RECD device as per CPCB normsBuying an requires more than comparing prices or choosing a product based on a “CPCB approved” label. For a generator owner, one of the most important purchasing decisions is determining whether the exact product being offered has appropriate technical documentation, identification, applicability and supporting certification information.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has established a procedure for emission-compliance testing of Retrofit Emission Control Devices for applicable in-use diesel power-generating-set engines. The procedure includes requirements relating to RECD families, type approval, testing and information that must accompany an approved RECD.

What Makes an RECD Product Genuine?

A genuine RECD should be identifiable as a specific product rather than simply being described as a generic pollution-control device. CPCB's published procedure specifies that each RECD should carry or be accompanied by information including:

Manufacturer name or trademark
Make and identifying part number
RECD family information
Applicable engine/family information
Retrofit installation instructions
End-user service and maintenance instructions

These details help connect the physical product with its technical documentation. Therefore, a buyer should be cautious if a supplier cannot clearly identify the exact model being supplied.

Why the Exact Model Matters

An RECD certificate or approval-related document should not be treated as a blanket approval for every product sold by a company. CPCB's procedure describes RECD families and explains that type approval involves testing of a parent RECD model, with provisions for additional models or extension to models within an already certified family.

For buyers, this means the following information matters:

Manufacturer → Exact Model → RECD Family → Applicable Engine/Power Range → Supporting Documentation

The chain should be clear.

If a quotation only says “CPCB-approved RECD” without providing the product model or relevant documentation, request clarification before proceeding.

Genuine Product vs Generic Pollution-Control Device

The market may contain various devices marketed for diesel-generator emission control. Not every exhaust-treatment product should automatically be described as an RECD under the CPCB framework. A generic emission-control product may have a useful technical purpose, but the buyer should not assume that it has the same certification status or applicability as a product covered by the RECD procedure.

The safest approach is to ask the supplier:

“What exact RECD model are you supplying, and what official documentation supports its applicability?”

The answer should be specific and verifiable.

Check the Manufacturer Information

CPCB has published information on RECD manufacturers and the applicable ranges of listed products.

For example, one CPCB-published list identifies RECD vendors together with applicable ranges of in-use diesel generators and the certification agency associated with the listed products. It also notes that the RECD-plus-engine combinations are tested for mechanical gross power in kW, with corresponding kVA ratings to be checked against the relevant data plates.

Verify Current CPCB Information

CPCB's website is updated periodically and contains current announcements, technical material and regulatory information. Its official website currently shows updates to its important-announcements and regulatory sections. Therefore, buyers should not rely exclusively on old articles, archived vendor brochures or outdated social-media claims.

Before finalizing a compliance-related purchase, verify the latest official information applicable to the generator. Where relevant, also check requirements issued by the State Pollution Control Board or Pollution Control Committee responsible for the site.

Conclusion

verificationDG generator emission control deviceThe difference between a properly documented RECD and a product making an unclear compliance claim often comes down to . A genuine purchase should begin with the generator's technical information and end with a clear documentation trail. The exact RECD model, manufacturer, application range, certification/test information, installation instructions and maintenance documentation should all be identifiable. CPCB's procedure provides specific requirements around RECD type approval, testing, product identification and documentation. It states that each RECD should be accompanied by manufacturer/product identification, applicable family information, retrofit installation instructions and an end-user service manual containing maintenance instructions. For organizations searching for a , the safest purchasing approach is therefore not to accept a generic “CPCB approved” statement at face value. Ask for the exact product information and verify that the documentation corresponds to the equipment being offered.

RECD Device as per CPCB Norms — Genuine vs Non-Compliant Products

Protect Your Investment — Learn What Sets Genuine RECD Devices Apart from Non-Compliant Copies