China tightens air quality standards for the first time in 14 years
China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment has published revised regulations significantly lowering the annual average limit for fine particulate matter PM2.5 concentration. These updated standards will replace those established in 2012 and will take effect on 1 March 2026.
Starting in 2026, the allowable concentration of PM2.5 will be reduced from 35 µg/m³ to 30 µg/m³, with a stricter limit of 25 µg/m³ introduced from 1 January 2031. National parks are designated special zones with an even lower PM2.5 limit of 10 µg/m³. This move continues China’s extensive campaign against smog and pollution, which has already brought average PM2.5 levels down from 68 µg/m³ in 2013 to 28 µg/m³ in 2025.
In 2024, the share of days with good or excellent air quality reached 89.3%, while days of heavy pollution dropped to just 0.9%, marking a historic improvement. The new standards are expected to further strengthen environmental protections and enhance air quality nationwide.
