Restrictions Coming for Auto Parts Cleaners, Flavored Vape Crackdown, Happy Labor Day

August 29, 2024

DEP Announces new restrictions Coming for Certain Auto Parts Cleaners

Last week the NJ DEP proposed regulations that will impact the types of products NJ repair shops and consumers will be able to purchase. They plan to adopt another portion of a regulation created by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). CARB is also the entity which now governs which types of passenger and heavy-duty vehicles consumers will be able to purchase new in the coming years here in New Jersey. CARB is increasingly growing into a kind of alternative federal standard, but only for certain ‘blue’ states, of which New Jersey chooses to be (or at least has for the nearly 7 years that Gov. Murphy has been in office). 

In this case, NJ will be joining a variety of other states with the same standards, so products are already readily available. These regulations will be restricting the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) found in certain products, a type of substance that increases air pollution. 

The products relevant to our members are brake cleaner, carburetor or fuel-injection air intake cleaner, aerosol engine degreaser, and windshield cleaners (specifically the moistened towelettes marketed for use on windshields, mirrors, and headlights). Brake cleaners and carb cleaners will drop from 45% weight being VOCs to 10%, engine degreaser aerosols will drop from 35% to 10%, and the windshield cleaners will be set at 35% weight. These standards are already in effect in NY, CT, RI, NH, DE, MD, OH, MI, CO, UT, and CA. 

The general sense seems to be that lower VOC products are less effective, though roughly the same price. There is still some time before the rule becomes effective, likely 18 months from now. The State is allowing retailers an unlimited sell-through period for any of these products, as long as they were manufactured before the effective date. There will also not actually be restrictions on using or purchasing products above the new limits, just a ban on selling products over the limit in-state. 

NJ Attorney General’s Office Enforces Flavored Vape Ban with $4,500 fines

On Tuesday the state Attorney General’s Office sent out a press release announcing that they were cracking down on the illegal sale of flavored vapes products. As you know, for more than four years it has been illegal in this state to sell vape products with a flavor other than tobacco. However, there has been very little enforcement so far, leading to honest business owners being taken advantage of as their competitors openly sell illegal products. Since there is no appetite in the Legislature to remove this ban, hopefully we will see more enforcement in the future. 19 stores were fined $4,500 each. You can see the list HERE and read more about the action HERE with comments from NJGCA. 

Happy Labor Day

Hopefully you will be able to take some time off from the labors of running a small business this weekend to enjoy family, friends, and the end of the summer season. 

Rack Averages

News Worth Knowing:

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795 Route 109, Unit B, Lower Township, NJ, 08204

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Click HERE to view listing

Station for Sale

Thriving High Profit Gas/Service Station close to Major Highway in Prime Location. 

This Exclusive Gas Station is the Sole Provider in the entire town, achieving a remarkable fuel profit of up to and sometimes over 1$ a gallon. Consistently selling 45,000 gallons monthly. Most fuel customers come from Highway so fuel prices do not have to be competitive. 

Also included with the Property is a Reputable High End Auto Repair Facility. Repair shop has all required Specialty and Diagnostic Tools for servicing mostly High End Vehicles. Advertising is no longer used do to an enormous Demand and large Customer Base. Repair Business has has potential for increased profitability and expansion, the business is open to experienced buyers for a possible partnership or profit sharing arrangement. Location is 1 out of 100. Fuel sales make 20-40K a month and repairs can do the same with the right operator. 

This one of a kind opportunity can include seller financing for those with High-Level Automotive or Gas Station Experience.

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