South Korea tightens rules on diesel vehicle emission control devices

South Korea is tightening regulations on diesel vehicle exhaust gas reduction devices to combat air pollution, introducing stricter penalties and shorter exemption periods for performance checks. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced the revised enforcement decrees and rules for the Clean Air Conservation Act, which will be open for public comment starting June 29.

The updated measures focus on ensuring that vehicles equipped with these devices, or those that have undergone engine replacement, maintain their emission reduction performance throughout their operational life. Currently, the government supports the installation of these devices on diesel vehicles meeting Euro 3 emission standards, with the benchmark being Euro 6 standards. For instance, Euro 3 standards limit particulate matter (PM) to 0.07g/km, while Euro 6 limits it to 0.0045g/km.

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The average removal efficiency of the remaining 16 was 20-63%, significantly lower than the average removal efficiency of the four genuine filters (81-100%).

Key changes include more specific penalty structures for non-compliance with performance maintenance inspections. Vehicle owners who fail to undergo a confirmation inspection within 45 to 75 days after installing a reduction device will face fines of up to 1 million won and may receive a directive for inspection. The inspection exemption period following installation has also been reduced: from three years previously to two years for passenger cars and 1.5 years for buses and cargo vehicles.

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Vehicle owners who fail to undergo a confirmation inspection within 45 to 75 days after installing a reduction device will face fines of up to 1 million won and may receive a directive for inspection.

Additionally, the regulations simplify the process for returning subsidized low-emission engines upon vehicle scrapping; only the catalytic converter needs to be returned, not the entire engine and its components. The rules also empower the authorities to take administrative action against third-party organizations that conduct certification tests for exhaust gas reduction devices if they engage in improper practices, such as obtaining designation through fraudulent means.

The revised regulations are scheduled to take effect on December 10, following a period of public review and deliberation by the Ministry of Government Legislation.

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The inspection exemption period has been reduced to two years for passenger cars and 1.5 years for buses and cargo vehicles.