When will Zhejiang implement China VI emission standards?

[StNadia]

Zhejiang implemented the China VI emission standards on July 1, 2019. Here is relevant information: 1. Introduction: The China VI emission standard is an upgraded version of the current China V emission standard, imposing more stringent and scientific requirements on vehicle exhaust emissions. 2. Requirements: China VI vehicles are those that meet the national sixth-stage motor vehicle pollutant emission standards, while China V vehicles comply with the fifth-stage standards. Different emission standards have varying limits on vehicle pollutant emissions. From China I to China VI, the emission limits for vehicle exhaust pollutants have become increasingly stringent, with the China VI standard being at least 50% stricter than China V.

[McGriffin]

I remember Zhejiang implemented China 6 standards in three phases. The earliest phase for light-duty vehicles started on July 1, 2019, when all newly registered gasoline vehicles had to meet China 6a standards. At that time, all 4S stores across the province were frantically clearing their China 5 inventory. Then on January 1, 2020, diesel vehicles were required to comply with China 6a. The really strict phase was the full implementation of China 6b on July 1 last year, requiring all newly manufactured and sold vehicles to meet this standard. Nowadays, when buying a car, you must pay special attention to the environmental compliance certificate. China 6b vehicles are all equipped with particulate filters in their exhaust pipes, and even adding aftermarket exhaust tips might get you in trouble. While transferring ownership of China 5 used cars is still possible within the province, it's basically blocked for cities outside the Yangtze River Delta region.

[FinnRose]

Last year around this time, I accompanied a friend to the Hangzhou Vehicle Management Office to handle a transfer, and the staff specifically reminded us about the China 6b emission standards. New vehicles manufactured after July 1st must come with an RDE (Real Driving Emissions) test report to be registered, meaning they must pass emission tests under actual road conditions. Many older engine models were directly discontinued, such as a certain German brand's low-power 2.0T version. A reminder to friends buying new cars recently: remember to ask the 4S store to provide the vehicle's environmental information list. For used cars, China 5 standard vehicles can still be transferred within the province, but cities like Shanghai and Jiangsu have long restricted such transfers. If you plan to transfer out of the province, check the local policies in advance.

[MacEliana]

I've specifically researched the emission policy updates. Zhejiang's China 6 implementation follows two tracks: light-duty vehicles switched to China 6a in July 2019, while the nationwide upgrade to China 6b took effect this July 1st. Heavy-duty diesel vehicles implemented China 6 standards in July 2021. The key point is that China 6b requires Real Driving Emissions (RDE) testing, which has forced many older engine models into immediate obsolescence. When buying new vehicles now, pay special attention to the emission stage marked on the certificate - some dealers try to pass off pre-registered China 6a inventory as new stock. Last month at Xiaoshan used car market, I saw many China 5 vehicles labeled as urgent sales with significantly dropped prices.

[LeAmelia]

A personal reminder for those planning to buy a car: After Zhejiang implemented the China 6b emission standard last summer, my colleague's Japanese SUV had its engine light come on within six months. The dealership said it was due to a clogged GPF. Nowadays, new cars are equipped with particulate filters to meet standards, but frequent short-distance driving can easily cause issues. There was actually a transition period for policy implementation—for example, China 6a vehicles produced before July 1 were allowed to be sold until the end of the year, but you should check the 10th digit of the VIN (which indicates the model year). In the used car market, Zhejiang A-plate China 5 vehicles have seen their prices nearly halved, so those looking for bargains should act quickly and opt for Zhejiang E or D plates.