The State Council of China has approved the implementation of State Phase III, IV (similar to Euro III and IV) vehicle emission standards in Beijing from December 30, 2005.

Details:

1. From Dec. 30, 2005 on, Beijing applies Phase III requirements of Limits and Measurement methods for emissions from light-duty vehicles (III, IV) (GB 18352.3-2005) for light-duty gasoline and gaseous-fuels vehicles, applies Phase III requirements of Limits and Measurement methods for exhaust pollutants from compression ignition and gas fueled positive ignition engines of vehicles (III, IV, V)(GB 17691-2005) for heavy-duty diesel engines and heavy-duty gas fueled engines. From Jan. 1, 2007, Beijing will apply Phase IV emission requirements for light-duty diesel vehicles. The State Council requires Beijing to prepare qualified diesel fuel in advance, and before this date, Beijing could take appropriate measures not to promote light-duty diesel vehicles.
2. From Dec. 30, 2005 on, newly type-approved vehicles to be marketed in Beijing have to install OBD system. Vehicles types that obtained type approval of Phase III emission standards and have been marketed before the date could postpone the installation. After Dec. 1, 2006, marketing of vehicles without OBD system is prohibited. After Dec. 30, 2005, vehicles don’t meet the newly implemented emission standards will no longer get registered.
3. As encouragement measures, vehicles that are installed with OBD system will be tested for emissions once per 2 years within the first 6 years of registration, and once per year after 6 years of registration; a 30% off of consumption tax is given to these vehicles as well.

Source:

• http://www.bjepb.gov.cn/news/2005-12/20051223162210.htm (in Chinese)
• http://www.cheshi.com.cn/news/2005/12/16116.asp (in Chinese)