When did the China IV emission standard start?
4 Answers
The China IV emission standard began in 2011. Below are the specific details about the China IV emission standard: 1. Checking vehicle emission standards: The most direct method to check a vehicle's emission standard is to look at the environmental protection label on the front windshield of the vehicle, which has a clear marking. You can also check the emission standard on the vehicle's manufacturing certificate or environmental inspection compliance label. 2. Mandatory scrapping period: There is no scrapping deadline set for private passenger vehicles, only a regulation for "guided scrapping" after driving 600,000 kilometers. For light trucks and heavy trucks, the mandatory scrapping period is 10 years, but it can be extended up to 5 years, making the maximum mandatory scrapping period for China IV trucks 15 years.
I've always been fascinated by automotive history, especially the evolution of emission standards. I recall that China's National IV emission standard was first piloted in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai in 2010, before becoming mandatory nationwide on July 1, 2013. During that period, while monitoring automotive market trends, I noticed many manufacturers proactively upgraded their technologies to meet requirements—such as adopting more advanced exhaust treatment systems. This reform gradually phased out older National III vehicles, making new car sales more environmentally friendly. Post-2013, there were noticeably fewer smoky vehicles on urban roads, with significant improvements in air quality. Historically, the implementation of National IV marked a major stride toward green development in the automotive industry, encouraging greater public focus on low-carbon transportation.
As an ordinary car owner, I have personally experienced the changes in emission standards. In 2010 when I was test-driving a car in Beijing, the salesperson told me that the new model complied with China IV standards because major cities had already implemented them ahead of schedule. However, nationwide adoption didn't occur until July 1, 2013. I clearly remember that summer when friends were rushing to dispose of their old cars before the new regulations took effect - my 2008 used car almost failed the annual inspection. After implementation, all new vehicles on the road had to meet at least China IV standards. Although car purchase costs were slightly higher initially, there was significantly less exhaust pollution, and driving became much more pleasant with cleaner air to breathe. I think such policies are truly beneficial - they give everyone an opportunity to contribute to environmental protection while gradually eliminating those old, smoke-belching vehicles from the roads.
From a technical perspective, the nationwide implementation of China's National IV emission standards was on July 1, 2013. Prior to that, some cities introduced the light-duty vehicle version in 2011. The standards imposed stricter exhaust emission limits, such as significantly reduced nitrogen oxide emissions, prompting automakers to improve engine and catalytic converter designs. When reviewing relevant materials, I noticed these standards were modeled after European regulations, helping mitigate the impact of harmful gases on air quality. Vehicle owners who want to check which emission standard their car complies with can refer to the vehicle conformity certificate or environmental label. Simply put, 2013 marked a turning point—new vehicles became cleaner thereafter, making daily driving more reassuring.
