California approves SEMA‑backed bill to speed aftermarket products to market

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed SB 1069, a SEMA‑sponsored bill that creates a conditional approval pathway for qualifying emissions‑related aftermarket products. The new law is intended to help compliant parts reach the California market faster while the California Air Resources Board (CARB) completes its final review.

SB 1069, authored by Sen. Tim Grayson, allows manufacturers that submit complete CARB Executive Order applications, including required emissions testing and technical documentation, to receive conditional approval to sell, advertise and install covered products during CARB’s review period.

“SB 1069 is an important win for our industry, giving manufacturers that have invested in emissions testing and compliance a meaningful new pathway to bring qualifying products to market faster in California,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola. “This law will help innovative products reach consumers sooner and give small businesses greater certainty to invest and grow.”

“California’s automotive aftermarket is an important part of our economy, and SB 1069 gives businesses that follow the rules and invest in compliance a clearer path forward,” said Grayson. “This law recognizes the work manufacturers put into meeting California’s emissions requirements while giving them greater certainty as they plan new products and investments.”

SB 1069 takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. CARB must implement the conditional approval program by July 1, 2028.

SEMA says the pathway does not change emissions standards or CARB’s authority to approve or deny Executive Orders. The association’s emissions compliance program has supported about half of all aftermarket EOs issued over the past eight years and has completed more than 800 EO applications for member companies.

California’s specialty automotive aftermarket generates $40.44 billion in economic output, supports more than 149,000 jobs and includes more than 1,200 manufacturers, distributors and retailers.