait until the problem becomes severe.
When I bought my car before, I checked online when China 6 would start, and the answer was that China 6a would be implemented first on July 1, 2020, followed by the official rollout of China 6b on July 1, 2023. As an ordinary car owner, I feel that after the implementation of this standard, the tailpipe emissions of new cars have significantly reduced, especially in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai, where air quality seems to have improved. I remember specifically checking the label to confirm it was China 6 compliant when buying the car to avoid road restrictions. This regulation has also impacted the used car market, with older cars depreciating faster, so I recommend young people prioritize China 6 certification when buying new cars. Overall, China 6 makes driving more environmentally friendly and safer, but it's also important to avoid buying non-compliant modified vehicles.
