What does Not legal for sale or use in New York for vehicles with CA emissions?

State: New York
Vehicle: 2000 Ford Focus

I need a new catalytic converter for a 2000 Focus. I'm planning on ordering one online (RockAuto) but most of them say "Not legal for sale or use in New York for vehicles with CA emissions".

Any idea what this means? Thanks in advance.

Would you recommended ordering it from another site?

. If your vehicle is California compliant for emissions, then New York requires any replacement parts to be compatible with that. More and more emissions states are moving toward California's strict emissions standards for vehicles.

In my state, Washington, any vehicle 09 and newer must comply with CA emissions standards.

You'll have to do a search for CARB compliant converters for your car

It means the part complies with FEDERAL laws, but does not meet the increased regulations in California and New York.

If your vehicle is certified for California emissions, then it needs a different part. The one you have won't pass emissions testing in NY or in CA.

Not all aftermarket catalytic converters meet California emissions requirements. Hence the warning so don't buy any aftermarket cats that don't meet those standards