Aftermarket Catalytic Converters

This page last reviewed on January 23, 2012


Aftermarket catalytic converters must be exempted from California's anti-tampering laws in order to be legally sold and installed in the state.  If an aftermarket catalytic converter is shown to be durable and meets vehicle emission control requirements, it is granted an exemption Executive Order (EO) that allows it to be installed on specific emission controlled vehicles.

To search for EOs of exempted aftermarket catalytic converters, please go to the following pages:


 *Alert: Please view Executive Orders that were rescinded and the catalytic converters that cannot be sold or installed after January 10, 2012.
 
  • Motorcycle Aftermarket Parts Page  -  This page has a list at the top containing EOs for motorcycle aftermarket catalytic converters and other critical emission control parts for motorcycles.

Information About New Regulations for Aftermarket Catalytic Converters


The ARB adopted revised regulations and evaluation procedures in October 2007 for the approval of new aftermarket catalytic converters sold in California. The requirements apply to all new aftermarket converters produced for sale or sold in California after January 1, 2009. The requirements also sunset provisions allowing the sale of certified used catalytic converters beginning July 10, 2008. This means that no used converter can be legally advertised for sale, sold, or installed in California after this date.


The links below provide additional information for aftermarket catalytic converter retailers, installers, and consumers:
Materials on installation requirements for new aftermarket catalytic converters previously provided to installers/distributors at public meetings:

  • Slide presentation (PDF - 168K)
  • Installation requirements - questions and answers. (PDF - 31K)  
  • Installer's checklist for new aftermarket catalytic converters. (PDF - 85K)
  • Installer's checklist for new aftermarket catalytic converters (en Español). (PDF - 78K)
  • Installation requirements (refer to paragraph (h) of the regulations, pg 18).   (PDF - 128K)
  • Vehicle Code section 27156. (PDF - 14K)
  • Sample warranty registration card. (PDF - 706K)

Formal Regulatory Documents for October 25, 2007, Hearing.

The documents pertaining to the Board's adoption of new requirements for replacement catalytic converters include, but are not limited to, the public hearing notice, staff report, and regulations.


Who can I contact for more information? For more information about aftermarket catalytic converters, please contact ARB's Public Information Helpline at (800) 242-4450.



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