Engine Importers to Pay $2 Million for Non-Conforming Engines

Three Mississippi companies will pay $2 million in penalties for importing nonroad engines that were not covered by the required Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certificates of Conformity. PowerTrain, Inc., Wood Sales, Inc and Tool Mart., Inc. will jointly pay the civil penalty, implement processes to ensure that all future imported engines comply with EPA regulations, adopt mechanisms to reduce the excess pollution from the previously imported engines.

Nonroad diesel engines contribute to air pollution in many of our nation's cities and towns. In an effort to reduce pollution generated by these engines, the EPA implemented emission standards for the engines used in most construction, agricultural, and industrial equipment.

Importing motor vehicle engines into the United States can be a very complex and expensive process. Before importing any engine into the U.S., importers must consider the EPA requirements in addition to the CBP regulations.

The EPA will allow the importation of non-emissionized engines in very limited situations.

• There must be no certified engine available with appropriate properties to repower the equipment.

• If an equivalent certified engine is available, it must be used.

• The engine manufacturer or its agent (distributor) must take ownership and possession of the old engine in partial exchange of the replacement engine.

• The replacement engine is properly labeled with a non-compliance label.

To help determine if your engine is subject to regulation, use the flow chart provided by the EPA, along with the Nonroad Diesel Engine Regulations found on the EPA website.