Emissions and CARB policy

Last Updated: November 13, 2026

Some parts change how a vehicle's engine or exhaust controls emissions. Catalytic converters, intakes, headers, exhaust systems, tuners and some engine parts fall into this group. Federal rules and state rules decide where and on which vehicles these parts can be used. This page explains the labels you see on our product pages and what they mean for your order.

The labels on our product pages

  • CARB approved, with an Executive Order number. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has approved this part for the vehicles listed in its Executive Order. We show the EO number on the product page, for example D-215-10. A CARB approved part is legal in all 50 states when it is installed on a vehicle covered by that Executive Order.
  • Not legal for sale or use in California (catalytic converters). This converter is a Federal (EPA) converter. It is made for vehicles registered outside California and outside the states that follow California converter rules.
  • Not legal for sale or use in California (performance parts). This part has no CARB Executive Order, so it is not legal on emissions controlled vehicles used on the street in California. Some other states follow California rules for many vehicles.
  • For racing use only. Not legal for street use. This part is made for competition vehicles that are never driven on public roads. It is not legal on any emissions controlled vehicle used on the street, in any state.

Parts that do not affect emissions, such as brakes, suspension, lighting and body parts, carry no emissions label.

Catalytic converters

Converter rules depend on where your vehicle is registered, not where it was bought.

  • California. Replacement converters must be CARB approved for your exact vehicle. Look for the EO number on the product page and use the CARB checker on the page to confirm your engine family.
  • New York, Maine and Colorado. These states also require CARB approved converters on many vehicles. Please check your state's current rules before ordering.
  • All other states. A Federal (EPA) converter is the normal choice. If your vehicle's emissions label under the hood says it was certified for California, a CARB approved converter may still be required.

You can find your engine family number on the emissions label under the hood. The CARB checker on converter pages uses it to confirm that a converter is approved for your vehicle.

Performance parts

A performance part that changes the intake, exhaust, fuel or engine computer needs a CARB Executive Order to be street legal in California. When the manufacturer has one for the part, we show the EO number on the product page. When no Executive Order exists, the part is labeled "Not legal for sale or use in California" or "For racing use only".

Federal law also prohibits removing or disabling emissions equipment on any vehicle used on public roads, in every state. Parts labeled for racing use are sold for competition vehicles only.

Your responsibility as the buyer

Emissions rules depend on your vehicle, your state and how the vehicle is used. Before you order, please confirm that the part is legal for your vehicle and your state. By placing an order, you confirm that you will install and use the part in line with the laws that apply to you.

If you order a part that is not legal in California for delivery to a California address, we may contact you before shipping or cancel the order with a full refund.

Where our information comes from

EO numbers come from the Executive Orders published by the California Air Resources Board and from the part manufacturers. We review them regularly. Executive Orders can be updated or withdrawn, so if you have any doubt, you can look up the EO number on the CARB website or ask us before you order.

Questions

If you are not sure whether a part is legal for your vehicle, contact us before ordering at info@carpartglobal.com or through our contact page. Include your vehicle's year, make, model, engine and the state where it is registered, and we will help you choose the right part.