Stricter emission standards to come into effect in China in 2013

Starting on January 1 of next year, all gasoline powered vehicles manufactured in, exported to and sold in China will be required to meet the new Fifth National Emission Standards, the Guangzhou Daily reported today, citing an announcement made by the Ministry of Environmental Protection. Before that time, manufacturers will have to take the necessary measures to ensure their vehicles meet those standards.

According to the announcement, manufacturers must issue reports on all their vehicles which will be examined by the government. The MEP will issue certificates to vehicles that have passed testing. Manufacturers must also ensure that they have through management systems to ensure that the environmental standards of their production sites, automobiles and auto parts are up to par.

For its part, the MEP stated that it will take extra measures to ensure that periodic inspection work is done to the highest standard. If vehicles inspected fail to meet standards, manufacturers will be given a grace period to remedy any issues. If after that period of time they still do not meet standards, their sales license will be revoked. The MEP added that its regional departments will strictly enforce emission standards.