Which Year's Cars Are China III Standard?
2 Answers
The China III standard was officially implemented starting from July 1, 2008, and was fully enforced from July 1, 2011. Therefore, vehicles manufactured between 2008 and 2011 are classified as China III standard. Here are the specific details: 1. China III is the abbreviation for the National Phase III Emission Standard, equivalent to the European Euro III emission standard. This means the content of tailpipe pollutants is comparable to Euro III levels, with the key difference being that new vehicles must be equipped with an OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) system. 2. The On-Board Diagnostics system features an increased number of detection points and enhanced monitoring systems, including oxygen sensors at both the inlet and outlet of the three-way catalytic converter. It ensures compliance by continuously monitoring vehicle emissions in real-time, thereby guaranteeing stricter enforcement of the Euro III emission standards.
I remember the China III emission standards were implemented starting in 2008, so most cars produced that year basically complied with the China III standards. When I bought my first car in 2008, the salesperson specifically emphasized that it was a new China III-compliant vehicle, meeting the newly introduced environmental requirements. Actually, the exact timing depends on the region—major cities like Beijing and Shanghai had China III-compliant cars as early as late 2007, but nationwide rollout wasn’t complete until mid-2008. Some cars produced in 2009 might still have been China II-compliant, so it’s best to check the environmental label on the vehicle’s compliance certificate for accuracy. Nowadays, China III-compliant vehicles face driving restrictions in many cities, especially diesel models. My old car was banned from entering the city center last year, and the mechanic said its exhaust treatment system had long fallen behind current standards.
