This study investigates the impact of agricultural environmental regulations on agricultural carbon emissions efficiency (ACEE) in China, using data from 31 provinces between 2010 and 2019. The research employs the Super-SBM-undesirable model to evaluate ACEE, incorporating undesirable outputs such as agricultural carbon emissions and pollution. A spatial Durbin model is used to analyze the spatial correlation between environmental regulations and ACEE. The results show that the eastern region consistently has higher ACEE than the national average, while the central region has the lowest. Both ACEE and environmental regulation intensity are strongly spatially autocorrelated. Environmental regulations positively affect local ACEE but have a weaker effect on adjacent regions. The study concludes that agricultural environmental regulations enhance ACEE, promoting technological innovation and economic growth. Local governments should adopt targeted strategies based on regional characteristics to improve ACEE. The research highlights the importance of balancing economic development with environmental protection, emphasizing the need for tailored environmental regulations and policies to achieve sustainable agricultural development. The findings suggest that environmental regulations can significantly improve ACEE, but their effectiveness depends on factors such as regional economic development, agricultural structure, and technological innovation. The study provides insights into the complex relationship between environmental regulations, agricultural production, and carbon emissions, offering guidance for policymakers to enhance agricultural sustainability and reduce carbon emissions in China.This study investigates the impact of agricultural environmental regulations on agricultural carbon emissions efficiency (ACEE) in China, using data from 31 provinces between 2010 and 2019. The research employs the Super-SBM-undesirable model to evaluate ACEE, incorporating undesirable outputs such as agricultural carbon emissions and pollution. A spatial Durbin model is used to analyze the spatial correlation between environmental regulations and ACEE. The results show that the eastern region consistently has higher ACEE than the national average, while the central region has the lowest. Both ACEE and environmental regulation intensity are strongly spatially autocorrelated. Environmental regulations positively affect local ACEE but have a weaker effect on adjacent regions. The study concludes that agricultural environmental regulations enhance ACEE, promoting technological innovation and economic growth. Local governments should adopt targeted strategies based on regional characteristics to improve ACEE. The research highlights the importance of balancing economic development with environmental protection, emphasizing the need for tailored environmental regulations and policies to achieve sustainable agricultural development. The findings suggest that environmental regulations can significantly improve ACEE, but their effectiveness depends on factors such as regional economic development, agricultural structure, and technological innovation. The study provides insights into the complex relationship between environmental regulations, agricultural production, and carbon emissions, offering guidance for policymakers to enhance agricultural sustainability and reduce carbon emissions in China.