The Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) has expanded the current Importation and Certification Division web site to include a section entitled “Frequently Asked Questions.” In this section we have attempted to address some common questions and concerns that the office deals with on a regular basis. If your question has not been addressed, please refer to Related Government Agencies for further assistance.
Equipment
In order to be imported, motor vehicle equipment that is subject to an FMVSS has to be manufactured to conform to that standard and be so certified by its original manufacturer. This is true whether the equipment is new or used. The equipment standards include those pertaining to:
Also, certain motor vehicle replacement parts must meet the marking requirements of 49 CFR Part 541 Federal motor vehicle theft prevention standard.
Any equipment subject to any of the above standards must be in compliance at the time of importation. Non-compliant equipment may not be imported.
| FMVSS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| FMVSS No. 106 | Brake hoses |
| FMVSS No. 108 | Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment |
| FMVSS No. 109 | New pneumatic tires |
| FMVSS No. 110 | Tire selection and rims |
| FMVSS No. 116 | Motor vehicle brake fluids |
| FMVSS No. 117 | Retreaded pneumatic tires |
| FMVSS No. 119 | New pneumatic tires for vehicles |
| FMVSS No. 120 | Tire selection and rims for motor vehicles |
| FMVSS No. 125 | Warning devices |
| FMVSS No. 129 | New non-pneumatic tires for passenger cars |
| FMVSS No. 139 | New pneumatic radial tires for light vehicles |
| FMVSS No. 205 | Glazing materials |
| FMVSS No. 209 | Seat belt assemblies |
| FMVSS No. 213 | Child restraint systems |
| FMVSS No. 218 | Motorcycle helmets |
| FMVSS No. 223 | Rear impact guards |
| FMVSS No. 304 | Compressed natural gas fuel container integrity |
| FMVSS No. 403 | Platform lift systems for motor vehicles |
There is no FMVSS that applies to engines and transmissions as equipment items. Therefore, their importation is not regulated by DOT. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does regulate the importation of engines. Further information on this subject may be found on the EPA’s website at epa.gov, or by contacting that agency at 734-214-4100.