China MEE Issues Revised Mandatory National Standard “Ambient Air Quality Standards”

On February 13, 2026, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) promulgated the revised version of the mandatory national standard, Ambient Air Quality Standards (GB 3095-2026). This standard, which updates the 2012 version, will come into effect on March 1, 2026. In the revised GB, concentration limits for various air pollutants have been updated, with a focus on tightening limits for sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), PM10, and PM2.5. According to an explanation from the MEE, the objective of this revision is to promote the development of clean energy and new energy vehicles, encourage the adoption of advanced processes in key industries, and facilitate the structural transition of industry, energy, and transportation toward green and low-carbon models.