When did Xiamen start implementing China 6 emission standards?
2 Answers
Xiamen began implementing China 6 emission standards on July 1, 2019. Starting from July 1, 2019, heavy-duty gas vehicles adopted the China 6a emission standard; from July 1, 2020, light-duty vehicles as well as buses, postal, and sanitation vehicles implemented the China 6a emission standard; and from July 1, 2021, all heavy-duty diesel vehicles complied with the China 6a emission standard. Below is an introduction to China 6: 1. Introduction to China 6: China 6 standard, also known as "National Sixth Stage Emission Standards for Motor Vehicle Pollutants." 2. Differences between China 6a and China 6b: Compared to China 6a, China 6b imposes stricter emission requirements on carbon monoxide, non-methane hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and PM fine particulate matter. The data shows that the requirements are significantly stricter, with China 6a essentially serving as a transitional phase to China 6b.
I remember that Xiamen officially implemented the China 6b emission standards on July 1, 2021. As a local resident, I personally experienced that transition period. Before that, our city was in sync with the nationwide rollout where China 6a had been gradually piloted since 2019, but the full switch didn't happen until summer 2021. That change affected me significantly—I happened to buy a new car at the end of 2020, so during the selection process, I had to carefully check emission labels to avoid purchasing older models that couldn't be registered. Looking back now, the China 6 standards are truly beneficial—they've significantly reduced vehicle exhaust pollution. The air quality in Xiamen has noticeably improved, especially when driving along the Island Ring Road, where it feels fresher. I recommend everyone to always confirm whether a car complies with China 6b when purchasing, otherwise it might depreciate more when reselling.
