Ministry of Ecology and Environment and State Administration for Market Regulation Jointly Issue Guidelines on Reforming Oversight of Motor Vehicle Emission Inspection Agencies

On September 18, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the State Administration for Market Regulation recently jointly issued the "Guiding Opinions on Advancing Regulatory Reform of Motor Vehicle Emission Inspection Agencies to Enhance Emission Inspection Quality." The Opinions require a focus on key aspects of motor vehicle emission inspection agencies—including equipment management, inspection procedures, daily operations and maintenance, and personnel competency—to establish a comprehensive, end-to-end management system. They also guide inspection agencies to fulfill their primary responsibilities in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Code. Regarding agency entry and exit management, the Opinions call for strengthening expert reviews during accreditation assessments to ensure that emission inspection equipment and personnel meet required standards. Agencies and individuals violating regulations will be punished in accordance with the law, and those engaging in serious falsification will be removed from the market. In terms of compliant inspection operations, agencies are required to conduct emission inspections fully in accordance with the law, enhance routine self-inspection and maintenance of equipment, and incorporate all related processes into electronic records for comprehensive management. The use of software or hardware with cheating functions or failing to meet national standards is strictly prohibited. Agencies are encouraged to pursue voluntary equipment certification and adopt transparent, clearly labeled piping and wiring setups. On supervision, the Opinions promote a big data–driven regulatory model, including the establishment of anomaly detection and intelligent early-warning systems to dynamically identify potential issues and investigate violations in accordance with the law. Implementation of a “one-lane-one-code” system for inspection lines will enable automatic retrieval of full-process equipment management data. Additionally, mechanisms for industry and public oversight will be improved.