On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations, China Automotive Carbon Digital Technology Center Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as the Carbon Digital Center) and the renowned European organization Green NCAP officially signed a Cooperation Agreement on Sino-European Automotive Carbon Footprint Mutual Recognition on May 14, during the 2025 International NCAP Technical Seminar. A technical coordination meeting of the SEA LCA was also held on the same day.

Key Signal ①

Sino-European Mutual Recognition: Enabling a “Green Passport” for Chinese Automotive Exports

This agreement marks the first time that China’s auto industry has taken the lead in co-developing an international carbon footprint mutual recognition framework, representing a major step forward in establishing the Sino-European mutual recognition mechanism. The collaboration provides Chinese automakers with a “green passport” for global market entry and opens new channels for integrating into international sustainability governance systems.

Key Signal ②

Single Calculation, Multiple Recognition: Gaining Influence in Rulemaking

The working group plans to jointly select representative vehicle models to carry out life cycle carbon footprint accounting, collaboratively addressing new green compliance requirements such as the EU Battery Regulation. The goal is to explore a “Single Calculation, Multiple Recognition” approach. Research results will be released across platforms including CPP, C-GCAP, and Green NCAP. In parallel, China will take the lead in establishing a Unified Methodology Community for Road Vehicle Carbon Footprint Accounting, advancing global harmonization of carbon accounting methods.

Key Signal ③

Sino-European Collaboration: A New Solution for Global Low-Carbon Governance

The Carbon Digital Center and Green NCAP will work together to establish Sino-European mutual recognition outcomes as a foundation for global automotive decarbonization. This cooperation not only injects green momentum into the automotive industries of both regions but also contributes a “Sino-European Solution” to the global carbon neutrality agenda.

The door to Sino-European mutual recognition cooperation is now open. We call on more enterprises to seize this opportunity and apply to join the SEA LCA — to move from being technical participants to rule-makers, and to claim a more active role in the reconstruction of the global green order and the governance of low-carbon development worldwide.

Tianning Zhao

TEL：15122552109

Mail：zhaotianning@catarc.ac.cn

Xin Sun

TEL：18010028573

Mail：sunxing@catarc.ac.cn

Jiali Wu

TEL：18222675405

Mail：wujiali@catarc.ac.cn