Where to Check the National Emission Standard of a Sedan?
3 Answers
Methods to check the national emission standard of a sedan: 1. Look at the vehicle's environmental protection label, which has a clear mark on the back; 2. Log in to the website of the Motor Vehicle Exhaust Pollution Supervision and Management Center to inquire; 3. Take the vehicle registration certificate to the vehicle management office for inquiry; 4. For new cars, you can check the vehicle's factory certificate, which is usually kept at the vehicle management office. Therefore, when buying a new car, it is recommended to make a copy for future reference to check vehicle-related information. The national emission standard of a sedan can also be roughly identified based on the year the car was registered, as follows: 1. Most cars registered after 2008 are National IV; 2. Cars registered in 2007 may be National III or National IV; 3. Cars registered before 2007 are mostly below National IV, i.e., National II or National III; 4. Cars registered before 2005 are mostly National II.
When I bought a car, I was also confused about how to check the emission standard (National Stage). Later, I found the most straightforward way is to look at the vehicle conformity certificate, which the salesperson provides at the time of purchase. It clearly states the emission standard. If you didn’t keep it, you can also check the vehicle license (driving permit). Flip to the supplementary page or registration section to find the relevant information. Although the environmental label has been canceled now, some cars that had it before might still have traces on the body, but this method is less reliable. I recommend noting down the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), located at the lower left corner of the windshield, and then entering it on the official website of the National Environmental Protection Agency or some legitimate apps to immediately display the emission standard. This is very important, especially in cities with traffic restrictions like Beijing and Shanghai, where National III or even National IV vehicles may not be allowed in urban areas, affecting daily use. When maintaining your car, it’s a good idea to take a photo and save it for future reference.
As an enthusiast who frequently researches cars, I've found several methods to check the China emission standard. The top recommendation is to look up the VIN online - there's a 17-digit number under the windshield that you can enter on government platforms to display detailed standards. Alternatively, check the vehicle conformity certificate and registration document, which usually indicate the China standard (like "China V" or "China VI"). The information plate or small label under the hood may also contain this, though not all vehicles have it. I've tried scanning VINs with mobile apps that show results in seconds, including specific levels like China 6B or China 5. Remember that new cars have complete factory records, while older vehicles may require more careful verification. Don't forget that emission standards affect annual inspections - lower standards may restrict transfers or incur penalties, so regular verification ensures worry-free vehicle use.
