Importing Motor Vehicles & Non-Road Engines into U.S.
February 1, 2008 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Clean Air Act prohibits the importation of any motor vehicle or non-road engine, into the U.S., that does not conform to their emission requirements.
Recently, the EPA has been working with the U.S. Customs & Border Protection to increase awareness about these regulations. The potential consequences for non compliance can result in long delays in clearance, seizure of the engine, re-export and additional penalties.
The information below outlines the EPA’s regulations and provides links that will direct you to the appropriate websites.
Motor Vehicle
Covers passenger cars, trucks, multipurpose vehicles (e.g. all-terrain vehicles, campers) motorcycles, etc that are capable of being registered by a state for use on public roads.
U.S. - Version Vehicle - Compliant vehicles (manufactured after 1971) will have a label in the engine compartment that reads "Vehicle Emission Control Information".
Non - US-Version Vehicles - Individuals are not permitted to import these types of vehicles. See website link below for more details.
Non-Road Engines (off-road or off-highway)
Covers diverse group of engines and equipment
Includes lawn and garden equipment, outdoor power equipment (i.e. generators), recreational equipment, farm equipment, construction equipment, marine engines and locomotives.
Prior to importation engine must have been covered by an EPA-issued certificate of conformity. A label attesting to such must have been affixed to the engine. In addition, upon request the Importer must provide EPA form 3520-21 to CPB at time of entry.
The following website provides more detailed information for importing vehicles & engines http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/.
This website provides information on EPA requirements for importing all other products into the U.S. http://www.tdctrade.com/usguide/2-4.htm.
Tropical Shipping values the close relationships we have built with our customers throughout our 45-year history. Thank you for choosing us as your carrier of choice to The Bahamas and the Caribbean. If you have questions about specific EPA requirements please contact a U.S. Customs Broker or the EPA prior to exportation to the U.S. For all other questions concerning your shipment please contact your local transportation consultant or the Customer Service Team at 800-638-TROP (8767) or 561-881-3999.
Complete contact listings, including telephone and fax numbers and email address information can be found 24/7/365 on our website on the Bookings and Customer Service page -- found in the Contact area of our website.