Collision repair and auto body shops typically fall under the NAICS 811121 and SIC 7532. Most of these businesses generate air emissions and hazardous waste from painting processes regulated by the state or EPA. This page focuses on the coating-related air quality regulations that impact the sector.  

In recent years, collision repair and autobody shops have had to come into compliance with a National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants known as the NESHAP HHHHHH or 6H rule, which applies to paint stripping and miscellaneous surface-coating operations including collision repair. In fact, collision repair shops are considered under the rule unless they petition for an exemption (see sample form below) from it. The resources below, which include a link to a new 6H regulatory navigation tool, provide more detail on this rule as it applies to the collision repair industry.  

SPECIAL ALERT: EPA is proposing amendments to the NESHAP 6H. Public comment can be provided on or before Jan. 3, 2022 in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2021-0016.

EPA resources

• EPA 6H regulatory navigation tool – your first stop as an auto body shop to determine whether the 6H regulation applies to your facility 

  • Paint vendors list which paints are 6H rule-exempt 

  • Repairer-Driven News – explanation of 6H regulatory navigation tool 

• EPA website for 6H rule – paint stripping and miscellaneous surface- coating operations at area sources with rule, and technical and implementation information 

• 6H regulations 

• 6H petition for exemption form 

• EPA collision repair campaign to reduce air toxics – includes various tools developed by the EPA and other states 

• EPA collision repair outreach and training resources – includes several outreach materials in English and Spanish, featuring Jeff Gordon in a 19-minute video explaining the NESHAP 6H or "6H rule" 

• Collision repair compliance video in English 

• Click here for foreign language guidance

State-specific resources

• Illinois 

• Indiana 

• Massachusetts hosts MassCAR– 

  • Complete auto body compliance checklist and training resource   

• Michigan 

  • Michigan has developed an FAQ for motor vehicles and mobile equipment on paint stripping and miscellaneous surface-coating operations’ area source rule. 

• Minnesota 
• Ohio 
• Wisconsin 

Vendor resources  

• 6H vendor petition for exemption resources and training opportunities - paint vendors list which paints are 6H rule-exempt

• Industry trade associations