China: On-Road Vehicles and Engines Emission Standards (2)

Heavy-Duty Engines

Emission standards for new heavy-duty truck and bus engines are based on the European standards [Regulation GB 17691-2005]. The implementation dates are listed in Table 2. The dates generally refer to new type approvals—first registration of existing vehicle models is typically allowed for one more year.

At the Stage I/II, emissions were tested over the 13-mode ECE R-49 or the Chinese 9-mode test. At the Stage III/V, emissions are tested over the ESC, ETC, and ELR cycles.

Emission durability requirements are generally shorter than the equivalent European standards. At Stages III/IV, the requirements are:

• Category M2 and gasoline engines: 80,000 km / 5 years
• Category M3 ≤ 7.5 ton, N2 and N3 ≤ 16 ton: 100,000 km / 5 years
• Category M3 > 7.5 ton and N3 > 16 ton: 250,000 km / 6 years

Fuel Quality

Low sulfur diesel fuel (S ≤ 500 ppm) is available nationwide since 2004. In the Beijing region, the maximum sulfur level in diesel and gasoline fuels is 50 ppm effective 2008.01.