EPA Recognizes SEMA as Emissions Certification Authority for Aftermarket Auto Parts
Under President Trump's 'Freedom to Fix' memo, the EPA recognized SEMA as an alternative emissions certification authority for aftermarket vehicle parts.
- 49 states
- 2003
- 2014 and 2015
What Happened
On July 1, 2026, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin acted on President Trump's memorandum "Lowering the Cost of Living by Promoting the Freedom to Fix," reducing reliance on California Air Resource Board emission certification for aftermarket vehicle products. The EPA recognized the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) as an alternative certification authority for aftermarket vehicle parts. Through SEMA's Certified Emissions Program, Americans can show compliance with the Clean Air Act and verify that approved aftermarket parts do not negatively impact vehicle emissions. The EPA said the action supports American small businesses and helps revitalize the U.S. auto industry.
The EPA's recognition is directed at aftermarket parts makers and consumers who repair or modify vehicles. SEMA Board Chair Melanie White said it "helps unlock access to sales in 49 states." Supporters included Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Alliance for Automotive Innovation President and CEO John Bozzella, NADA, and companies such as BluePrint Engines, D'Antonio Automotive, Holley Group, HushMat & ZyCoat, Magnuson Superchargers, Opus Intelligent Vehicle Support, ProCharger, and SEMA officials. NADA said the move reforms the certification process without disrupting the 2014 and 2015 auto and truck memorandums of understanding that continue to ensure a competitive vehicle repair marketplace.
“The EPA has verified what SEMA for years has told regulators at the state and federal levels: that the automotive aftermarket industry has a precise mechanism to support emissions testing compliance with federal laws, and it's called SEMA Certified-Emissions. This EPA recognition of the SEMA Certified-Emissions program by the EPA is nothing short of a pioneering action by the federal government to”
“President Trump and Administrator Lee Zeldin are bringing common sense to automotive repair. Biden and the radical DC Democrats had created an environment of total chaos and destruction. Another great day for the US consumer!”
“[The] White House memorandum reaffirms these principles: protecting both automotive intellectual property and confidential business information. That’s an important acknowledgement and builds on the longstanding commitment from automakers to provide consumers and independent repair shops with the same repair instructions, tools and diagnostic codes they provide franchised auto dealers. This is pre”
“This is a significant win for the automotive aftermarket industry and for the thousands of businesses that serve enthusiasts across the country. The recognition of SEMA Certified for emissions compliance helps unlock access to sales in 49 states, providing greater clarity and confidence for manufacturers, retailers, and consumers alike.”
Why this matters
The decision frees aftermarket parts makers from relying solely on California's certification process, giving them a nationally recognized path to show Clean Air Act compliance. SEMA says the move unlocks access to sales in 49 states, helping small businesses and consumers who repair or modify vehicles. Automakers and dealers say it ends years of confusion over repair rules while preserving existing repair-market agreements.
Terms in This Story
- SEMA
- The Specialty Equipment Market Association, a trade organization for the automotive aftermarket industry.
- Aftermarket parts
- Parts not made by the original vehicle manufacturer, used to repair or modify vehicles.
- Clean Air Act
- The U.S. federal law that regulates air pollution, including vehicle emissions.
- Emissions certification
- The process of proving that a product complies with government emissions regulations.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.