Customs and International Trade Law Blog : International Trade Lawyer & Attorney : Becker & Poliakoff Law Firm : Customs Law, Border Protection

The National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) is hosting a webinar on the topic of "EPA Import Compliance - What To Do When Things Go Wrong".

The webinar will focus on the practical import compliance policies and procedures of both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for the importation of mobile source equipment such as non-road and marine spark ignition engines in motorcyles, generators, and lawn mowers. 

An introduction to the EPA's enforcement of the Clean Air Act through its regulations will be discussed.  Learn about 'EPA Certificates of Conformity,' ' EPA Administrative Settlement Agreements,' and the proper use of EPA Form 3520.

Real-life examples of detentions and seizures by CBP will be used, along with a step by step "how to" resolve seizures and penalties by CBP and settle civil penalty cases with the EPA.

Registration may easily  be done on-line by clicking on this "Register Now"  link, or by calling Brian Barber, Director, NCBFAA Educational Institute, at (202) 466-0222.

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Peter Quinter, Partner, Customs and International Trade Department

pquinter@becker-poliakoff.com or (954) 985-4101

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Now that summer is here, air conditioners and generators are on our minds.  It is likely the AC unit or generator that was installed in your home or office was imported into the United States, and made in China.  The EPA has very specific requirements regarding the importation of generators and  motor vehicle engines, including ATVs, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and anything else with a non-road spark ignition engine.  EPA is concerned about enforcing emissions standards under the Clean Air Act, and so should you.

EPA regulations regarding the importation of motor vehicles are enforced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which will stop, examine, and seize any engine not exactly complying with detailed EPA requirements, including proper labels displayed on the engine part.  All such importers should be aware of, and timely, accurately and completely submit EPA Form 3520-21 (EPA Declaration Form for Vehicles and Equipment Subject to Federal Air Pollution Regulations).  Failure to do so will result in the seizure of the imported merchandise by U.S. Customs, and penalties against the importer up to $37,500 per vehicle/engine in violation.  Seizures are resolved by filing a Petition with the appropriate U.S. Customs' Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Office, and by negotiating and then signing an Administrative Settlement Agreement with the Air Enforcement Division of the EPA.

The aggressive enforcement of EPA's regulations of 40 CFR Parts 86 and 90 were demonstrated in the recent settlement by Pep Boys which has agreed to pay the EPA $5 million, implement a corporate compliance program, and export over 15,000 non compliant vehicles and generators.

Please provide your comments below. For any questions regarding EPA's requirements, please contact me at pquinter@becker-poliakoff.com or (954) 270-1864.

Peter Quinter, Partner, Customs and International Trade Department

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