Resource Center


Global NOx Emission Regulations: A Comparison of EU, US, and China Standards


Release time:

Aug 21,2026

Nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from industrial sources are regulated more tightly than at any point in history—and the regulatory landscape is shifting fast. The European Union's revised Industrial Emissions Directive (IED 2.0) entered into force in August 2024, with member states required to transpose it by July 2026. The U.S. EPA is advancing stricter standards for stationary combustion turbines. China is rolling out ultra-low emission requirements across cement, coking, and steel, following the power sector's lead.

 

For plant operators, EPC contractors, and equipment suppliers, understanding these standards is no longer optional. Supply chain compliance—particularly for companies exporting to the EU under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)—depends on knowing which limits apply, how they are measured, and what margin to design for.

 

This article compares the NOx regulatory frameworks of the EU, United States, and China, with a focus on the industrial sectors that matter most for SCR catalyst selection: power generation, cement, steel, and gas turbines.

 

Why Global Emission Standards Matter for Procurement

 

Regulatory standards drive technology selection in ways that directly affect capital and operating costs. A catalyst system designed to meet a 50 mg/Nm³ limit requires fundamentally different geometry, formulation, and volume than one designed for 200 mg/Nm³. Choosing the wrong standard—either over-engineering (wasting capital) or under-engineering (risking non-compliance)—has consequences that persist for the 15- to 20-year life of an installation.

 

Moreover, standards are not static. The EU's IED 2.0 introduces "environmental performance limit values" that drive continuous improvement beyond current BAT-AELs. China's ultra-low emission policy is expanding sector by sector. U.S. federal rules can shift between administrations, but state-level regulations and consent decrees often fill any federal vacuum.

 

For procurement teams, the key principle is: design for the next standard, not the current one. A catalyst system installed today should have the activity margin and geometric flexibility to accommodate tighter limits 5–10 years into its operating life.

 

European Union: IED, BREFs, and BAT-AELs

 

The EU's industrial emission regulation framework is built on the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED, 2010/75/EU) , which requires large industrial installations to obtain permits based on Best Available Techniques (BAT) . Specific emission limits are defined through BAT Reference Documents (BREFs) and expressed as BAT-Associated Emission Levels (BAT-AELs) —ranges within which competent authorities set legally binding Emission Limit Values (ELVs) for each installation.

 

IED 2.0: The 2024 Revision

 

In August 2024, the EU adopted the revised IED ("IED 2.0"), which member states must transpose into national law by July 2026. Key changes include:

 

  • Stricter emission limits for several pollutants, including NOx, with authorities now required to set ELVs at the "strictest achievable" level within the BAT-AEL range
  • Expanded sectoral coverage, including large intensive livestock farms, battery gigafactories, and certain mining activities
  • Environmental performance limit values that drive continuous improvement beyond static BAT-AELs
  • Tighter derogation conditions—exceptions are harder to obtain and must be reassessed every four years
  • Stronger penalties, including fines of at least 3% of annual turnover for infringements

 

 

Key NOx Limits by Sector

 

Large Combustion Plants (LCP BREF, BAT Conclusions 2017):

For plants with thermal input ≥50 MW, NOx BAT-AELs vary significantly by fuel and plant type:

Plant TypeNOx BAT-AEL (mg/Nm³, annual avg.)
Coal/lignite boilers, existing ≥300 MWth85–175
Coal/lignite boilers, new50–150
Natural gas boilers30–100
Natural gas turbines (combined cycle)15–50
Gas engines50–75

 

Under IED 2.0, competent authorities must consider the strictest end of these ranges when setting permit limits.

 

Cement (CLM BREF, BAT Conclusions 2013):

For preheater cement kilns, the current NOx BAT-AEL is <200–450 mg/Nm³ (daily average), with the upper end extending to 500 mg/Nm³ when initial NOx levels exceed 1,000 mg/Nm³. For Lepol and long rotary kilns, the range is 400–800 mg/Nm³. However, with SCR technology now proven in cement applications, EU policymakers and industry groups are pushing to tighten these levels toward <200 mg/Nm³ in the upcoming BREF revision.

 

 

Monitoring Requirements

 

EU installations require Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) for NOx above specified capacity thresholds. Monitoring is governed by EN 14181 (quality assurance of automated measuring systems) and EN 15267 (certification of monitoring equipment). Periodic reference measurements by accredited laboratories are required at least annually.

 

United States: EPA NSPS, NESHAP, and State Rules

The U.S. regulatory framework is structured around the Clean Air Act, with two primary federal mechanisms for industrial sources:

 

  • New Source Performance Standards (NSPS, 40 CFR Part 60): Technology-based standards for new or modified sources, defining the Best System of Emission Reduction (BSER)
  • National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP, 40 CFR Part 63): Standards for toxic air pollutants (NOx itself is not classified as a HAP, but NESHAP rules can indirectly affect NOx controls)

 

In addition, individual states implement State Implementation Plans (SIPs) that can be more stringent than federal rules, and the EPA can enforce consent decrees that push specific sectors toward tighter limits.

 

Stationary Combustion Turbines (NSPS Subpart KKKK)

 

The current NSPS for stationary combustion turbines (issued 2006) sets NOx limits of 15–42 ppm for new natural gas turbines, depending on size and load. In 2024, the EPA proposed a significant revision:
Turbine CategoryCurrent NOx StandardProposed NOx Standard
Base-load gas turbine (>250 MMBtu/h), with SCR15–25 ppm3 ppm (0.011 lb/MMBtu)
Low-load gas turbine, dry controls42 ppm15–25 ppm
Non-natural gas fuel, with SCR—5–9 ppm
The proposed rule explicitly identifies SCR as the BSER (Best System of Emission Reduction) for base-load natural gas turbines, marking a significant regulatory endorsement of SCR technology for clean-gas applications.

 

 

Industrial Boilers (NESHAP 40 CFR 63 Subpart DDDDD)

 

For major-source industrial boilers, the EPA's NESHAP rule sets NOx limits based on fuel type. Gas-fired boilers at major sources face limits in the range of 0.09–0.14 lb/MMBtu (roughly 45–70 mg/Nm³ depending on conversion factors), while coal-fired units have different limits and requirements.

 

Cement

 

Portland cement plants are regulated under NSPS Subpart F and NESHAP Subpart LLL. The 2010 NSPS amendment established federal NOx limits for new and modified cement kilns for the first time. The exact limit depends on kiln type and whether the plant is an existing or new source, with typical federal limits in the range of 1.5–2.3 lb NOx per ton of clinker. State implementation plans—particularly in California and Texas—can impose substantially tighter limits.

 

Monitoring

 

U.S. facilities subject to NSPS or NESHAP must install CEMS for NOx and comply with 40 CFR Part 75 (for power plants) or equivalent state-approved monitoring protocols. Data is reported electronically through the EPA's Clean Air Markets Division (CAMD) database.

 

China: Ultra-Low Emissions and Non-Power Sector Standards

 

China's approach to NOx regulation is characterized by aggressive "ultra-low emission" (超低排放) targets that originated in the power sector and are now expanding to non-power industries. The policy framework combines national standards, ministry-level guidance documents, and binding provincial implementation plans.

 

Power Sector: The Precedent

 

China's coal-fired power sector achieved ultra-low emission transformation ahead of schedule, with NOx limits of 50 mg/m³ (at 6% O₂) now effectively the national standard for coal-fired boilers. This program demonstrated China's capacity to rapidly deploy SCR and SNCR technology across a massive installed base.

 

Steel Industry

 

The 2019 policy "Opinions on Promoting Ultra-Low Emissions in the Steel Industry" (环大气〔2019〕35号) established binding limits:
Production StepNOx Limit (mg/m³)Baseline O₂
Sintering machine head / pelletizing5016%
Other major emission sources200varies
The technical standard HJ 1408—2024 further formalized engineering requirements for sintering flue gas ultra-low emission treatment, including SCR catalyst specifications. By the end of 2025, key regions (Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, Fenwei Plain) are required to complete 80% of steel ultra-low retrofitting.

 

 

Cement Industry

 

In June 2025, five ministries jointly issued the "Opinions on Promoting Ultra-Low Emissions in the Cement Industry," setting NOx limits of 50 mg/m³ (at 10% O₂) for cement kilns and kiln tail waste heat systems. Targets: 50% of clinker capacity in key regions retrofitted by end of 2025; 80% nationwide by end of 2028.

 

 

Coking Industry

 

The same June 2025 policy package set NOx limits of 150 mg/m³ (at 8% O₂) for coke oven stacks, alongside stricter limits on SO₂ (30 mg/m³), particulate matter (10 mg/m³), and ammonia (8 mg/m³).

 

Monitoring

 

China's ultra-low emission policies mandate CEMS with data directly transmitted to environmental authorities. The compliance threshold is stringent: at least 95% of hourly average readings per month must meet the limit. This effectively requires systems to be designed with a 10–15% margin below the statutory limit to account for normal operational variation.

Three-Region Comparison

ParameterEuropean UnionUnited StatesChina
Primary frameworkIED + BREF/BAT-AELCAA + NSPS/NESHAP + SIPsNational standards + ministry ultra-low policy
Coal power NOx50–175 mg/Nm³ (by fuel/age)Varies by state; ~45–100 mg/Nm³ typical50 mg/m³ (6% O₂)
Cement NOx<200–450 mg/Nm³ (current); tightening to <200~1.5–2.3 lb/ton clinker (federal); stricter in some states50 mg/m³ (10% O₂)
Steel sintering NOxCovered by IED; varies by BREFNo dedicated federal standard; state rules apply50 mg/m³ (16% O₂)
Gas turbine NOx15–50 mg/Nm³ (BAT-AEL)15–42 ppm current; 3 ppm proposed (base load gas)15–30 mg/m³ typical
MonitoringCEMS + EN 14181 QA; annual reference testsCEMS + 40 CFR 75; electronic reportingCEMS with real-time data transmission
Compliance basisDaily/monthly averages in permit30-day rolling averages; performance tests95% of hourly averages per month
Direction of travelIED 2.0 tightening; BREF revisionsEPA proposing SCR as BSER for turbinesUltra-low expanding to all heavy industry
Important caveat: All three regions set limits that vary by source type, capacity, age, fuel, and specific permitting conditions. The table above provides representative ranges for comparison and should not be used as a substitute for site-specific regulatory analysis.

 

Impact on Procurement and Sizing Decisions

The regulatory comparison has direct implications for SCR catalyst procurement:

 

1. Design margin matters more than ever. China's 95% hourly compliance requirement and the EU's shift toward "strictest achievable" ELVs both mean that systems must perform reliably below the legal limit. A catalyst designed to exactly meet 50 mg/Nm³ will not provide the operating margin needed for catalyst aging, load variations, or fuel quality fluctuations. Specifying catalyst activity for 30–40 mg/Nm³ on a 50 mg/Nm³ requirement is prudent.

 

2. Catalyst formulation should match the expected standard lifecycle. In the EU, a catalyst installed in 2026 will face IED 2.0 limits through 2038 and likely further BREF tightenings. Selecting a standard vanadium formulation when a high-activity or poison-resistant formulation is available may shorten the effective compliance life.

 

3. Gas turbine SCR is a growth market. The EPA's proposed 3 ppm standard for base-load gas turbines—explicitly requiring SCR—signals a major opportunity in the U.S. market. High-cell-density (50–60 pore) catalysts for clean-gas applications are the relevant product category.

 

4. Non-power sector demand is accelerating. China's cement and coking ultra-low policies, combined with the EU's tightening BREFs for these sectors, are driving SCR adoption beyond the traditional power market. These applications present harder flue gas conditions (high dust, alkali metals, variable temperatures) that demand careful catalyst selection.

 

5. Multi-region standardization is possible. For global OEMs and EPCs, designing to the strictest applicable standard—typically China's 50 mg/m³ or the EU's new BAT-AEL lower end—can streamline product development while ensuring compliance across markets.

 

Conclusion

The global trend in NOx regulation is unambiguous: limits are tightening, monitoring is becoming more rigorous, and the sectors covered are expanding. For SCR catalyst buyers, the strategic question is not whether to invest in high-performance catalyst technology, but how much compliance margin to build in and how to anticipate the next round of standards.

 

The EU's IED 2.0 framework, the U.S. EPA's technology-forcing turbine standards, and China's sector-by-sector ultra-low emission rollout all point in the same direction. Procurement decisions made today should account for the standards that will be in force 5–10 years from now—not just the ones in the current permit.

 

 
Not sure which standard applies to your plant? Our team can help you assess compliance requirements for your specific industry, fuel type, and operating conditions. Contact AIREP for a regulatory review and catalyst sizing consultation.

 

Learn about clean flue gas solutions?

Learn about clean flue gas solutions?

With over 15 years of industry experience, we provide customized solutions. Please feel free to contact us for a free consultation.

Consult Now
Want to Become Our Distributor?

Interested in becoming one of our channel partners?

Flexible partnership models: • Project-based collaboration (single-project model) • Regional agency (exclusive or non-exclusive agency in a designated region) • System integration and support (EPC engineering support)

Become a Channel Partner
Interested in custom services?

Interested in custom services?

Submit your requirements, and we’ll create a customized solution for your project

Customize Now

Message

Fill out the form below and we will be in touch as soon as possible.

%{tishi_zhanwei}%

Copyright © 2026 Shandong AIREP Environmental Technology Co., Ltd.  |  SEO | AI Search

Hi

Contact us for more competitive pricing!

《 View Privacy Policy 》

《View Terms of Use》
SUBMIT

Terms of Use

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using this website, you agree to comply with these Terms of Use. If you do not agree, please do not use this website.

2. Intellectual Property Rights

All content on this website, including but not limited to text, images, logos, videos, audio, designs, source code, software, etc., is owned by Shandong AIREP Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. or its licensors and is protected by copyright law, trademark law, and other intellectual property laws.

Without our written permission, you may not:

- Copy, modify, distribute, display, or transmit any content of this website;

- Use any automated tools to scrape data from this website;

- Use the content of this website for commercial purposes.

3. Website Usage Guidelines

You agree not to engage in:

Prohibited Conduct  Description

Illegal Use  

Using this website for any illegal activity  

Disruption of Operation  

Using viruses, malware, or attack methods to disrupt the normal operation of this website  

Unauthorized Access  

Attempting to gain unauthorized access to the website or its servers  

False Information  

Providing false or misleading information  

Rights Infringement  

Infringing upon others' intellectual property or other legal rights  

4. Product and Pricing Information

We strive to ensure that the product information displayed on this website (including specifications, colors, parameters, etc.) is accurate. However, due to continuous product improvement, we reserve the right to modify product information at any time without prior notice.

Pricing Information:The prices displayed on this website are for reference only. Final quotations are subject to the formal quotation issued by us. All quotations exclude customs duties, freight, and other related charges.

5. Orders and Sales Terms

1) Inquiry Processing:  Inquiries submitted through this website will be responded to within 24 hours (on business days). Inquiries do not constitute binding orders.

2) Order Confirmation:  Orders are confirmed upon issuance of our written confirmation (contract or proforma invoice).

3) Samples:  If you require samples, please submit a request through this website. We will confirm sample costs and shipping charges with you.

4) Cancellation and Changes:  If you need to cancel or change an order after confirmation, please contact us immediately. Orders that have already been processed may not be cancellable.

6. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Shandong AIREP Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. and its affiliates shall not be liable for:

Limitation of Liability Description  

Indirect Damages  

Any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages  

Loss of Profits  

Loss of profits arising from the use or inability to use this website  

Data Loss  

Data loss resulting from the use of this website  

Third-Party Actions  

Any content or services provided by third parties through this website  

7. Disclaimer

This website is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis, without any warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to:

- Warranties that the website will be uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free;

- Warranties that products are fit for a particular purpose;

- Warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of content from third-party links.

8. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Shandong AIREP Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. from and against any claims, damages, expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to your violation of these Terms of Use or any applicable laws or regulations.

9. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms of Use are governed by the laws of the People's Republic of China, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any dispute arising from these Terms of Use shall be resolved through negotiation between the parties; if negotiation fails, either party may bring an action before the competent people's court in Zibo City, Shandong Province.

10. Modification of Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Use at any time. The revised terms will be posted on this website and will become effective upon posting. Your continued use of this website after the posting of any changes constitutes acceptance of those changes.

GDPR Compliance Statement (For EU Users)

If you are located in the European Economic Area, you have the following additional rights:

1.  Legal Basis:  We process your personal data based on the following legal bases:

       Performance of a contract (e.g., processing inquiries, orders)

       Legitimate interests (e.g., website analytics, security maintenance)

       Your consent (e.g., marketing communications)

       Legal obligations (e.g., tax records)

2.  Data Controller:

       Name: Shandong AIREP Environmental Technology Co., Ltd.

       Contact Information: See above.

3.  Right to Lodge a Complaint with a Supervisory Authority:  If you believe that our processing of your personal data violates the GDPR, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the data protection supervisory authority in your member state.

Part 4: California Privacy Notice (For California Residents)

Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), California residents have the following rights:

1. Right to Know:  The right to know the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you, and the purposes for which it is used.

2. Right to Delete:  The right to request the deletion of personal information we have collected from you, subject to certain exceptions.

3. Right to Opt-Out:The right to opt-out of the "sale" of your personal information (we do not sell personal information).

4. Right to Non-Discrimination:  The right not to receive discriminatory treatment for exercising any of your CCPA rights.

If you are a California resident and wish to exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided above and indicate "CCPA Request" in your communication.

 

Appendix: Explanation of Terms

Term Explanation   

Personal Information  

Information that identifies, relates to, describes, or is capable of being associated with a particular individual.  

GDPR  

General Data Protection Regulation (EU).  

CCPA  

California Consumer Privacy Act (US).  

Cookie  

A small text file stored on a user's device by a website.  

SSL  

Secure Sockets Layer, a protocol for encrypting network communications.

Privacy Policy & Terms

Last Updated: March 27, 2026

 

Part 1: Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Shandong AIREP Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "we," "our company," or "AIREP Environmental Technology") respects and protects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, protect, and share your personal information when you visit our website (hereinafter referred to as "this website") or use our services.

Please carefully read and fully understand this Privacy Policy before using this website or providing us with your personal information. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use this website or provide your personal information.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Voluntarily Provide

When you interact with this website, we may collect the following information you voluntarily provide:

Contact Information: Name, company name, email address, phone number, country/region

Inquiry Information: Product requirements, project details, message content provided during product inquiries or when contacting us

Account Information: If you register an account, we collect your username, password, and other registration details

Subscription Information: If you subscribe to our newsletter or marketing communications

Technical Inquiries: Technical questions you raise via email, online customer service, or social media

2.2 Information Automatically Collected

When you visit this website, we may automatically collect the following information:

Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device type, screen resolution

Access Information: Access time, pages viewed, click behavior, referral source, time spent on site, download history

Location Information: Approximate geographic location based on IP address (country/city level)

Performance Information: Page load speed, error reports, and other website performance data

2.3 Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience. For details, please refer to the Cookie section of this policy.

3. How We Use Your Information

We may use the information collected for the following purposes:

Provide and Optimize Services: Respond to your inquiries, process orders, provide technical support, arrange sample delivery

Communication and Feedback: Reply to your queries, send order confirmations, shipping notifications, delivery tracking information, etc.

Personalized Experience: Recommend relevant products and services based on your interests and preferences

Marketing and Promotion: Send product updates, industry news, promotional activities (you may unsubscribe at any time)

Website Analytics: Analyze website visit data to optimize website content and user experience

Legal Compliance: Comply with applicable laws and regulations, respond to legitimate requests from law enforcement agencies

Security Assurance: Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and other malicious activities

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We are committed to not selling your personal information. We may share your information with third parties in the following circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers

We may partner with trusted third-party service providers to assist in operating our website, processing payments, sending emails, providing technical support, analyzing data, etc. These service providers may access your information only to the extent necessary to perform their functions and are obligated to maintain confidentiality.

Website Hosting: Cloud service providers

Data Analytics: Google Analytics, Baidu Analytics, etc.

Email Services: Email marketing platforms

Online Customer Service: Customer service system providers

4.2 Business Transfer

In the event of a merger, acquisition, asset sale, bankruptcy liquidation, or similar transaction, your information may be transferred as a business asset. We will notify you of such changes via notice or announcement.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information under the following circumstances:

To comply with applicable laws and regulations

To respond to court orders, subpoenas, or other legal processes

To protect the rights, property, or safety of us and our affiliates

To investigate or address fraud or security incidents

5. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, or destruction:

SSL Encryption: This website uses SSL/TLS encryption technology to ensure secure data transmission

Access Control: Internal access rights are strictly restricted; only authorized personnel may access personal information

Periodic Review: Data collection, storage, and processing practices are reviewed periodically

Security Training: Employees undergo data security and privacy protection training

Please note: While we take reasonable measures to protect your information, no data transmission or storage system can be 100% secure. If you discover any security vulnerability, please contact us immediately using the information provided.

6. Data Retention

We will retain your personal information for the period necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

Inquiry Information: 5 years after transaction completion

Account Information: Duration of account existence plus 3 years after account closure

Subscription Information: Until you unsubscribe

Website Access Logs: 12 months

7. Your Rights

Under applicable data protection laws (such as the GDPR), you have the following rights concerning your personal information:

Right of Access: Request a copy of your personal information from us

Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal information

Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal information under specific circumstances

Right to Restriction of Processing: Request restriction of processing your personal information under specific circumstances

Right to Data Portability: Request transfer of your personal information to a third party in a structured format

Right to Object: Object to processing of your personal information based on legitimate interests

Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw previously granted consent at any time (without affecting the lawfulness of processing based on consent before withdrawal)

If you wish to exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided at the end of this policy. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

8. Cookie Policy

8.1 What are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device by a website to record your preferences, login status, and browsing behavior.

8.2 Types of Cookies We Use

Necessary Cookies: Enable basic website functions (e.g., page navigation, language selection) – Required: Yes

Performance Cookies: Collect website usage information to help improve website performance – Required: No

Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences to provide a personalized experience – Required: No

Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements and analyze marketing effectiveness – Required: No

8.3 Managing Cookies

You can manage or delete cookies through your browser settings. Please note that disabling necessary cookies may affect the normal functionality of the website.

9. Third-Party Links

This website may contain links to third-party websites. These sites have independent privacy policies, and we assume no responsibility for the content or practices of such sites. Please carefully read their privacy policies before submitting information to third-party websites.

10. International Data Transfers

AIREP Environmental Technology is located in China, and our services may be offered to customers globally. If you are located outside China, your information may be transferred to China or other countries/regions. We will take appropriate security measures to ensure your information is adequately protected.

11. Children's Privacy

This website is not intended for minors under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we discover that such information has been inadvertently collected, we will delete it immediately.

12. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated to you through one of the following methods:

Posting the updated version on this website

Notifying you via email (if you are subscribed) or a website announcement before the change takes effect

We recommend that you periodically review this Privacy Policy to stay informed of the latest updates.