The agency's future submission of this information collection request should include copies of as much of the primary source material for the requirement as is possible, such as the Federal Register documents that specify the content of these information collections.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
08/31/2012
36 Months From Approved
08/31/2009
30,014
0
30,014
220,928
0
212,101
740,786
0
676,000
The aftermarket catalytic converter policy (51 Fed. Reg. 28114-28119, 28113 (Aug. 5, 1986); 52 Fed. Reg. 42144 (Nov. 3, 1987)) allows aftermarket automobile catalytic converter (AMCC) manufacturers and reconditioners to compete with the automobile manufacturers for the 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 are not identical to original equipment (OE) versions of these parts. This policy lowers the cost of replacement catalytic converters, so motorists are more likely to replace damaged catalytic converters rather than removing them, ensuring that vehicles will not create excessive air pollution. New AMCC manufacturers must report a description of each new product line, including testing information, and retain warranty and sales records. Reconditioners (sellers of used catalytic converters) must report a description of the company, products, and test equipment, test each reconditioned catalytic converter, and retain sales and customer records. Installers of AMCCs must fill out the warranty card, include a brief statement with each invoice stating the need for replacing the original catalytic converter, tag each removed catalytic converter, retain the tagged catalytic converters for 15 days, and retain the invoices for 6 months. The reporting and recordkeeping requirements help ensure that OE catalytic converters were removed for acceptable reasons, that correct AMCCs were installed, that AMCCs meet the emission reduction targets, and AMCCs are properly warranted. The information required to be reported is not otherwise available and is not covered under any other information request since it is unique to the AMCC policy. The collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of EPA functions and will have practical utility. Without these requirements, enforcement would be nearly impossible.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
1292ss08.DOC
Enforcement Policy Regarding the Sale and Use of Aftermarket Catalytic Converters - New AMCC Manufacturers