Interpretation ID: 11842.ZTV
John S. Connor, Inc.
The World Trade Center
401 E. Pratt Street
Suite 700
Baltimore, MD 21202
Ref. 554761
Dear Mr. Higinbothom:
This is in reply to your letter of April 18, 1996, with respect to scrappage of a 1993 Toyota Starlet that does not conform to the Federal motor vehicle safety standards. You stated that the vehicle is currently in a bonded warehouse, and the importer has decided to destroy the car rather than spend the money necessary to bring it into conformity with Federal standards. You have asked "whether any of the parts on the car can be used on other vehicles".
The brake hoses, lamps and reflectors, tires, glazing, and seat belt assemblies may be permanently imported if they are marked with a DOT symbol. This constitutes the equipment manufacturer's certification of compliance that the equipment complies with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards, and it is permissible to import DOT-marked equipment even if the vehicle from which it is taken has not been certified by the vehicle manufacturer as meeting Federal standards. However, the remainder of the vehicle (or the entire vehicle, if none of the parts listed above) must be exported.
If you have any questions, please call Taylor Vinson of this Office (202-366-5263).
Sincerely,
Samuel J. Dubbin Chief Counsel
ref:591#VSA d:5/23/96