You Can't Even Sneak An Imported Weed Wacker Past U.S. Customs
If you still need convincing that the EPA does not fuck around with emissions compliance for imported vehicles; know that they just deported some 700 generators, ATVs, "mini trucks," and other assorted small motors for not being up to American standards.
Between Doug's quest to bring a Nissan Skyline to America and the tragic loss of some "illegal" Land Rovers, we've been hearing a lot about the complexity importing vehicles to the USA. Turns out the EPA and US Customs/Border Patrol's vigilance and hardassedness extends to absolutely anything with an engine.
After a 90-day joint operation between the agencies "targeting foreign-made vehicles and equipment imported without proper emission controls in violation of the federal Clean Air Act. More than 730 items, including ATVs, motorcycles and generators, were seized or exported back to their country of origin. EPA estimates that the noncompliant vehicles and engines in its enforcement cases announced today would have emitted over 350,000 pounds of pollutants per year."
Here are the vehicles eight offending foreign companies tried to slip into the States, as reported by US Customs and Border Patrol:
Nan Fang Distribution Group, LLC
Nan Fang imported 26 uncertified compression ignition engines. The engines, imported as parts, lacked the proper emissions certifications and labels. The engines ranged in horsepower and could be used in trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine applications. Nan Fang was required to export all engine models in its inventory that were in violation out of the country.
Kandi USA, Inc.
Kandi imported 64 uncertified ATVs and go-karts. The nonroad vehicles also contained catalysts that did not conform to the description in the company's application for certification. EPA required the company to export all ATVs and go-karts in its inventory that were in violation out of the country.
Vantage Vehicle International, Inc.
Vantage imported 21 uncertified nonroad vehicles such as mini trucks, whose catalysts did not conform to the description in the company's application for certification. The company was required to submit a report to EPA correcting its application for certification.
Dongfang Motor Inc.
Dongfang imported 52 uncertified ATVs. EPA required the company to export all ATVs in violation out of the country.
Dynamic Power Equipment, Inc.
Dynamic Power imported 145 uncertified gasoline or tri-fuel generators that either were not covered by an evaporative emissions certificate or contained catalysts that did not conform to the description in the application for certification. EPA required the company to export the generators in violation out of the country.
Alliance Powersports, Inc.
Alliance Powersports imported 36 uncertified gas powered highway motorcycles that were not covered by an EPA certificate of conformity that shows that the vehicles meet applicable federal emissions standards and requirements. The company was required to export all motorcycles out of the country.
Denebola Motor Sports USA, Inc.
Denebola imported 14 uncertified highway motorcycles and did not have the correct documentation or engine labeling to demonstrate appropriate use of the vehicles. The company demonstrated that the motorcycles were imported for research and development, and not to be sold for on road use and were provided with the necessary exemption information.
Sanven Corporation
Sanven imported 52 uncertified outboard engines and 55 uncertified small spark-ignition engines. EPA required the company to export all 107 engines out of the country.
The companies who tried to sneak these machines into America will pay something like $57,000 in penalties for their mischievousness.
Crappy Chinese generators are a dime a dozen, but I am a little bummed to know I won't be able to bring a Vantage Mini-Truck home any time soon. Next time maybe try shipping an electric model?
Image via CBP