Buying a CPCB approved RECD is not simply about finding a device with “CPCB” printed on its brochure. A genuine certification check requires buyers to connect the actual RECD model with its manufacturer, Type Approval documentation, testing agency, technical specifications, and intended DG-set application.
For businesses operating diesel generators, this distinction matters because a genuine certificate can still be irrelevant if it belongs to another model or engine application. A careful buyer should therefore verify the complete documentation before placing an order.
What Makes RECD Certification Genuine?
CPCB has established a formal procedure for emission-compliance testing of Retrofit Emission Control Devices for diesel power-generating-set engines up to 800 kW gross mechanical power. The procedure includes Type Approval and subsequent conformity-of-production requirements for applicable RECD manufacturers, importers and retrofitters.
The certification process is therefore more than a manufacturer's internal claim. An applicant submits its RECD family or model to an approved certification agency for the applicable Type Approval process. CPCB's procedure currently identifies agencies including ARAI, ICAT, IIP and VRDE, while also providing for qualifying NABL-accredited testing and certification agencies. CPCB notes that the list of eligible agencies may be revised over time. This makes traceability one of the strongest indicators of genuine certification.
Start by Checking the Manufacturer
Before examining a certificate, confirm who actually manufactured the RECD. The manufacturer's name should be consistent across the Type Approval documents, product literature, quotation, invoice and physical equipment. A difference in company names does not automatically mean that a certificate is invalid, because corporate structures, importers or authorized entities can sometimes be involved, but the relationship should be documented and explainable.
CPCB maintains an official list of manufacturers certified for RECD applications. The published list verified for this article is dated May 9, 2025 and identifies manufacturers along with applicable in-use diesel genset engine ranges, Phase-I/Phase-II applicability and certification agencies.
Match the Exact RECD Model
A certificate should never be accepted simply because the brand name appears on an official list. The exact RECD family, model or type should be identified. The model shown on the certificate should correspond with the equipment being offered to the customer. This is particularly important when a manufacturer has multiple products covering different engine power ranges.
A useful verification exercise is to compare the model information on the supplier's quotation, technical datasheet and Type Approval documentation. The physical RECD supplied later should carry corresponding identification. CPCB's procedure specifically requires an OEM or importer to submit a Type Approval application for its RECD families/models, reinforcing the importance of product-level identification.
Check the Engine Application
Genuine certification is meaningful only in the context of its intended application. The DG-set owner should document the engine manufacturer, exact engine model, rated speed, gross mechanical power and other relevant technical specifications. These should then be compared with the application range associated with the proposed RECD.
CPCB's official manufacturer list demonstrates that certified products can have distinct power ranges. For example, the listed applications include ranges around 61–113.3 kW, 294–448 kW and 500.3–797 kW for particular certified applications. Therefore, a certificate for an RECD covering one application should not automatically be interpreted as approval for every DG set manufactured by the same company.
Read the Type Approval Document Carefully
A genuine buyer should look beyond the certificate title and examine the technical information inside the documentation. CPCB's test-report framework contains details relating to the base engine, engine manufacturer and model, rated power and speed, RECD family and type/model, part numbers, emission testing, regeneration characteristics and exhaust back pressure.
These details make it possible to determine whether the certificate actually relates to the equipment being purchased. A supplier that cannot clearly explain the connection between its product and the supporting Type Approval documentation deserves additional scrutiny.
Certification Agency Verification
The testing or certification agency provides another useful point of verification. CPCB's current RECD procedure lists ARAI, ICAT, IIP and VRDE among approved agencies and allows qualifying NABL-accredited agencies that meet the specified requirements. Because CPCB states that the agency list may be revised, buyers should verify current information rather than relying permanently on an old document.
The agency name, Type Approval information and RECD model should form a consistent documentary trail.
Don't Confuse a Genuine Certificate With Universal Compliance
A genuine certificate can be authentic while still not applying to a particular generator. This is one of the most important points for facility managers. Certification relates to the product and application evaluated through the applicable process. It does not mean that every RECD manufactured by the same company is interchangeable, nor does it eliminate the need to examine installation and site-specific requirements.
The DG owner's responsibility is therefore to establish that the proposed equipment is appropriate for the actual generator and that the current regulatory requirements applicable to that site have been considered.
What About Aceget?
Aceget currently publishes a dedicated certification page showing CPCB-related certification information and Type Approval ranges of 15.03–119 kW, 110.7–250 kW and 300.3–797 kW for its RECD offerings. Its website also describes RECD solutions using technologies including DPF, DOC and SCR and states that its products are designed for existing diesel generator applications.
For a purchase decision, however, the exact Aceget model should still be matched with the relevant certification documentation and the customer's engine specifications. The same verification principle should be applied to every supplier.
Choosing Among CPCB Approved RECD Manufacturers
When evaluating CPCB approved RECD manufacturers, certification should be considered together with technical capability and service support. A supplier should be able to explain the proposed model, certified application range, relevant documentation, installation requirements, commissioning process and maintenance arrangements. This becomes especially important for facilities where the DG set is critical to operations.
Aceget states that it provides technical engineers and field technicians for installation and services and offers customized RECD solutions for DG-set applications. The buying decision should nevertheless remain evidence-based. Product claims should be checked against official and product-specific documentation.
Warning Signs Buyers Should Not Ignore
Certain situations should immediately lead to additional verification. These include a certificate with no clear model identification, a product model that differs from the certificate, unclear manufacturer details, an undated document with no traceable source, or a supplier unwilling to provide supporting technical records.
Another warning sign is an extremely broad claim such as “one RECD fits all DG sets.” CPCB's certification structure and published manufacturer ranges show that applicability is organized around defined applications and power ranges. A genuine certification process should provide enough information for the buyer to establish what has actually been certified.
Conclusion
Genuine RECD certification should be approached as a document-verification exercise, not a marketing-label exercise. Confirm the manufacturer, identify the exact model, review the Type Approval documentation, verify the certification agency, match the engine application and ensure that the physical equipment corresponds with the paperwork. CPCB's official procedure and current publications should be treated as the primary regulatory references. Because certification lists, procedures and environmental requirements can change, buyers should verify the latest official information before purchase or installation. Site-specific requirements from the relevant State Pollution Control Board, Pollution Control Committee or other competent authority should also be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know whether an RECD certificate is genuine?
Check the manufacturer, exact RECD model, Type Approval information, certification agency and applicable engine range, and compare those details with the physical equipment and current official information.
Does a certificate for one RECD model cover all models from the manufacturer?
No. Certification should be checked against the exact applicable RECD family, model or configuration and its approved application.
Why is the engine model important?
RECD certification and applicability are connected to defined engine applications and power ranges. The engine's technical information should therefore be matched with the proposed device.
Is the CPCB manufacturer list enough to prove that a specific product is certified?
No. The list is an important reference, but the exact Type Approval and product documentation should also be checked. CPCB's published list provides manufacturer, application-range, phase and certification-agency information.
Can a certified RECD automatically guarantee compliance at my site?
No. Product certification is only one part of the assessment. Correct product selection, installation, operation, maintenance and the current regulatory requirements applicable to the specific site should also be verified.
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