Interpretation ID: aiam4189
Gatt Enquiry Point--Denmark
Danish Standards Assn.
Aurehojvej 12
Postbox 77
DH-2900 Hellerup
Denmark;
Dear Mr. Magnussen: Your telex No. 15615 to the National Bureau of Standards has bee referred to us for reply, since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulates the manufacture and sale of new motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment.; You asked for information regarding our regulations fo 'superstructures for vans.' We understand that the 'superstructure' is a structure designed to be mounted in the cargo area of a van by the user, and consists of a roof, floor and sides, and 'windows of plexiglass and the rear window of tempered glass.' Based on the brief description, it appears that the item of motor vehicle equipment you manufacture is either a 'camper' or a 'slide-in camper.' In addition to other requirements applicable to you as a manufacturer of motor vehicle equipment, we have requirements which apply directly to manufacturers of slide-in campers, which I will discuss below. (The information provided in your telex only briefly described your product. If we have not correctly understood the nature of the 'superstructure,' please do not hesitate to contact us.); By way of background information, our agency is authorized, under th National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (copy enclosed), to issue safety standards applicable to new motor vehicles and certain items of motor vehicle equipment. NHTSA, however, does not approve motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment, nor do we endorse any commercial products. Instead, the Vehicle Safety Act establishes a 'self-certification' process under which each manufacturer is responsible for certifying that its products meet all applicable safety standards. This process requires each manufacturer to determine in the exercise of due care that its products meet all applicable requirements. The agency periodically tests vehicles and equipment items for compliance with the standards, and also investigates other alleged safety-related defects. If you or the agency determines that a safety-related defect or noncompliance exists, you are obligated to notify purchasers of your product and remedy the problem without charge. Manufacturers who fail to provide notification of or remedy for a defect or noncompliance may be subject to a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation. (A general information sheet describing your responsibilities under the Vehicle Safety Act is enclosed.); You as a manufacturer of motor vehicle equipment are responsible fo certifying compliance with all applicable motor vehicle safety standards. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 126, *Truck-Camper Loading*, sets requirements for a slide-in camper, which is a camper having a roof, floor, and sides, designed to be mounted on and removable from the cargo area of a truck. Standard No. 126 requires you to permanently label each camper with information including its maximum loaded weight. The standard also requires each camper to be furnished with an owner's manual that includes information on total camper weight, proper matching of a truck and slide-in camper, appropriate methods of camper loading, and how to determine the camper's center of gravity and where it should be placed in the truck cargo area.; Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205, *Glazing Materials* sets performance requirements for glazing materials used in new motor vehicles and glazing materials sold as items of replacement equipment, including slide-in and other types of campers. The standard establishes both performance requirements, including ones regulating the light transmittance and abrasion resistance of glazing, and labeling requirements applicable to the glazing used in your product. Copies of both Standard Nos. 126 and 205 are enclosed for your convenience.; In addition to the copies of the materials described above, I a enclosing copies of two procedural rules which apply to all manufacturers subject to the regulations of this agency. The first in (sic) 49 CFR Part 566, *Manufacturer Identification*. This rule requires your company to submit your name, address, and a brief description of the items of equipment you manufacture to this agency within 30 days after you import your products into the United States.; The other rule is 49 CFR Part 551, *Procedural Rules*. Subpart D o this regulation requires all manufacturers headquartered outside of the United States to designate a permanent resident of the United States as the manufacturer's agent for service of all process, notices, orders and decisions. This designation should be mailed to the Chief Counsel, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20590, and must include the following information:; >>>1. A certification that the designation of agent is valid in for and binding on the manufacturer under the laws, corporate by-laws, or other requirements governing the making of the designation at the time and place where it is made,; 2. The full legal name, principal place of business, and mailin address of the manufacturer,; 3. Marks, trade names, or other designations of origin of any of th manufacturer's products which do not bear its name,; 4. A statement that the designation shall remain in effect unti withdrawn or replaced by the manufacturer,; 5. A declaration of acceptance duly signed by the agent appointed which may be an individual, firm, or U.S. corporation, and; 6. The full legal name and address of the designated agent.<<< In addition, the designation must be signed by a person with authorit to appoint the agent. The signer's name and title should be clearly indicated beneath his or her signature.; I have also enclosed an information sheet describing the Federal Moto Vehicle Safety Standards. Also enclosed is a description of how you can obtain copies of our motor vehicle safety standards and other regulations.; I hope this information is helpful. Please contact us if you hav further questions.; Sincerely, Erika Z. Jones, Chief Counsel