{"id":816,"date":"2026-07-17T05:40:06","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T05:40:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/autosmarts.co\/en\/library\/epa-vehicle-emissions-certification-checklist\/"},"modified":"2026-10-14T15:31:33","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T15:31:33","slug":"epa-vehicle-emissions-certification-checklist","status":"publish","type":"libraries","link":"https:\/\/autosmarts.co\/en\/library\/epa-vehicle-emissions-certification-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"EPA Vehicle Emissions Certification Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What this checklist covers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under the Clean Air Act, new vehicles and engines must be covered by an EPA certificate of conformity before they are introduced into US commerce. Manufacturers group vehicles into test groups or engine families, submit certification data to EPA, and label each vehicle with an emission control information label. EPA publishes certification data that identifies certified vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The EPA Vehicle Emissions Certification Checklist is a 15-point scorecard for emissions standards, test groups, Certificates of Conformity, EV-CIS records, and introduction into US commerce. Each criterion is scored from 1 to 5 on what the auditor sees on the day, and every gap goes into an action plan with an owner and a close date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"as-chktip wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>AutoSmart tip:<\/strong> EPA emissions certification is a precondition of legal sale in the US \u2014 introduction of a vehicle or engine without a valid Certificate of Conformity for its test group is a violation of the Clean Air Act, subject to civil penalties per vehicle per day of violation. The most common compliance gap is model- year changeover: confirm that the new model year&#8217;s certificate is received and valid before the first vehicle of that year is sold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The checks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group as-checks is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"as-checks__note\"><span>Tap Yes, No or Maybe to try it: your answers stay in this page and clear when you refresh. For a detailed walkthrough, <a href=\"#get-pdf\">download our PDF<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/autosmarts.co\/en\/book-a-demo\/\" data-as-track=\"demo\">book a demo<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group as-checksec is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Emissions standards and test groups<\/h3><p class=\"as-checksec__meta\">4 checks<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"as-check\"><span class=\"as-check__no\" aria-hidden=\"true\">01<\/span><span class=\"as-check__body\"><span class=\"as-check__text\">Are the applicable EPA emissions standards (Tier 3, Light-Duty Greenhouse Gas, or Heavy- Duty as applicable) identified for every vehicle or engine model year placed on the US market?<\/span><span class=\"as-check__answer\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Your answer\" hidden><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"yes\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Yes<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"no\" aria-pressed=\"false\">No<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"maybe\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Maybe<\/button><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"as-check\"><span class=\"as-check__no\" aria-hidden=\"true\">02<\/span><span class=\"as-check__body\"><span class=\"as-check__text\">Are vehicles grouped into test groups (formerly engine families) as required by EPA certification regulations, with each test group covered by a valid Certificate of Conformity before any vehicle in that group is sold?<\/span><span class=\"as-check__answer\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Your answer\" hidden><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"yes\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Yes<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"no\" aria-pressed=\"false\">No<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"maybe\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Maybe<\/button><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"as-check\"><span class=\"as-check__no\" aria-hidden=\"true\">03<\/span><span class=\"as-check__body\"><span class=\"as-check__text\">Is emissions test data on file for each test group \u2014 confirming the emission levels demonstrated during EPA certification testing are within the applicable standard for each regulated pollutant?<\/span><span class=\"as-check__answer\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Your answer\" hidden><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"yes\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Yes<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"no\" aria-pressed=\"false\">No<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"maybe\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Maybe<\/button><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"as-check\"><span class=\"as-check__no\" aria-hidden=\"true\">04<\/span><span class=\"as-check__body\"><span class=\"as-check__text\">Are model year changes and carryover test groups managed correctly \u2014 confirming whether a new Certificate of Conformity is required for the new model year or whether a carryover certification is applicable?<\/span><span class=\"as-check__answer\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Your answer\" hidden><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"yes\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Yes<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"no\" aria-pressed=\"false\">No<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"maybe\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Maybe<\/button><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group as-checksec is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Certificate of conformity<\/h3><p class=\"as-checksec__meta\">4 checks<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"as-check\"><span class=\"as-check__no\" aria-hidden=\"true\">05<\/span><span class=\"as-check__body\"><span class=\"as-check__text\">Is a valid EPA Certificate of Conformity held for every test group of vehicles or engines introduced into US commerce, accessible for review if requested by EPA?<\/span><span class=\"as-check__answer\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Your answer\" hidden><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"yes\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Yes<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"no\" aria-pressed=\"false\">No<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"maybe\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Maybe<\/button><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"as-check\"><span class=\"as-check__no\" aria-hidden=\"true\">06<\/span><span class=\"as-check__body\"><span class=\"as-check__text\">Is the Certificate of Conformity coverage confirmed to include all engine configurations, fuel types, and optional equipment combinations actually offered for sale in the US market?<\/span><span class=\"as-check__answer\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Your answer\" hidden><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"yes\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Yes<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"no\" aria-pressed=\"false\">No<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"maybe\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Maybe<\/button><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"as-check\"><span class=\"as-check__no\" aria-hidden=\"true\">07<\/span><span class=\"as-check__body\"><span class=\"as-check__text\">Are Certificates of Conformity retained for the period required by EPA regulations, in a format that remains retrievable for the duration of the retention obligation?<\/span><span class=\"as-check__answer\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Your answer\" hidden><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"yes\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Yes<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"no\" aria-pressed=\"false\">No<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"maybe\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Maybe<\/button><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"as-check\"><span class=\"as-check__no\" aria-hidden=\"true\">08<\/span><span class=\"as-check__body\"><span class=\"as-check__text\">Where a Certificate of Conformity has been amended or superseded, is the current version clearly identified and the prior version archived \u2014 preventing a superseded certificate from being relied upon in error?<\/span><span class=\"as-check__answer\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Your answer\" hidden><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"yes\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Yes<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"no\" aria-pressed=\"false\">No<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"maybe\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Maybe<\/button><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group as-checksec is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ev-cis records and reporting<\/h3><p class=\"as-checksec__meta\">3 checks<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"as-check\"><span class=\"as-check__no\" aria-hidden=\"true\">09<\/span><span class=\"as-check__body\"><span class=\"as-check__text\">Is the EPA&#039;s Emissions and Vehicle Information System (ELVIS or equivalent current system) used to submit required certification data, with submissions completed within the required timeframes before introduction into commerce?<\/span><span class=\"as-check__answer\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Your answer\" hidden><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"yes\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Yes<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"no\" aria-pressed=\"false\">No<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"maybe\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Maybe<\/button><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"as-check\"><span class=\"as-check__no\" aria-hidden=\"true\">10<\/span><span class=\"as-check__body\"><span class=\"as-check__text\">Are annual in-use compliance testing and deterioration factor obligations monitored, with testing completed and results submitted as required by the Certificate of Conformity conditions?<\/span><span class=\"as-check__answer\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Your answer\" hidden><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"yes\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Yes<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"no\" aria-pressed=\"false\">No<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"maybe\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Maybe<\/button><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"as-check\"><span class=\"as-check__no\" aria-hidden=\"true\">11<\/span><span class=\"as-check__body\"><span class=\"as-check__text\">Are in-use surveillance program obligations (random vehicle selection, testing, and reporting) understood and managed as part of ongoing post-certification compliance?<\/span><span class=\"as-check__answer\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Your answer\" hidden><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"yes\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Yes<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"no\" aria-pressed=\"false\">No<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"maybe\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Maybe<\/button><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group as-checksec is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Market introduction and governance<\/h3><p class=\"as-checksec__meta\">4 checks<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"as-check\"><span class=\"as-check__no\" aria-hidden=\"true\">12<\/span><span class=\"as-check__body\"><span class=\"as-check__text\">Is a process in place to prevent any vehicle from being introduced into US commerce before its test group&#039;s Certificate of Conformity is confirmed as valid and in force?<\/span><span class=\"as-check__answer\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Your answer\" hidden><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"yes\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Yes<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"no\" aria-pressed=\"false\">No<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"maybe\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Maybe<\/button><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"as-check\"><span class=\"as-check__no\" aria-hidden=\"true\">13<\/span><span class=\"as-check__body\"><span class=\"as-check__text\">Are emission control system label requirements (under hood label, VECI) confirmed as correct and affixed to every vehicle before it leaves the manufacturer&#039;s or importer&#039;s control?<\/span><span class=\"as-check__answer\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Your answer\" hidden><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"yes\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Yes<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"no\" aria-pressed=\"false\">No<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"maybe\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Maybe<\/button><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"as-check\"><span class=\"as-check__no\" aria-hidden=\"true\">14<\/span><span class=\"as-check__body\"><span class=\"as-check__text\">Is a named person designated as responsible for EPA emissions certification compliance, with authority to halt market introduction if certification documentation is incomplete?<\/span><span class=\"as-check__answer\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Your answer\" hidden><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"yes\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Yes<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"no\" aria-pressed=\"false\">No<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"maybe\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Maybe<\/button><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"as-check\"><span class=\"as-check__no\" aria-hidden=\"true\">15<\/span><span class=\"as-check__body\"><span class=\"as-check__text\">Are EPA certification obligations reviewed when new engines, powertrain changes, or emissions control system modifications are introduced \u2014 confirming whether a new or amended Certificate of Conformity is required before production or importation begins?<\/span><span class=\"as-check__answer\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Your answer\" hidden><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"yes\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Yes<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"no\" aria-pressed=\"false\">No<\/button><button type=\"button\" data-answer=\"maybe\" aria-pressed=\"false\">Maybe<\/button><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Questions about this checklist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group as-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-details as-faq__item is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Who needs a certificate of conformity?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manufacturers, including importers acting as manufacturers, of new vehicles and engines introduced into US commerce. Check EPA&#8217;s guidance for your vehicle category.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details as-faq__item is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Is California different?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California sets its own standards through CARB, and many vehicles need CARB certification as well; see the CARB compliance checklist.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details as-faq__item is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can dealers use this checklist?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dealers mostly need the label checks and the rule not to sell modified or uncertified vehicles; the rest is for manufacturers and importers.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Check that vehicles and engines introduced into US commerce are covered by an EPA certificate of conformity, labelled correctly and supported by complete certification records.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"template":"","meta":{"footnotes":"","_as_roles":"Homologation and certification engineers, compliance managers","_as_frequency":"For every model year and every new test group, and before first sale","_as_standard":"EPA vehicle and engine emissions certification (Clean Air Act, 40 CFR)","_as_source":"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/ve-certification","_as_pdf":1032,"_as_solution":557,"_as_guide":0,"_as_case_study":0,"_as_lib_featured":false},"industry_tag":[3],"checklist_topic":[21],"checklist_market":[33],"class_list":["post-816","libraries","type-libraries","status-publish","hentry","checklist_topic-compliance"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/autosmarts.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/libraries\/816","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/autosmarts.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/libraries"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/autosmarts.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/libraries"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/autosmarts.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/libraries\/816\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1296,"href":"https:\/\/autosmarts.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/libraries\/816\/revisions\/1296"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/autosmarts.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=816"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"industry_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/autosmarts.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/industry_tag?post=816"},{"taxonomy":"checklist_topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/autosmarts.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/checklist_topic?post=816"},{"taxonomy":"checklist_market","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/autosmarts.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/checklist_market?post=816"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}