Laws Trends | California Temporarily Relaxes CARB Certification Requirements for Portable Generators

1、 Latest requirements for CARB certification of generators

On January 10, 2025, California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced that it will temporarily relax the CARB certification requirements for portable generators in response to the ongoing wildfires in Southern California. By June 30, 2025, generators of 19 kW and below that meet the standards of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can be sold in California, and compliance with California CARB emission standards is no longer mandatory.

2、 Applicable situation of measures

1). The manufacturer needs to send a voice message to CARB stating that the models previously holding the 2023/2024/2025 CARB certificate have been sold out, and declare the brand and model of the generator set. Manufacturers need to confirm that alternative products comply with EPA standards and describe their production plans to increase production faster and address future supply shortages.

2). Manufacturers must report to CARB the number, brand, and model of generators that have entered California and meet the EPA certification by July 31, 2025. Manufacturers can use the Excel template provided by CARB and send it to generators@arb.ca.gov keep on record.

3). Manufacturers need to notify wholesalers, distributors, and retailers that these generators can only be sold in California before June 30, 2025.

4). Distributors and wholesalers are required to keep records of distributed or sold generators for CARB to review.

5). Retailers are required to keep records of products sold, whether online or in physical stores, for CARB to review.

This is one of the collective efforts of various states in the United States to address the wildfires in Southern California, aimed at ensuring that residents can meet their medical and other emergency needs in the event of a power outage.

More information can be found on the CARB official website.

https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/news