National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance

REGISTERED IMPORTER NEWSLETTER No. 12

August 1998

RECALLS

Ensuring that vehicles do not have an open recall is an important function of an RI. At time of importation, an RI must check to ensure that there are no outstanding recalls on a new vehicle because it is illegal to offer a vehicle for sale which contains a noncompliance. If any exist, the recall must be completed before the vehicle is released. After the vehicle is released, the RI is responsible for any subsequent recalls that might be issued on a vehicle for which it submitted a conformity package. To assist in the latter, OVSC is providing RIs with a list of vehicles that may be subject to recall. Once notified, the RI is responsible for submitting Part 573 reports to OVSC to report the progress of the recall campaign. Failure to remedy vehicles at time of importation, failure to notify owners, and failure to submit Part 573 reports after importation are considered serious violations of the duties of an RI. Anyone not fulfilling these requirements is subject to penalty and/or suspension or revocation of license. Anyone not currently fulfilling these obligations will not have their registration renewed.

APPROVED LIST

Attachment 1 is a list of MY 1997 and MY 1998 Canadian vehicles which meet the FMVSS with the exception of minor labeling and odometer labeling. When submitting conformity packages for vehicles on this list you need only submit photographs of the OEM certification label and the RI label. Packages for other Canadian entries subject to the automatic restraint requirement of FMVSS 208 must submit pictures showing compliance with this standard. Packages for all other entries must also have photographs of the modifications performed to bring the vehicle into conformity.

RENEWAL

Renewals should be submitted during

September for the FY which begins October 1, 1998. A grace period is given until October 31. Any renewal not received by October 31 will be treated as a new application. The following information must be included with your renewal:

  1. Check made payable to the Treasurer of the United States or authorization to charge the $350 fee if approved for credit card use,

  2. Statement required by 49 CFR Part 592.5(e),

  3. Warranty Insurance Policy with notarized signatures,

  4. Changes to contacts or vehicle types imported,

  5. Proof of purchase of current volume of 49 CFR Parts 400-999, and

  6. Sample of RI certification label (should be a blank label).

Attachment 2 is a sample of the renewal letter.

FEES FOR FY 1999

The following fees are applicable for FY 99. The bond processing fee is based on the date of importation and the package processing fee is based on the date that NHTSA received the conformity package.

Application Fees

RI application fee = $491.

Renewal of registration = $350.

Petition Fees

Substantially similar = $199.

Capable of being modified = $721.

Importation of a vehicle covered by a petition or agency initiative = $125.

Processing Fees

Bond processing = $5.40

Package processing = $16 or

The $16 fee is discounted to $13 if the RI uses ABI entry, pays by credit card, and has an e-mail address for bond release, etc.

CREDIT CARDS

Payment by credit card is encouraged and it can save you money on your processing fee. When paying by credit card make sure that you do not exceed the credit limit established for your card. If we are unable to collect on your credit card, you will be required to pay by check. This will also raise the cost of the package processing fee if you were eligible for the reduced fee of $13.

VSA-1

VSA-1 has not been a valid eligibility number for Canadian imports since May 13, 1997. Any conformity package that identifies the eligibility number as VSA-1 will be returned and vehicles covered by these packages must be held for possible inspection. Notify your broker of the correct eligibility number to use for electronic entries.

INCORRECT ABI ENTRIES

We continue to get entries with incorrect data. Constantly making corrections to the submitted information slows processing of everyone's conformity packages. If you want to receive timely bond releases please ensure that your broker is submitting the correct information.

STANDARDS

Attachment 3 is a listing of FMVSS and the types of vehicles to which they apply. Make sure that the appropriate standards are checked on the conformity statement and that the correct standards are addressed on an eligibility petition.

LAMPS

A summary and chart of the lighting requirements for trucks, buses, MPVs and trailers may be found at our website

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/standards/

INTERNET ADDRESS

Anyone who has an internet site for their facility and would like to have it listed as part of its address should FAX the web address to 202-366-1024.

HIGH THEFT LIST

The "Final Listing of Model Year 1999 High Theft Vehicle Lines" was published in the Federal Register on July 15, 1998 (63 FR 38096). Vehicles on the high theft list must have the required parts inscribed with the vehicle identification number prior to importation.

FMVSS No. 126, TRUCK-CAMPER LOADING

This standard was canceled September 1, 1997 (61 FR 36655). Requirements have been incorporated into Part 575.103.

NEWSLETTERS

The newsletters are now available on the web.

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/

CANCELED STANDARDS

107, Reflecting Surfaces 5-6-96

112, Headlight Concealment 10-14-96

see FMVSS 108 for requirements

115, VIN Identification 7-8-96

see Part 565 for requirements

126, Truck-Camper Loading 9-1-97

see Part 575.103 for requirements

211, Wheel Nuts, Wheel Discs, and Hub Caps

6-5-96

Attachment 1

Canadian Certified Vehicles1 Which Meet FMVSS

except for minor labeling

Year Make Exceptions
1997 General Motors  
1998 General Motors  
1997 Ford  
1998 Ford  
1997 Chrysler  
1998 Chrysler  
1997 Nissan  
1998 Nissan  
1997 Infiniti  
1998 Infiniti  
1997 Honda Honda Civic CX 3-Dr
1998 Honda Honda Civic CX 3-Dr
1997 Acura  
1998 Acura  
1997 Toyota Tercel, Paseo, Corolla2, Celica2
1998 Toyota Tercel2, Paseo2, Celica2
1997 Lexus  
1998 Lexus  

1. Applies to passenger cars, light trucks, and MPVs with a GVWR less than 10,000 lb

2. Not equipped with air bags at both front outboard seating positions as standard equipment

Attachment 2

Sample Renewal Letter

Smith Imports, Inc.
1177 Market St.
New York, NY 44888
212-676-3344-FAX 676-3300

E-mail: smithimports@aol.com

September 17, 1998

Administrator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
400 Seventh St. SW
NSA-32 (Room 6120a)
Washington, D.C. 20590

Re: YEARLY STATEMENT OF REGISTERED IMPORTER

Dear Sir/Madame:

This is to affirm that all information that Smith Imports, Inc. previously provided pursuant to 49 CFR Sec. 592.5 under paragraphs (a)(4), (a)(5), (a)(6), (a)(9), and (a)(11) for our company remains correct. We include a current copy of our insurance policy per paragraph (e) of this section. Our updated broker and address information in enclosed with our check for $350 for FY 1999.

You are reminded that our telephone number changed on June 1, 1998. We notified you within the 30-day time limit allowed by Sec. 592.5(f). Our addresses for the office, shop and vehicle storage remain the same. Please call if you have questions or need additional information.

Sincerely,
Jack Smith, President ___________________ __________
Smith Imports, Inc. Notary Dated
Enclosures

  1. Check

  2. Warranty Insurance Policy

  3. Changes to contact list

  4. Revised vehicle list

  5. 49 CFR Proof

  6. Certification label

Attachment 3

FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS (FMVSS); APPLICABILITY
49 CFR Part 571
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100 Series (Crash Avoidance)
 
101 Controls and Displays        
102 Transmission Shift Lever Sequence        
103 Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems        
104 Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems        
105 Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems        
106 Brake Hoses  
108 Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment  
109 New Pneumatic Tires (3) (4)   (4)   (4)  
110 Tire Selection and Rims            
111 Rearview Mirrors (5)      
113 Hood Latch System        
114 Theft Prevention            
116 Hydraulic Brake Fluids  
117 Retreaded Pneumatic Tires (passenger cars)              
118 Power-Operated Window Systems            
119 New Pneumatic Tires for Trucks, Buses etc.   (4) (4) (4) (4) (4)  
120 Tire Selection and Rims for Trucks, Buses etc.    
121 Air Brake Systems          
122 Motorcycle Brake Systems              
123 Motorcycle Controls and Displays              
124 Accelerator Control Systems        
125 Warning Devices              
129 New Non-Pneumatic Tires for Passenger Cars (3) (4)          
131 School Bus Pedestrian Safety Devices       (5)        
135 Passenger Car Brake Systems (6)            
 
200 Series (Crash Worthiness)
 
201 Occupant Protection in Interior Impact   (1)        
202 Head Restraints   (1)        
203 Impact Protection for Driver Steering Controls   (1)        
204 Steering Control Rearward Displacement          
205 Glazing Materials (7) (7) (7) (7) (7)   (7)
206 Door Locks and Retention Components          
207 Seating Systems        
208 Occupant Crash Protection        
209 Seat Belt Assemblies (7) (7) (7) (7)      
210 Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages        
212 Windshield Mounting   (1)        
213 Child Restraint Systems        
214 Side Impact Protection   (1)        
216 Roof Crush Resistance (8)   (8,9)        
217 Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention              
218 Motorcycle Helmets              
219 Windshield Zone Intrusion   (1)        
220 School Bus Rollover Protection       (5)        
221 School Bus Body Joint Strength       (5)        
222 School Bus Seating and Crash Protection       (5)        
223 Rear Impact Guards              
224 Rear Impact Protection           (2)    
 
300 Series (Post Crash Protection)
 
301 Fuel System Integrity   (5)        
302 Flammability of Interior Materials        
303 Fuel System Integrity of Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles   (1,5)        
304 Compressed Natural Gas Fuel Container Integrity              
 
500 Series (Low Speed Vehicles)
 
500 Low-Speed Vehicles              

(1) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR less than or equal to 4,536 Kg (10,000 lb)

(2) GVWR greater than 4,536 Kg (10,000 lb)

(3) See FMVSS No. 110

(4) See FMVSS No. 120

(5) Applies to or has different requirements for School Buses

(6) GVWR less than or equal to 3,500 Kg (7,716 lb)

(7) For use in

(8) GVWR less than or equal to 2,722 Kg (6,001 lb)

(9) Does not apply to School Buses

Passenger Car: Motor vehicle with motive power, except a low-speed vehicle, multipurpose passenger vehicle, motorcycle or trailer designed for carrying 10 persons or less.

Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle: Motor vehicle with motive power, except a low-sped vehicle or a trailer designed to carry 10 persons or less which is constructed either on a truck chassis or with special features for occasional off-road operation.

Truck: Motor vehicle with motive power, except a trailer, designed primarily for the transportation of property or special purpose equipment.

Bus: Motor vehicle with motive power, except a trailer, designed for carrying more than 10 persons.

School Bus: A bus that is sold, or introduced in interstate commerce, for purposes that include carrying students to and/or from school or related events, but does not include a bus designed and sold for operation as a common carrier in urban transportation.

Motorcycle: Motor vehicle with motive power, having a seat or saddle for use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground.

Trailer: Motor vehicle with or without motive power, designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by another motor vehicle.

Motor Vehicle Equipment: Individual vehicle components or systems whether installed on a new vehicle or provided as a replacement or accessory that are subject to a FMVSS.

Low-Speed Vehicle: 4-wheeled motor vehicle, other than a truck, with a maximum speed greater than 20 and not more than 25 miles per hour.