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Dear SEMA Member,
Over the years, SEMA has received many requests from members seeking information about federal and state emissions compliance requirements. If you manufacture emissions-related aftermarket parts for regulated vehicles, the parts will likely need to be tested to confirm that vehicles will still meet applicable clean air standards after the part has been installed. Emissions-related parts are regulated under our Nation's clean air laws and are primarily enforced by two government agencies: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
SEMA has published two brochures to assist members in understanding and complying with the laws. The first brochure explains how the EPA and CARB regulate emissions-related aftermarket parts. The second brochure is a comprehensive compliance handbook.
SEMA wants to give you all the tools necessary to comply with the law in a cost-effective manner. That includes explaining the law and providing an option to test your products. Emissions-related aftermarket parts include any specialty part that interacts with the vehicle's emissions system and changes the performance levels of the equipment being replaced or supplemented. They are commonly called "add-on" or "modified" parts. The product may be "emissions-related" if it is installed anywhere between the air intake and the outlet end of the catalytic converter. The term does not include ordinary replacement parts.
The information contained in this document is intended as a complete guide for any interested party to understand the emissions compliance process and to maximize the probability of a successful compliance experience. SEMA has a staff available to assist members throughout the process. Contact information is provided at the end of this document. We encourage you to contact us with any questions pertaining to the compliance process.
If you have any questions about the information provided, please contact Dean Schilngmann, Emissions Compliance Director at deans@sema.org or call (909) 978-6673.
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The material posted on this site is intended as a guide to emissions certification of specialty automotive aftermarket parts. The guide attempts to simplify the detailed process for achieving emissions > compliance status with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which are the only authority for the programs referenced herein. The material is designed to expedite the process by which SEMA members can gain parts certification. Please note that the information contained herein is intended for reference only and that CARB/EPA regulations are subject to change. Please consult the appropriate regulations to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this volume.
SEMA has relied upon several federal and state resources to collect the material but disclaims any responsibility for the contents. SEMA also disclaims any responsibility for any claims that might result from reliance on the contents of the posted material. These materials are not intended to provide legal advice. Compliance with the CARB and EPA regulations should be undertaken in consultation with competent counsel.
Mike Spagnola is the CEO of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and Performance Racing Industry (PRI), a position he has held since 2022. A strong leader with hands-on business management experience in retail, distribution, and manufacturing, Spagnola has logged more than 40 years in the specialty auto parts arena, including more than 20 years of ownership in several automotive companies.
Spagnola joined SEMA in 2013 as vice president, OEM & Product Development Programs. In that role he oversaw the SEMA Garage - Product Development Center in Diamond Bar, Calif., and developed and managed the SEMA Garage near Detroit, Mich.
Prior to joining SEMA, Spagnola served as President of Street Scene Equipment, where he managed the company’s day-to-day business for 16 years. His experience working with OEMs building concept and project vehicles has led to more than a dozen design awards and extensive media recognition. Spagnola also served two terms on the SEMA Board of Directors, chaired the SEMA Scholarship Committee, and was the Association’s Person of the Year in 2010.
Spagnola is passionate about ensuring that the Association gives back to the community by helping bring the next generation of students successfully into the industry. He’s credited with creating SEMA’s annual Pinewood Drag Race and Show ‘N Shine Car Show charitable events (now called the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags), which have raised thousands of dollars for charity.
Spagnola is also a racer, having raced competitively in SCCA and off-road.
When he’s not spending time with his wife, three children and five grandchildren, Spagnola enjoys collecting and restoring cars.
The SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala is a long-established tradition where individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry are honored and celebrated.
Check-out the recap below of the 2026 event.
Industry leaders, innovators and enthusiasts gathered at the Renaissance Newport Beach to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala, a tradition originating in 1976. The event comes 63 years after SEMA was founded in 1963.
The evening, hosted by industry voice Kevin Oeste, honored the SEMA Hall of Fame Class of 2026, recognized industry leadership, reflected on another year of advocacy victories and looked ahead to the future of the automotive aftermarket as part of the theme, "The Next 63 Years, Engineering the SEMA of Tomorrow."
Chair
Chair-Elect
Immediate Past-Chair/Secretary
Treasurer
RICH BUTLER
JEFF HERMANN
BRIAN HERRON
DOUG LANE
TIM McCARTHY
KELLE OESTE
KIM PENDERGAST
MELISSA SCOLES
MARCUS UMLAUFF
SEMA is governed by a Board of Directors who volunteer their time to lead and guide the association. A professional staff is responsible for the day-to-day execution of the programs and services.
The individuals serving on the Board are doing more than just "getting involved" and leading the association. They are serving the industry and all of the businesses within it. They are providing direction and playing a critical role in shaping the future of the automotive specialty-equipment market.
The SEMA Board consists of four officers (chairman, chairman-elect, immediate past chairman/secretary, treasurer) and ten directors. While there is a limited number of seats on the Board, the election process gives all SEMA-member companies the ability to influence the future of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.
In addition to having the ability to vote in the election, SEMA-member companies also have an opportunity to play a role in the process from the very beginning.
In fact, the election process begins with employees of SEMA-member companies recommending people in the industry who, in their opinion, would be good candidates to run for the SEMA Board. Members are free to nominate colleagues as well as themselves. A nominating committee then reviews all recommendations. This group consists of nine individuals, who, by agreeing to sit on the committee, are ineligible to run for the Board during that election year. The group reviews each nomination based on industry experience, knowledge of business affairs, integrity and other similar characteristics.
The nominating committee then submits its recommendations for potential candidates to the current Board of directors. This process of checks and balances ensures that the final list of candidates includes only highly qualified nominees. Names and background information on the final candidates are posted on the SEMA Election microsite. According to SEMA bylaws, there are four basic voting categories: Manufacturers, Distributor/Retailer, Services, and Manufacturers' Reps. Members are free to vote for a candidate in each of the membership categories.
Ballots returned before the stated deadline are collected and tabulated by an outside web ballot/election company. The SEMA President and two Board members confirm the election results, and the final results are announced soon after all candidates have been contacted. New directors and officers begin their service in July.
All Board officer positions serve two-year terms (the chairman-elect serves in that position for two years, then serves as chairman for the succeeding two years). All Board director positions serve three-year terms. Directors may be re-elected to serve up to two consecutive three-year terms in office, and they may be re-elected to office after two consecutive terms following a minimum break in continuous service of two consecutive years.
