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CARB Zero-Emission Forklift Regulation

August 30, 2024

On June 27, 2024, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved the Zero-Emission Forklift (ZEF) Regulation. The ZEF Regulation will reduce criteria pollutants, such as oxides of nitrogen (NOx), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, from in-use large spark-ignited (LSI) forklifts. The regulation restricts the sale of most LSI forklifts starting in 2026 and establishes phase-out requirements between the years 2028 and 2038. 

This regulation applies to forklifts and engine manufacturers, as well as any person, public utility, special district, or government agency that operates, permits the operation of, owns, leases, rents, sells, or offers forklifts or engines for lease or rent within California. Forklifts not subject to the ZEF Regulation include rough terrain forklifts, vehicle-mounted forklifts, combat and tactical support equipment, pallet jacks, forklifts equipped with a telescoping boom, forklifts subject to the Mobile Cargo Handling Equipment at Ports and Intermodal Rail Yards Regulation, and forklifts owned and operated by an individual for personal, non-commercial, and non-governmental purposes. 

The phase-out schedule, outlined in the following table within the right-hand column, is dependent on model year and forklift classification and is designed so that no forklift is required to be phased out before it is 10 years old. Small fleets may follow an alternative phase-out schedule that allows for Class IV forklifts to be held onto for longer. 

Fleets can utilize a phase-out percentage cap to their first compliance deadline. Forklifts shall be phased out in the order of oldest to newest. All applicable LSI forklifts not phased out due to utilization of a phase-out percentage cap shall be phased out by the next applicable compliance date.

Similar to the LSI Engine Fleet Requirements Regulation, forklifts that operate less than 200 hours per year can be designated as low-use forklifts and are exempt from the ZEF phase-out requirements. However, the regulation will prohibit the operation of low-use LSI forklifts after December 31, 2030. Government agencies operating forklifts that support emergency operations can utilize the Dedicated Emergency Forklift Exemption, which exempts these forklifts from the ZEF phase-out requirements. Fleet operators can also apply for a number of available extensions to the compliance deadlines.

Fleet operators of large fleets must submit an initial report to CARB by April 30, 2026, and then submit an annual report documenting any changes to their fleet by April 30^th each year thereafter. Small fleets must submit their report by September 30, 2026, and then submit an annual report by September 30^th each year thereafter.

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For more information, visit: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/zero-emission-forklifts

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