Starting July 1, 2025, selling used catalytic converters in Georgia will become significantly more regulated, thanks to the implementation of SB 40. The new law aims to combat the rising problem of catalytic converter theft by increasing transparency and accountability in the secondary metals market.

Under SB 40, only registered secondary metals recyclers will be permitted to purchase or advertise for the purchase of used, detached catalytic converters. The registration process will be enhanced, requiring recyclers to renew annually, provide proof of a business license, undergo criminal background checks, and pay fees. Crucially, the law mandates meticulous record keeping and reporting for all transactions. Businesses will be required to document seller information, transaction details, and the quantity of converters or catalyst metal sold. Certain purchases, especially those from industrial accounts, will need to be reported to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation database. Furthermore, SB 40 restricts transaction methods, banning cash payments for catalytic converters altogether and limiting individual sellers to no more than two transactions per day per registered location.

The primary objective of this legislation is to deter criminal activity by creating a less hospitable environment for the sale of stolen catalytic converters. By requiring registration, mandating detailed recordkeeping, and restricting transaction methods, SB 40 seeks to make it more difficult for stolen parts to enter the marketplace and easier for law enforcement to track and recover them, ultimately protecting Georgia residents from this increasingly prevalent crime.