EPA 420-13-94-006, October 1995

Automotive Imports Facts Manual

U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Requirements Only

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Disclaimer.

This facts manual is produced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is updated periodically. It is the responsibility of the importer to refer to the most recent version of the facts manual when importing motor vehicles. Updates to the facts manual may be obtained from the EPA free of charge.

IMPORTERS BEWARE!

NON-CONFORMING (NON-U.S. VERSION) VEHICLES

EPA strongly recommends that prospective importers buy only U. S. version (labeled) vehicles, because of the expense and potential difficulties involved with importing a non-U.S. version vehicle.
EPA strongly recommends that current owners of non-U.S. version vehicles sell or otherwise dispose of those vehicles overseas rather than ship and import them into the U.S., because of the expense and potential difficulties involved with importing a non-U.S. version vehicle.
The EPA policy which permitted importers a one-time exemption for vehicles at least five years old has been eliminated.
Before shipping a non-conforming vehicle for importation, EPA strongly recommends that the importer either make final arrangements with an ICI for modifications and testing, or obtain EPA approval in writing for importation. Storage fees at the ports are costly, and the vehicle may not be eligible for importation.
Not all non-conforming vehicles are eligible for importation, and ICIs are not required to accept vehicles for which they have qualifying certificates of conformity.
EPA certification of ICIs does not guarantee the actions or work of the ICIs, nor does it regulate contractual agreements and working relationships with vehicle owners.

U.S. VERSION VEHICLES

U.S. version vehicles driven overseas may need to be bonded upon importation.
The catalysts and oxygen sensors may need to be replaced on U.S. version vehicles driven overseas.
The vehicle's emission control system, drive train (including engine), and fuel system, will need to be restored to it's original EPA-certified configuration if those systems or components are altered, damaged, malfunctioning or missing.

AUTOMOTIVE IMPORTS FACTS MANUAL

A. Introduction

B. Detailed Importing Requirements

C. Attachments

D. EPA Entry Forms

Use EPA Standard Form 3520-1 for vehicles and heavy duty trucks

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