Unless comment indicates that changes other than adjustment for inflation are needed, EPA 

anticipates using the Supporting Statement for the 2008 renewal of the Reporting and 

Recordkeeping Requirements for the Enforcement Policy Regarding the Sale and Use of 

Aftermarket Catalytic Converters (attached) for the 2012 renewal. 

SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR STANDARD FORM 83-1

REPORTING AND RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS 

FOR THE ENFORCEMENT POLICY REGARDING 

THE SALE AND USE OF AFTERMARKET CATALYTIC CONVERTERS 

PART A OF THE SUPPORTING STATEMENT

1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE INFORMATION COLLECTION

1(a) Title of the Information Collection

Enforcement Policy Regarding the Sale and Use of Aftermarket Catalytic Converters 

(Renewal). 51 FR 28114-28119, 28133 (Aug. 5, 1986); 52 FR 42144 (Nov. 3, 1987), 67 FR 319-

320 (Jan. 3, 2002). 

OMB No. 2060-0135; EPA ICR No. 1292.08.

1(b) Short Characterization

The aftermarket catalytic converter policy (AMCC Policy) (51 Fed. Reg. 28114-28119, 

28113 (Aug. 5, 1986); 52 Fed. Reg. 42144 (Nov. 3, 1987)) allows aftermarket automobile catalytic 

converter manufacturers and reconditioners to compete with the automobile manufacturers for the 

aftermarket catalytic converter (AMCC) replacement market. Without this policy, it would be 

illegal, under section 203 of the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7522, to sell or install AMCCs that do 

not conform exactly to the automobile manufacturers’ original equipment (OE) versions of these 

parts. The policy also makes it possible for automobile repair shops, which are often small 

businesses, to take on a significant share of the AMCC replacement market. In doing so, 

consumers are able to purchase replacement AMCCs at a much lower price than they would pay for 

an OE catalytic converter. This helps to assure that vehicles will not create excessive air pollution 

because motorists are more likely to replace damaged catalytic converters if they can purchase the 

replacements at a cost that is significantly less than OE catalytic converters (cost savings resulting 

from the policy are estimated to be about $750 million in 2008 dollars). 

To assure that air quality will not be compromised, it was necessary to set standards for 

aftermarket catalytic converters, both for performance and durability. It was also necessary to 

assure that appropriate applications are installed on vehicles (i.e., the AMCC has to be of a type and 

size appropriate for the vehicle application). To these ends, the following reporting an 

recordkeeping requirements exist for AMCC manufacturers, reconditioners and installers:

Manufacturers: On a one-time basis for each type or line of AMCC manufactured, the 

manufacturer must report information identifying the supplier, information regarding the physical 
2

specifications of each catalytic converter line produced, and information regarding pre-production 

testing of the converters that show they meet the AMCC Policy’s emission reduction standards for 

certain specified vehicle applications (a single AMCC line can be used on a large number of vehicle 

applications). The original AMCC Policy required that, once production had begun, the 

manufacturer would submit to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), on a semi-annual 

basis, the number of each type of AMCC manufactured and a summary of information contained on 

warranty cards or, at the option of the respondent, copies of warranty cards for all AMCCs sold. 

This reporting regarding sales and warranty information was eliminated in March 1999, with the 

stipulation that records must be maintained for five years and the information submitted to EPA 

upon request. 

Reconditioners: On a one-time basis, the catalytic converter reconditioner must report the 

identity of the company, a description of the test bench utilized for testing used catalytic converters,

and the intended vehicle application(s) for each catalytic converter type. All used catalytic 

converters must be tested individually to assure they are still functional. The original policy 

required reconditioners to report, on a semi-annual basis, the names and addresses of distributors 

along with the number of each type of converter sold to each distributor. This reporting 

requirement was also eliminated in March 1999, with the stipulation that records must be 

maintained for five years and the information submitted to EPA upon request. 

Installers of AMCCs: Installers have no reporting requirements. They simply fill out the 

warranty card and give it to the retail customer. They must also include a brief statement with each 

invoice stating the need for replacing the original catalytic converter. They also tag each removed 

catalytic converter with a reference to the invoice for repair. The invoices are required to be kept 

for 6 months and the removed (tagged) converters are required to be kept for 15 days. 

2. NEED FOR AND USE OF THE COLLECTION 

 2(a) Need/Authority for the Collection 

Section 203(a)(3) of the Clean Air Act (Act) prohibits removal or rendering inoperative of 

motor vehicle emission control equipment by commercial service establishments or any other 

person. It also prohibits the causing of such acts. In addition, it prohibits the manufacture, sale or 

installation of devices that defeat the emission control components or design elements. The 

catalytic converter is the major emission control device used by motor vehicle manufacturers. 

Oxidation (two-way) catalytic converters reduce hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide emissions, 

while oxidation-reduction (three-way) catalytic converters (widely used since 1981) additionally 

reduce oxides of nitrogen emissions. If a vehicle is properly maintained, the catalytic converter 

frequently will not require replacement for the life of the vehicle. If catalytic converters need 

replacement after the expiration of the automobile manufacturer emissions control warranty, the 

vehicle owner must pay for the replacement.

EPA has promoted vehicle emissions inspection programs with mandatory catalytic 

converter replacement where missing or non-functioning catalytic converters are discovered. The 

EPA believes that the success of State and local government programs of this type depends, in part, 

on the availability and cost of replacement catalytic converters. The average cost of a new OE 

catalytic converter is approximately $540-$650 installed, a relatively high cost of replacement that 

severely limits their installation after the warranty period expires. This enforcement policy allows 

the sale of low-cost but effective alternatives to the OE catalytic converters. For the AMCC
3

industry, including the installers, this is a multimillion dollar industry. Nearly 3,000,000 AMCCs

are installed each year. 

The popularity of these low-cost replacement AMCCs and the need to assure air quality 

benefits while promoting local tampering inspection programs have led EPA to implement this 

policy for the manufacture, sale, and installation of new non-OE and used, reconditioned OE 

catalytic converters. Prior to the implementation of the policy, AMCC manufacturers and 

reconditioners frequently sold catalysts that had little, if any, efficacy. Manufacturers which made

a quality product were not able to compete on a level playing field because muffler shops could 

purchase poor quality catalytic converters for half the price of better AMCCs and undersell the 

competition. The manufacturer reporting and recordkeeping requirements help assure that proper 

AMCCs are manufactured and distributed to installers and help assure proper retail level 

installation of AMCCs. 

The installer requirements exist to enable EPA to monitor whether correct applications are 

made at the retail level and whether OE catalytic converters are replaced with AMCCs only in 

appropriate circumstances (e.g., the original equipment catalytic converter should not be replaced 

with an AMCC while the vehicle is still covered by its emissions warranty). A strong incentive 

exists for cheating; for example installing a used, untested catalytic converter would cost less than 

half the price of a properly tested used catalytic converter.

These are important conditions to the installation of aftermarket or reconditioned catalytic 

converters. An improper application (e.g., a 2-way catalytic converter on a vehicle that needs a 3-

way catalytic converter) will result in much higher emissions of harmful pollutants than a proper 

application would. Likewise, replacement of the original catalytic converter when the repair is not 

needed can result in an increase in emissions since working OE catalytic converters are generally 

more efficient than AMCCs. 

 

2(b) Practical Utility/Users of the Data

PRACTICAL UTILITY

The collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 

EPA, and the information collected will have practical utility. Without the AMCC reporting and 

recordkeeping requirements, enforcement would be nearly impossible. For example, testing is 

required to determine whether a used catalytic converter is still effective. As another example, the 

efficacy of new AMCCs for particular vehicle applications cannot be determined without prototype 

testing and information on specifications. 

All testing is to be conducted by the manufacturer or reconditioners, and therefore EPA

believes that it is important that EPA have access to testing records. A record of the names and 

addresses of dealers and distributors, as is required in the policy, allows for prompt notification of 

these parties in the event of such an enforcement action. 

The primary use of the sales and warranty card information is for direct compliance action. 

Warranty cards often reveal direct evidence of misapplication or failure to provide the required 

warranty. Sales information from reconditioners provides an indirect way to assure that production 

is not exceeding the capacity of the test stand, and provides EPA with a list of distributor or retail 

facilities for enforcement audits and testing. 
4

The installer requirements are needed to assure installation of appropriate AMCC 

applications and to assure that catalytic converters are only replaced when necessary. Some repair 

shops could gain an unfair advantage if they were to install cheaper 2-way converters on vehicles 

requiring 3-way converters. Repair shops could also improperly benefit, at cost to both the 

consumer and ambient air quality, if OE catalytic converters are replaced when they are still 

functional or when they are still within the warranty period. 

The requirements also facilitate knowledge on the part of the installers of AMCCs and of 

the driving public that the catalytic converters they are using are appropriate and effective and that 

no potential liability should exist for the installer so long as the suitable catalytic converter is 

installed on each vehicle. 

USERS

Air Enforcement Division, Office of Civil Enforcement, Office of Enforcement and 

Compliance Assurance, EPA. As noted above, the requirements also assist industry by assuring a 

level playing field and by assuring installers and their customers that the catalytic converter to be 

installed is effective and appropriate for the vehicle (e.g., 3-way converter of proper capacity on 

vehicle that needs a 3-way catalytic converter). 

3. NONDUPLICATION, CONSULTATIONS, AND OTHER COLLECTION CRITERIA

3(a) Nonduplication

The information collection is not unnecessarily duplicative of information otherwise 

reasonably accessible to EPA. The required warranty provisions and the manufacturer reports and 

test records are the only records of their kind available to document the information needed to 

determine compliance. 

 

3(b) Public Notice Required Prior to ICR Submission to OMB

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, a public comment period of 60 days was 

announced in the Federal Register (73 Fed. Reg. 56817-9 (September 30, 2008)) regarding this 

proposed renewal ICR. No comments were received. However, we have continued to update 

burden and cost information and this ICR Supporting Statement, the associated Form 83-I and the 

second Federal Register notice reflect these changes. 

The ICR estimated burdens and costs that are being submitted to OMB for this renewal 

have been revised and updated to reflect wage and inflation increases, as well as estimated current 

workloads and corresponding burden times for installers, reconditioners and manufacturers. An 

additional estimate has been continued in this ICR regarding amortized startup costs for new 

AMCC installation businesses. A second Federal Register notice is being published announcing the 

submission of this Policy to OMB for approval. 

3(c) Consultations

For this ICR, EPA has contacted various affected industry respondents for information 

regarding burdens and costs. Following is a list of non-EPA contacts, by name, phone number and 
5

affiliation:

1. Joe Kubsh, Executive Director, Manufacturers of Emission Controls Assoc. (MECA)

 phone: 202-296-4797 ext 114.

2. Pat Haynes, Tenneco Automotive, phaynes@tenneco.com. 

3. Barry Hills, President, Canammex Exhaust, 954-941-9109

4. Helamon Andre, KGC Warehouse, 417-276-3059.

5. Harley Mayer, Jr., Kataco Creek Converters, 800-275-5116.

6. Paula Couch, Brown Recycling Mfg., Inc., 256-778-8756.

3(d) Effects of Less Frequent Collection

The information requested from the manufacturers would normally be kept as part of their 

records, and should not constitute a significant burden to maintain. Additionally, the information 

requested is the minimum considered necessary to adequately monitor the AMCC market and 

properly enforce the policy. Note that the manufacturers and reconditioners are voluntarily 

accepting recordkeeping burdens as a condition of EPA not bringing actions for violation of section 

203 of the Clean Air Act. EPA is willing to allow the sale of catalytic converters not certified to 

meet OE standards only if it can insure that AMCCs meet the less strict standards of the policy and 

that they are properly installed. 

 The product development information requested is only collected when a new product 

line is introduced by an AMCC manufacturer. Less frequent collection of test results would allow 

some AMCCs to reach the market without proof of sufficient emission testing to verify their 

effectiveness. Semi-annual reports of production or sales information are no longer required. Each 

used catalytic converter that is reconditioned must be tested, since the condition of the used 

catalytic converters varies widely.

 No reporting is required for installers. The recordkeeping must accompany installation 

since there is no way to collect the information afterward. 

3(e) General Guidelines

The collection is in compliance with OMB guidelines except that new AMCC

manufacturers are required to keep warranty cards for 5 years. Because the warranty period for the 

converters is 5 years, this length of document retention time is necessary. This requirement is also 

in line with the applicable statute of limitations. EPA has not received negative comment regarding 

this maintenance period from the industry.

3(f) Confidentiality 

Confidentiality protections are provided pursuant to 40 C.F.R. § 2.201 et seq. 

3(g) Sensitive Questions

This section is inapplicable to this ICR. 

4. THE RESPONDENTS AND THE INFORMATION REQUESTED
6

 4(a) Respondents/SIC Codes

 Respondents include the manufacturers of new AMCCs and reconditioners of used 

catalytic converters. The SIC code is 346 (NAICS 336399). The other respondents are automobile 

exhaust repair facilities. Their SIC code is 7533 (NAICS 811112). 

4(b) Information Requested

(i) Data Items, Including Recordkeeping Requirements

This ICR indicates for each recordkeeping requirement the length of time persons are 

required to maintain the records specified. 

ONE-TIME REPORTING: 

 

Parties required to submit one-time AMCC testing information include all manufacturers of 

new non-OE converters. Parties required to provide a report on a one-time basis to EPA include 

reconditioners of used OE catalytic converters.

Specifications Information for each new product line – New AMCC Manufacturers:

 1) Converter supplier and address.

 2) General type of converter (e.g., oxidation, reduction, three-way, etc.).

 3) Number of each type of catalyst used per can (number of individual monoliths 

containing catalytic metals in each unit).

 4) Substrate (e.g., monolithic, pelleted) - give configuration construction technique 

(e.g., extruded, laid-up, formed, etc.), composition, supplier and address, composition of active constituents in substrate (grams or troy ounces); for monolithic substrates, give number of cells per 

square inch of frontal area, design tolerances, and nominal cell wall thickness (in mils); for pelleted 

substrates, specify pellet shape and dimensions, pellet bulk density, the use of more than one type 

of pellet (e.g., Rh, or Pt/Pd), any geometrical distribution of pellets, and (if this is controlled in 

production) the mean impregnation depth (in microns) of active materials with production 

tolerances. 

 5) Washcoat - give composition of active constituents, and total active material loading 

(grams or troy ounces) in washcoat.

 6) Active material - give composition of active constituents, loading of each active 

material including design tolerances, and total active material loading, including design tolerances 

(grams or troy-ounces).

 7) Container - specify dimensions, volume, materials used, technique of containment 

and restraint, method of constructing container, canner (if different from catalyst supplier), and 

insulation and shielding (converter and/or vehicle).

 8) Physical description - dimensions (e.g., length, width, height, etc.), weight (lbs.), 
7

volume including design tolerances, active surface area (BET), and total active surface area 

including design tolerances.

Prototype Testing Description -- New AMCC manufacturers:

 1) Year, make, and model of vehicles tested.

 2) Method of mileage accumulation.

 3) Name and address of testing facility.

 4) Summary of conversion efficiency test results.

 5) Intended vehicle applications for each converter type tested.

Information on Test Bench -- Reconditioners of Catalytic Converters:

 1) Name and address of testing facility.

 2) Description of facilities used for testing.

 3) Intended vehicle applications for each converter type.

PERIODIC REPORTING: None

RECORDKEEPING:

New AMCC Manufacturer Recordkeeping:

The period of record retention for new AMCC manufacturers for warranty cards is 5 years. 

Installer Recordkeeping:

 There is no reporting. Installers are required to fill out the warranty card if new AMCCs

are installed, or provide the card to vehicle owner for completion of applicable sections and 

submittal to the AMCC manufacturer. Installers must state the reason for replacement on the 

invoice, maintain the invoices for 6 months, tag the replaced catalytic converters, and maintain the 

replaced catalytic converters on the premises for 15 days.

 (ii) Respondent Activities

 The information collection is to be implemented in ways consistent and compatible

with, to the maximum extent practicable, the existing reporting and recordkeeping practices of 

those who are to respond. 1

 

1 “N/A” indicates this was a one-time cost that has already been absorbed under start-up 

costs associated with the policy when it was promulgated or is otherwise not applicable. “*” 

indicates an item is a customary and usual business practice (CBP), or is partially CBP. 
8

NEW AMCC MANUFACTURERS

New AMCC Manufacturers Provide Information Regarding Specifications, Applications,

and Test Results for New Product Line

1) Review instructions; N/A

2) Develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for the purpose of 

collecting, validating, and verifying information; 

3) Develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for the purpose of 

processing and maintaining information;

4) Develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for the purpose of disclosing 

and providing information; N/A

5) Adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and 

requirements; N/A

6) Train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; N/A

7) Search data sources;

8) Complete & review the collection of information;

9) Transmit or otherwise disclose the information. 

This requirement is a one-time burden that only applies to new product lines. It has already 

been accomplished for all existing product lines, many of which are likely to be usable for many 

years to come. ICR assumes each manufacturer develops and tests one new line every two years.

New AMCC Manufacturers Test Each New Product Line

This requirement is a one-time burden that only applies to new product lines. In many 

cases it is contracted out. 

1) Review Instructions; N/A

2) Develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for collecting, validating 

and verifying information; 

3) Develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for processing and 

maintaining information; 

4) Develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for disclosing and providing 

information; N/A

5) Adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and 

requirements; N/A

6) Train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; N/A

7) Search data sources;

8) Complete & review collection of information; 

9) Transmit or otherwise disclose the information. 

New AMCC Manufacturers Report on a Semi-Annual Basis Regarding Manufacturing and 

Submit and Maintain Warranty Cards: 

These reports are no longer required on a routine basis; EPA reserves the right to require 

submission of information upon request. 
9

1) Review instructions; N/A

2) Develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for collecting, validating 

and verifying information; 

3) Develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for processing and 

maintaining information; *

4) Develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for disclosing and providing 

information; N/A

5) Adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and 

requirements; N/A

6) Train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; N/A

7) Search data sources; 

8) Complete and review the collection of information; 

9) Transmit or otherwise disclose information.

 

USED CATALYTIC CONVERTER RECONDITIONERS:

Used Catalytic Converter Reconditioners Submit Test Facility Information

This is a one-time burden which has already been absorbed by on-going facilities and we 

know of no new facilities.

1) Review instructions; N/A

2) Develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for collecting, validating 

and verifying information; 

3) Develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for processing and 

maintaining information; 

4) Develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for disclosing and providing 

information; 

5) Adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and 

requirements; N/A

6) Train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; N/A

7) Search data sources; 

8) Complete and review the collection of information; 

9) Transmit or otherwise disclose the information.

Used Catalytic Converter Reconditioners Perform Efficiency Test on Each Used Converter 

 

1) Review instructions; N/A

2) Develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for collecting, validating 

and verifying information;

3) Develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for processing and 

maintaining information; 

4) Develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for disclosing and providing 

information; N/A

5) Adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and 

requirements; N/A

6) Train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; N/A 

7) Search data sources; 

8) Complete and review the collection of information; 
10

9) Transmit or otherwise disclosing the information. 

Used Catalytic Converter Reconditioners Semi-Annual Report Regarding Distribution of 

Products: 

These reports are no longer required on a routine basis; EPA reserves the right to require 

submission of information upon request. 

1) Review instructions; N/A

2) Develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for collecting, validating 

and verifying information; 

3) Develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for processing and 

maintaining information; 

4) Develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for disclosing and providing 

information; N/A

5) Adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and 

requirements; N/A

6) Train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; N/A

7) Search data sources; 

8) Complete and review the collection of information; 

9) Transmit or otherwise disclose the information.

 

AMCC INSTALLERS

AMCC Installers Fill Out Warranty Card (For New AMCCs Only), State Reason for 

Replacement on Invoice and Place Tag on Removed Converter

Most of the recordkeeping and maintenance is CBP. This ICR also makes an estimate for 

startup burdens and costs for new businesses.

1) Review instructions; N/A

2) Develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for collecting, validating 

and verifying information; *

3) Develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for processing and 

maintaining information; *

4) Develop, acquire, install and utilize technology and systems for disclosing and providing 

information; N/A

5) Adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and 

requirements; N/A

6) Train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; N/A

7) Search data sources; *

8) Complete and review the collection of information; *

9) Transmit or otherwise disclose the information.

 

5. THE INFORMATION COLLECTED--AGENCY ACTIVITIES, COLLECTION 

METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

5(a) Agency Activities
11

The information collection has been developed by an office within the EPA Office of 

Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) that has planned and allocated resources for the 

efficient and effective management and use of the information to be collected, including the 

processing of the information in a manner which shall enhance, where appropriate, the utility of the 

information to agencies and the public. 

EPA engages in the following activities in regard to the information collection. 

-- Reviewing reports;

-- Conducting inspections or audits as appropriate; and

-- Taking enforcement actions where appropriate.

5(b) Collection Methodology and Management

New AMCC manufacturers collect sales data and warranty cards submitted to them by 

retail customers who have had converters installed, or directly from the installers themselves. This 

is a customary business practice for many businesses. Until 1999, the new AMCC manufacturers 

reported semi-annually to EPA manufacturing information (types of AMCCs and how many sold) 

and submitted either a computerized list summarizing AMCC installations or copies of the actual 

warranty cards, at their option. However, routine reporting is now only required regarding 

specifications for new product lines. Warranty cards must be kept for 5 years because that is the 

length of the warranty period. 

Since warranties are not required on reconditioned catalytic converters, the reconditioners 

were required, prior to 1999, to provide semi-annual report regarding to whom they sold 

reconditioned catalytic converters, how many were sold, and what types were sold. The 

reconditioners must still retain this information, and provide it to EPA upon request, but routine 

reporting on reconditioned catalytic converters is no longer required.

No other recordkeeping or reporting is necessary for new AMCC manufacturers unless they 

create a new line of AMCCs, in which case data must be submitted regarding test results and 

appropriate applications of the AMCCs. For used catalytic converter reconditioners, testing of each 

catalytic converter is necessary to determine if it is still functional. However, no specific record 

retention requirement exists regarding the results of individual tests, other than to include a 

certification with the converter that it passed testing. This short statement can be a pre-printed 

form. 

If industry voices an interest in electronic reporting, EPA will facilitate such data 

interchange, if practical. In the meantime, we would be willing to accept computer discs or other 

electronic information containing warranty information instead of hard copies of the information if 

we request it. Since routine reporting of sales and warranty information is no longer required this 

does not appear to be a significant issue. 

Installers have no reporting requirement. They merely fill out a warranty card for each 

converter installed, and include on the customary business practice invoice a pre-printed statement 

with a blank for why replacement was appropriate. The invoice, including the “reason for 

replacement” statement, must be kept for 6 months. In addition, the removed converter is tagged 
12

for a 15 day period and maintained on the premises, so it can be directly related to the vehicle and 

to the AMCC that replaced it.

5(c) Small Entity Flexibility

The information collection reduces to the extent practicable and appropriate the burden on 

persons who shall provide information to or for EPA, including with respect to small entities, as 

defined by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. § 601(6)), the use of such techniques as: (1) 

establishing differing compliance or reporting requirements or timetables that take into account the 

resources available to those who are to respond; (2) the clarification, consolidation, or 

simplification of compliance and reporting requirements; or (3) an exemption from coverage of the 

collection of information, or any part thereof. 

 

New aftermarket catalytic converter manufacturers are substantial businesses with gross 

revenues in the millions of dollars per year. The catalytic converter reconditioners tend to be 

smaller businesses and the recordkeeping and reporting requirements are somewhat less; to wit: 

there are no warranty requirements and therefore no requirements to maintain warranty cards or 

report warranty information. More importantly, the policy allows small businesses to compete with 

the original equipment manufacturers in a market which was previously inaccessible to them, and 

which would not be legal but for this policy. Many installers are small businesses and benefit 

significantly from this multimillion dollar industry. Their requirements are minimal (4-5 minutes 

per installation, at least some of which is not an EPA imposed burden since maintaining invoices is 

a customary business practice). 

5(d) Collection Schedule

Sales reports were previously required to be submitted to EPA by manufacturers and 

reconditioners semi-annually. This routine reporting is no longer required. No other regular 

reporting exists, but reports must be submitted by new AMCC manufacturers for new product lines. 

Installers do not report. Their recordkeeping occurs at the time of each installation transaction.

6. ESTIMATING THE BURDEN AND COST OF THE COLLECTION

Assumptions:

The estimated dollar cost for new AMCC manufacturers will be different than for used OE 

catalytic converter reconditioners, since the policy is different for each group. The cost estimates 

for manufacturers and reconditioners, and for installers, are outlined below.

NEW CONVERTER MANUFACTURERS

1) The number of new AMCC manufacturers is approximately 8 (the same as in the

previous ICR). The cost to new converter manufacturers consists of a) the one-time cost of 

submitting new product line specifications and testing information to EPA; and b) the one-time cost 

to test two converters for each product line using the specifications outlined in the policy. There is 

no longer a burden for submission of semi-annual reports regarding manufacturing and sales. 

2) Contractor cost: Based on estimates supplied by companies that provide the testing 

services, the testing cost for a typical manufacturer is approximately $97,600 per product line. This 
13

estimate is identical to the estimate used in the previous ICR, but has been adjusted for inflation to 

2008 dollars. This estimate includes the cost for personnel to conduct the testing, as well as the 

actual cost of the testing equipment and procedures. If the typical manufacturer markets 

approximately one new product line every two years, the total testing cost for a typical new 

converter manufacturer would be $97,600 for two years. Under the assumption that the prevailing 

interest rate is 8%, the annualized cost of the development testing would be $97,600 amortized over 

24 months at 8% compounded monthly, or $52,970 per manufacturer per year. The number of new 

product lines is based on historical submissions and has not changed from the previous ICR. 

3) To estimate the labor to tabulate and report the information as required, we used 

automotive sector labor rates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics website, which is found at 

http://www.bls.gov/bls/auto.htm. While no job category necessarily perfectly fits the technical 

work performed by aftermarket catalytic converter manufacturers, we selected the labor rate for 

motor vehicle parts manufacturers. The hourly wage for automotive parts manufacturers as of 

October 2008 was $20.91 per hour. In reality, much of the burden can be performed by lower pay 

scale clerical staff. To account for benefits and overhead we have doubled this hourly wage, which 

results in an hourly cost of $41.82. 

4) The actual hour estimates per response (aside from the elimination of the semi-annual 

reports as noted above) have remained the same since the last ICR. For new converter 

manufacturers, putting together an EPA report on specifications of a new product line takes about 2 

hours. We have eliminated reporting on manufacturing and sales information, which took about 0.5 

hr.; and eliminated submission of warranty card information, which took about 1 hour to box and 

send to EPA. The maintaining of records, including warranty records, requires about 1 hour per 

year. 

RECONDITIONERS OF USED CATALYTIC CONVERTERS

1) The number of businesses reconditioning used catalytic converters (Reconditioners) is

six, the same as in the previous ICR.

2) The cost to a Reconditioner consists of the labor costs of testing each individual

converter according to the test procedures outlined in the policy, the cost of setting up the bench 

testing equipment, and the cost of tabulating and reporting the information required in the policy. 

These cost elements are treated separately below.

3) Two technicians are needed to test each used catalytic converter. The cost of a 

technician per hour is estimated to be somewhat less than for a new AMCC manufacturer, and 

instead is estimated to be about the same as an automobile mechanic. For the cost of an employee 

burden hour, however, we used the same costs as for new AMCC manufacturers. This gives an 

hourly cost per employee of $41.82, including the cost of benefits and overhead. 

4) An average of 2.00 minutes are required for each test. 

5) Capital Costs for Reconditioners’ equipment are based on a test equipment cost of about 

$200,000, having a useful life of about 5 years. If this is amortized over 5 years the yearly cost 

comes to about $48,663 per Reconditioner per year, including interest charges (8% interest).

 

6) Record-keeping costs for tabulating and reporting information to EPA are based on the 
14

same labor rate as above, even though some of this work may be done by lower pay scale clerical 

workers.

7) The estimate of the number of reconditioned catalytic converters tested annually is 

56,000 (roughly 2% of the number of new AMCCs sold each year). This estimate is unchanged 

since the previous ICR. 

8) Reconditioners no longer have the previous reporting burden of preparation of a semiannual report (such reports previously took about 4 hours; less than 8 hours per year). The 

maintenance of these records takes about 1 hour per year. 

 

AMCC INSTALLERS 

1) There are approximately 30,000 automotive exhaust repair shops nationwide. It is 

assumed that these entities install the vast majority of AMCCs and it is further assumed that all of 

these entities install converters, but generally do not include tire/ brake shops and other non-exhaust 

repair facilities such as electrical diagnostic facilities. This is the same number of installers used in 

the previous ICR.

2) The estimate of the number of new AMCCs installed annually has been increased to 2.6

million to account for growth in the number of vehicles on the road (vehicle population has 

increased on average about 1.2% per year over the last 10 years according to the U.S. Department 

of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Highway Statistics 2003 www.fhwa.dot.gov.

In the previous ICR, we estimated there were 2.5 million new AMCCs installed per year. These 

estimates are in line with a 2001 report from the Manufacturers of Emission Controls Association

who reported a total of 3,079,249 new AMCCs supplied to North America (including catalytic 

converters supplied to Mexico). 

3) Typically, it takes an exhaust repair technician 4-5 minutes per installation to handle all 

recordkeeping requirements (fill out warranty card if applicable, fill in blank on invoice regarding 

reason for replacement, and tag the converter that was removed). This estimate is based on 

information from shop owners as well as EPA experience with the paperwork. In many cases, blank 

warranty cards are simply provided to customers, further reducing burden times. 

4) The cost of an employee per hour is estimated to be about the same as an automobile 

mechanic. For the cost of an employee burden hour, we used $15.11/hour, the most recent data 

from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for Automotive Repair and Maintenance for October 2008, and 

doubled that figure to reflect benefits and overhead. This gives an hourly cost of $30.22. This 

estimate is lower than for the previous ICR, but is based on current hourly wage data.

5) Using the above assumptions, each shop averages 87 installations per year. On the 

average, the paperwork is assumed to take about 5 minutes per installation, or 7.2 hours per year. 

At $30.22 per hour, this comes to $218 per year per shop. 

6(a) Estimates of Respondent Burden and Cost

NEW AMCC MANUFACTURERS

1) Provide Specifications for New Product Lines
15

One-time burden for each new product line is 2 hours. Assume each manufacturer 

develops one new product line every two years. 

 Annual Hours per Respondent: 1.0

 Annual Cost per Respondent: $ 42

 Hours for 8 Respondents: 8

 Cost for 8 Respondents: $335

2) Test Prototypes (Purchased Services):

 One-time burden for new product lines (one new product line per manufacturer every 

two years). 

 Hours per Respondent (contracted out) 0

 Annualized Cost per Respondent: $52,970

 HRS FOR 8 RESPONDENTS: 0

 COST FOR 8 RESPONDENTS: $423,760

3) Submit Semi-annual Reports of Manufacturing Data and Warranty Cards (reporting 

requirement discontinued; Recordkeeping exists):

 Hours per Respondent: 1

 Cost per Respondent: $41.82

 Hours for 8 Respondents: 8 

 COST FOR 8 RESPONDENTS: $331.84

4) Annualized O & M Costs (for postage): $6 * 8 parties = $48 for all respondents. 

USED CATALYTIC CONVERTER RECONDITIONERS

1) Submit Test Facility Information: This is a one-time burden which has already been 

absorbed by current Reconditioners. No new facilities are anticipated within the period of this ICR.

2) Perform Efficiency Tests on Each Reconditioned Catalytic Converter:

 Hours per Respondent: 623 

 (Represents 9345 converters tested per year per Respondent) 

 Cost per Respondent: $26,054

 Hours for 6 Respondents: 3,738 

 Cost for 6 Respondents: $156,323

3) Submit Semi-annual Reports Regarding Distribution of Products (reporting requirement 

discontinued; Recordkeeping exists):
16

 Hours per Respondent: 1

 Cost per Respodent: $41.82

 Hours for 6 Respondents: 6

 Cost for 6 Respondents: $251

4) Amortized Capital Costs 

Per Respondent: $48,663

Amortized Capital Cost for 6 Respondents: $291,978 

5) Annualized O & M (for postage): None 

EXHAUST SYSTEM REPAIR FACILITIES

1) Maintain Invoices and Removal Justification. Tag Converters

 Hours per Respondent: 7.22

 Cost per Respondent: $218

 Hours for 30,000 Respondents: 216,667

 Cost for 30,000 Respondents: $6,547,667

2) Startup Costs: 

Hours per Startup 5

Cost per Startup $151

Hours for 100 Startups 500

Cost for 100 Startups $15,100

Capital Costs (to purchase converter storage space): 

$250*100 = $25,000 for all respondents. 

6(b) Summary of Respondent Costs

1) Total Yearly Costs for New AMCC Manufacturers:

 $52,976 per respondent, including contractor testing costs, O&M costs; 

 $423,808 for all 8 respondents.

2) Total Yearly Costs for Converter Reconditioners:

 $26,096 for yearly converter tests to check efficiency, 

 Capital Costs of $48,663 = $74,759 per respondent, and $448,552 for all 6 

 respondents.

3) Total yearly costs for installers: 

 $218 for 1 respondent = $6,547,667 for all 30,000 installer facilities for labor
17

5 hours ($151) plus $250 for filing space or $401 per party * 100 new parties per

 year = $40,110 total startup costs for new businesses. Total is $6,627,887.

4) Total Yearly Burden: $7,500,247 (including salaries); 220,935 hours for all respondents, 

including testing and including 500 hours for 100 startups). Annualized cost burden other than 

salaries: $740,782. 

 

SUMMARY OF RESPONDENTS’ BURDENS AND COSTS BY CATEGORY: 

I. New Aftermarket Catalytic Converter Manufacturers

 A. Annual Burden Hours per Party: 3. (24 for all 8 respondents)

 B. Annualized Capital Costs per Party: $0.00.

 C. Annualized Operating Costs per party: $6.00 ($48 for all 8)

 D. Annualized Startup Costs: $0.00 (no new entities entering the market).

 E. Annual Purchased Services per Party (for Testing of Prototypes): $52,970. ($423,760

for all 8). 

II. Used Aftermarket Catalytic Converter Manufacturers

 

 A. Annual Burden Hours per Party: 624 (testing of catalytic converters to determine 

they are functional; the actual recordkeeping burden is minimal). (3,744 for all 6) 

 B. Annualized Capital Costs per Party: $48,663. ($291,978 for all 6) 

 C. Annualized Operating Costs per Party: $0.

 D. Annualized Startup Costs: None. There have been no new parties and none are 

expected in the next 3 years.

 E. Annual Purchased Services per Party: $0.00. 

III. Installers of AMCCs

 A. Annual Burden Hours per Party: 7.2

 B. Annualized Capital Costs per Party: $0.00.

 C. Annualized Operating Costs per party: $0.00.

 D. Annual Purchased Services per Party: $0.00.

 E. Annualized Startup Costs: Assume 100 new installers per year; assume reviewing 

instructions and setting up recordkeeping systems requires 5 hrs per party and the purchase of file 

space of $250. Total startup cost would be $151 plus $250, for a total of $401 per party and 
18

$40,100 nationwide. 

 6(c) Estimated EPA Burden and Cost

 The direct cost of personnel to process and analyze the information collected is 

estimated to be $770 or about 20 hours at the cost of a grade 12 employee. An estimated travel cost 

of $5,000 would be needed to monitor compliance with the policy, in addition to travel already used 

for retail level inspections for automobile emissions tampering generally. The total annual cost to 

the government is thus estimated to be $5770.

 6(d) Reasons for Change in Burden

 Hourly burdens for new AMCC manufacturers and reconditioners of used catalytic 

converters have remained unchanged. However, the cost-burden for both have increased due to 

increases in testing equipment costs. Burdens for installers have been increased to reflect the 

increase in sales volume. We have adjusted cost figures for inflation. 

 6(e) Burden Statement

The public recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average:

 3 hours per new AMCC manufacturer, on average, with $6 annual operational costs 

per year and annualized purchased services costs per year of $52,970; 

 624 hours (including catalytic converter testing time) per used catalytic converter 

reconditioner, on average, with annualized capital costs per year of $48,663; and 

 7.2 hours per respondent for AMCC installation facilities, with an additional 5 hours 

for the first year for startup facilities and an additional $250 for startup capital costs.

The overall average is 7.4 hours per response (220,935 total burden hours divided by 

30,014 respondents).

Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, 

maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the 

time needed to review instructions, develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for 

the purpose of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining 

information, and disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any 

previously applicable instructions and requirements; train personnel to be able to respond to a 

collection of information; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; 

and transmit or otherwise disclose the information. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a 

person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid 

OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA’s regulations are listed in 40 C.F.R. Part 

9 and 48 C.F.R. Chapter 15. 

To comment on EPA’s need for this information, the accuracy of the provided burden 

estimates, and any suggested methods for minimizing respondent burden, including the use of 

automated collection techniques, EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID 

No. OECA-2008-0696, which is available for public viewing at the Enforcement and Compliance 

Docket and Information Center in the EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Room B102, 1301 

Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. The EPA Docket Center Public Reading Room is open 

from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone 
19

number for the Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the Enforcement and 

Compliance Docket and Information Center is (202) 566-1752. An electronic version of the public 

docket is available through EPA Dockets (EDOCKET) at http://www.epa.gov/edocket. Use 

EDOCKET to submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the public 

docket, and to access those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Once in 

the system, select “search,” then key in the docket ID number identified above. Also, you can send 

comments to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 

725 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20503, Attention: Desk Office for EPA. Please include the 

EPA Docket ID No. OECA-2005-0052 and OMB control number 2060-0135 in any correspondence. 

PART B. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL 

METHODS

This section is not applicable because statistical methods are not used in the data collection 

associated with the aftermarket catalytic converter policy.

APPENDIX A. Summary of Comments to First Federal Register Notice

 

No comments were received. 

 

APPENDIX B. Citation for Information Requirements of the ICR

The information requirements of this ICR are enumerated in EPA’s proposed and interim 

enforcement policy published in the Federal Register on August 5, 1986 (51 Fed. Reg. 28114). In 

this Federal Register notice EPA proposed to amend 40 C.F.R. Part 85 by adding a new Appendix 

IX, which would consist of this enforcement policy. There are no regulations applicable to this 

information collection. The citations listed below for the information requirements refer to this 

Federal Register notice.

Information Requirement Fed. Reg. Citation

New Converter Manufacturers

Collect and Transmit Converter specifications to EPA 51 FR 28119

Collect, file and maintain warranty information 51 FR 28117

Used Converter Reconditioners

Collect, file and maintain sales information and customer lists 51 FR 28118

Installers

Invoices, Warranties, Tag converters 51 FR 28816