People's Republic of China (PRC)
Regulatory agencies
- State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) - national level
- Environmental Protection Bureaus (EPBs) - local level
- Ministry of Transport (MOT)
Regulatory framework: Air Pollution Control Law / Clean Air Law
- 1988, first version
- 1995, second version - added Article 38
- 2000, third version - major revisions (e.g., added Chapter IV: Prevention and Control of Pollution Caused by Emissions from Motorized Vehicles and Vessels)
The new Clean Air Law went into effect on September 1, 2000. SEPA has drafted regulation that gives them the authority to carry out the type approval of vehicles and publish a list of all models that comply with the standards. Under the draft regulation, local authorities will carry out tests on in-use vehicles. If a vehicle does not pass the 3rd test, Public Security authorities will revoke the vehicle registration.
Other highlights of the new law:
- Retrofit of in-use cars
Municipal EPBs have to get the approval from the State Council.
- IM requirements
SEPA is responsible for developing national IM regulations, including standards and test procedures.
- Fuel quality
Law mandates the reduction of toxic substances like benzene and sulfur. Leaded gasoline has been completely eliminated.
- Operation of IM programs
Municipal and provincial EPBs are authorized to operate annual emissions IM programs.
- Penalities and enforcement
SEPA has the authority to enforce new vehicle and engine standards.
- National standards
SEPA is given broad authority to issue national standards for vehicles.
- Total Emissions Control (TEC)
The new law will charge polluters on the basis of their total emissions. This limits the total volume of pollutants entering an airshed as opposed to the concentration of pollutants in a specific location or from a particular source. The law further authorizes provincial-level governments (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin and Chongqing) to establish TEC zones and issue pollution permits to businesses within these zones. Any location that has not yet met national air quality standards may become a TEC zone.
Related links
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