China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has recently approved and released the mandatory national standard for automotive compressed natural gas (GB 18047-2026), scheduled to take effect on August 1, 2027. This revision aims to enhance product quality, ensure user safety, and promote fair trade in the industry.
Technical specifications have been strengthened with the addition of methane number and interchangeability requirements. The new standard mandates that automotive compressed natural gas must have a methane number of at least 65, aligning with European standards. When the methane number falls below 70, refueling stations are required to publicly display the specific value in a prominent location at their business premises. Natural gas from different sources within the same region must be interchangeable, ensuring that switching between different gas supplies does not compromise engine performance or safety.
Testing methods have been comprehensively upgraded, with new or adjusted detection procedures for higher heating value, total sulfur, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, oxygen, water dew point, and water content. Notably, the methane number calculation now includes the propane knock index method (PKI-MN method) as the arbitration test procedure, bringing the standard in line with international practices.
Sampling and conformity assessment rules have also been refined, with a new standalone chapter on sampling procedures. Sampling points are designated at the point of delivery for automotive compressed natural gas. The conformity assessment rules specify that products are considered qualified only when all quality requirements are met, with retesting required in cases of non-compliance.
The implementation of this standard will effectively regulate quality control for compressed natural gas products in China, drive high-quality development in the automotive compressed natural gas sector, ensure the normal operation of natural gas vehicles, and continuously improve public travel safety.