What do I need to do first?

For general information on the verification process, first carefully read through the Procedure that can be found on the Verification Procedure webpage. For general information on the applications fee structure and payment process, please go to the Fee Regulation webpage.

How do I obtain information on how to submit an application for verification of a diesel emission control strategy (DECS)?

Please see Section 2702 of the Verification Procedure Regulation. This outlines the information necessary to submit an application.

How much does it cost to verify a “DECS – other than locomotive”?

Starting April 1, 2022, all applicants submitting an application to CARB per Title 13 California Code of Regulations Sections 2700-2711 seeking verifications and approvals of a "DECS - other than locomotive" are required to pay the applicable fees listed in Table 1 to proceed with their application, unless the applicant is:

• An entity holding and identified in a valid EO or conditional verification issued prior to April 1, 2022, and;
• Seeking verification activities related to the product directly covered by the EO or conditional verification.

Table 1. Applicable fees for “DECS – other than locomotive” verifications and approvals.1

It should be noted that in addition to the expenses outlined in Table 1, all testing required according to the Verification Procedure is done at the applicant’s expense. For specific cost information, please check with the test lab directly.

How much does it cost to verify a “DECS – locomotive”?

Starting April 1, 2022, all applicants submitting an application to CARB per Title 13 California Code of Regulations sections 2700-2711 seeking verifications and approvals of a “DECS – locomotive” are required to pay the applicable fees listed in Table 2 to proceed with their application.

Table 2. Applicable fees for “DECS – locomotive” verifications and approvals.¹

It should be noted that in addition to the expenses outlined in Table 2, all testing required according to the Verification Procedure is done at the applicant’s expense. For specific cost information, please check with the test lab directly.

Does EPA verification mean that I'm verified for CARB, or vice versa?

Applicants who receive verification from U.S. EPA do not automatically receive verification from CARB, as there are differences in requirements.  However, applicants who intend to receive verification from both CARB and U.S. EPA must co-ordinate with both agencies in the verification process.

What's the difference between CARB Verification and Certification?

CARB has several programs relating to sale, use, or modification of emission control systems.  The programs are specific to the type of device as well as the market for which it was designed.  The information below outlines the various programs.

What is Certification?

Certification requires that new motor vehicles and engines must be certified by the CARB for emission compliance before they are legal for sale, use, or registration in California.  Certification is granted annually to individual engine families and is good for one model year.  An engine family is a grouping of vehicles or engine models that exhibit similar emission characteristics (e.g., common engine parameters, fuel system, and emission control systems).  Within an engine family, there may be one or more evaporative families that are associated with distinct vehicle models.

What is Verification?

The Verification Procedure provides a way to thoroughly evaluate the emission reduction capabilities and durability of a variety of diesel emission control strategies as part of a retrofit program.  It ensures that emission reductions achieved by a control strategy are both real and durable and that production units in the field are achieving emission reductions which are consistent with their verification.

What is the Aftermarket Parts program?

To improve air quality, CARB requires vehicle manufacturers to develop engine and emission equipment systems that reduce the specific pollutants that cause California's severe air quality problem.  These emission control systems are also required to be proven durable and reliable.  To ensure that these systems operate as designed, California Vehicle Code Section 27156 and the Federal Clean Air Act prohibit modifications that increase motor vehicle emissions.  Since if properly designed, most performance modifications do not increase vehicle emissions, these same laws also allow the installation of parts or modifications proven by their manufacturers and the CARB not to increase vehicle emissions.  Check out the Aftermarket Parts program for more information.

Do I need to measure NO₂? Are NO₂ emission limits regulated?

Yes. Emissions of NO₂ must be determined for all verification testing according to Section 2706(a) of the Verification Procedure. NO₂ emission limits have been regulated since January 1, 2007.

Should I talk to CARB before doing testing?

Yes, interested parties will need to work with CARB to obtain approval for a testing protocol before proceeding with testing to ensure that the testing will support the verification of the proposed diesel emission control group.  This is critical if you are seeking both CARB and EPA verification.

How long will it take to get verification of my device?

It depends on the type of device and how complete the initial information is when submitting the application.  Normally, we will review your application and contact you within 30 days if it meets our requirements and/or we need additional information.

Further questions regarding the verification program?

Please contact Michael Logue, at (951) 542-3260.

• 1ab Section 2912 of the Mobile Source Certification and Compliance Fees Final Regulation Order.