Which Year's Cars Meet the China III Emission Standard?
2 Answers
Cars manufactured between 2007 and 2010 comply with the China III emission standard. These vehicles must be equipped with an OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) system. The characteristics of the OBD system include an increased number of detection points and enhanced detection systems. Oxygen sensors are installed at both the inlet and outlet of the three-way catalytic converter, ensuring compliance with emission standards through real-time monitoring of vehicle emissions, thereby guaranteeing the enforcement of the China III emission standard. The main requirements of the China III emission standard are: HC emissions below 0.2 grams per kilometer, CO emissions below 2.3 grams per kilometer, NOx emissions below 0.15 grams per kilometer, with no PM (Particulate Matter) requirement.
I work in auto repair, so I remember the China III vehicle standards quite clearly. In July 2008, the China III emission standards were officially implemented nationwide, so most new vehicles produced in the second half of 2008 were China III compliant. However, it's important to note that some automakers switched standards earlier, with pilot programs starting in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou as early as 2007. After 2011, it was impossible to find new China III vehicles because the country upgraded to China IV standards that year. Be especially cautious when buying used cars—I've seen many customers get scammed, with sellers claiming a 2007 vehicle is China IV compliant. The most accurate method is to check the supplementary page of the vehicle registration certificate, where 'China III' is the true indicator. Also, a heads-up: many cities now restrict China III diesel vehicles, and passing annual inspections can be troublesome. Think carefully before buying an older car.
