Shanghai implements National V emissions standards

The Municipality brings in new emissions regs four years ahead of schedule

As China's cities battle with stifling pollution, local governments are taking more and more steps to curb the smog. As of April 30th, Shanghai became China's second city after Beijing to implement National V emissions standards for vehicles in the municipality.

According to the Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau, the new standard should cut nitrogeon oxide emissions by between 25-43% compared to the previous standard and could reduce overall emissions by as much as 8%.

While the city's gas stations have been selling National V standard petrol and diesel since November last year, car dealerships may struggle to adapt as quickly. One estimate claims as many as 30,000 new cars in showrooms across the city will no longer be eligible for sale within the municipality. The number of second hand cars that will also be prohibited from being resold is also reckoned to be upwards of half a million.

Nonetheless, the government is still offering a 6,000 yuan subsidy for car owners who dump heavily polluting models immediately.

All vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tons - as well as public transport, sanitation and the postal service - will all have to meet the new standard.