The Clean Air Act prohibits importation into the U.S. of any motor vehicle, motor vehicle engine, nonroad engine and equipment that does not conform to EPA emission standards and requirements. U.S. EPA emission standards have been in effect for light-duty motor vehicles since 1968, motorcycles since 1978, heavy-duty on-highway engines since 1970, nonroad engines since 1996, and recreational vehicles (dirt bikes, ATVs, ORUVs, and snowmobiles) since 2006.
These standards apply to all vehicles and engines including imported motor vehicles, heavy-duty engines, nonroad engines, and recreational vehicles, whether they are new or used, manufactured domestically or abroad.
Vehicles that do not meet all U.S. emission requirements
Unless eligible for exemption or exclusion must be imported through an independent commercial importer (ICI), EPA will not allow the vehicles' release to the vehicle owner until ICI work is complete. The ICI will perform any EPA-required modifications and be responsible for assuring that all EPA requirements have been met.
Leaded & Unleaded Fuel
If the vehicle is driven using leaded gasoline, it will be necessary for you to replace the catalyst and oxygen sensor upon its return to the U.S. To avoid the expense of replacing these parts you may obtain authorization from EPA to remove the catalyst and oxygen sensor before the vehicle is shipped overseas. When the vehicle returns to the U.S., the original catalyst and oxygen sensor will need to be reinstalled. However, you may now reenter your U.S. version vehicle into the U.S. without bond, upon your assurance that you will have the reinstallation performed.
Manufacture Year, Make, Model
If your vehicle is older than 21 years, it may not be subject to US EPA regulations and standards. To qualify, the engine cannot be modified to be newer than 21 years.
Importation of Pesticides and Devices
EPA regulates pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). FIFRA section 17 governs the import of pesticides and devices into and the export of pesticides and devices from the United States.
You also may want to visit EPA's International Import/Export page for information on other import requirements.
All pesticides and devices imported into the United States must:
- Comply with U.S. pesticide law
- Be registered with EPA, except where exempted by regulation or statute
- Not be adulterated or otherwise violative
- Properly labeled
- Produced in an EPA-registered establishment that files annual reports with the Agency
The importer must:
Notify EPA of the arrival of imported pesticides and devices through the Notice of Arrival form (PDF) (EPA Form 3540-1) (4 pp, 176K) prior to importation
Submit the form to the EPA regional office (attention of the Import Coordinator) applicable to the intended port of entry
Note: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations prohibit the importation of pesticides without a completed Notice of Arrival (NOA). The NOA indicates the identity and amount of the product, the arrival date, and where the product can be inspected. The EPA-reviewed and signed form is returned to the importer for presentation to CBP's district director at the port of entry. After arrival, EPA may inspect the shipment for compliance with U.S. pesticide laws.