Document ID: NHTSA-2009-0143-0002
Agency: nhtsa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Registered Importers of Vehicles Not Originally Manufactured to Conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
Posted Date: 2011-08-25T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 165 (Thursday, August 25, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53072-53080]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-21595]

[[Page 53072]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

49 CFR Parts 567, 591, 592, and 593

[Docket No. NHTSA 2009-0143; Notice 2]
RIN 2127-AK32

Certification; Importation of Vehicles and Equipment Subject to 
Federal Safety, Bumper, and Theft Prevention Standards; Registered 
Importers of Vehicles Not Originally Manufactured To Conform to the 
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This document amends NHTSA's regulations pertaining to 
registered importers (``RIs'') of motor vehicles not originally 
manufactured to comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle 
safety. The agency is amending RI application and renewal requirements 
to enable the agency to deny applications for registration from 
entities that have been convicted of a crime related to the 
importation, purchase, or sale of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle 
equipment and to revoke existing registrations held by such entities. 
Another amendment will require an RI to certify that it destroyed or 
exported nonconforming motor vehicle equipment removed from a vehicle 
during conformance modifications. The agency is also establishing new 
requirements for motor vehicles imported under import eligibility 
petitions, adopting a clearer definition of the term ``model year'' for 
import eligibility purposes, and requiring that import eligibility 
petitions include the type classification and gross vehicle weight 
rating (``GVWR'') of the subject vehicle. This notice also adopts 
several amendments to the RI regulations that add citations to 
provisions that can be used as a basis for the non-automatic suspension 
of an RI registration, deletes redundant text from another provision, 
and revises several sections to include the agency's current mailing 
address.

DATES: The amendments established by this final rule will become 
effective September 26, 2011. Petitions for reconsideration must be 
received by NHTSA not later than October 11, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Petitions for reconsideration of this final rule should 
refer to the docket and notice numbers identified above and should be 
submitted to: Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building, Washington, 
DC 20590. It is requested, but not required, that 10 copies of the 
petition be submitted. The petition must be received not later than 45 
days after publication of this final rule in the Federal Register. 
Petitions filed after that time will be considered petitions filed by 
interested persons to initiate rulemaking pursuant to 49 U.S.C. Chapter 
301.
    The petition must contain a brief statement of the complaint and an 
explanation as to why compliance with the final rule is not 
practicable, is unreasonable, or is not in the public interest. Unless 
otherwise specified in the final rule, the statement and explanation 
together may not exceed 15 pages in length, but necessary attachments 
may be appended to the submission without regard to the 15-page limit. 
If it is requested that additional facts be considered, the petitioner 
must state the reason why they were not presented to the Administrator 
within the prescribed time. The Administrator does not consider 
repetitious petitions and unless the Administrator otherwise provides, 
the filing of a petition does not stay the effectiveness of the final 
rule.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For non-legal issues contact Clint 
Lindsay, Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance, National Highway Traffic 
Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 
20590 (202-366-5288). For legal issues contact Nicholas Englund, Office 
of Chief Counsel, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590 (202-366-5263).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Background of This Rulemaking Action
    A. The 1968 Importation Regulations and the Imported Vehicle 
Safety Compliance Act of 1988
    B. Previous Regulatory Actions
    1. The 2000 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
    2. The 2004 Final Rule
    C. The 2011 Proposal To Amend the RI Regulations
II. Amendments to the RI Regulations
    A. The Agency May Deny Registration to, or Revoke Registrations 
Held by Entities Convicted of Certain Crimes
    B. Information Submitted in Annual RI Registration Renewals Must 
Be True and Correct
    C. RIs Must Certify Destruction or Exportation of Nonconforming 
Motor Vehicle Equipment Removed From Imported Vehicles During 
Conformance Modifications
    D. Establishing Procedures for Importation of Motor Vehicles for 
the Purpose of Preparing an Import Eligibility Petition
    E. Adopting a Clearer Definition of the Term ``Model Year'' for 
the Purpose of Import Eligibility Decisions
    F. Requiring Import Eligibility Petitions to Identify the Type 
Classification and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (``GVWR'') of the 
Subject Vehicles
III. Technical Corrections
    A. Identifying a Violation of Regulations in Part 592 as a Basis 
for the Non-Automatic Suspension or Revocation of an RI Registration
    B. Deletion of Redundant Text From 49 CFR 592.5(a) Identifying 
Contents of the RI Application
    C. Revisions to Certain Provisions To Reflect the Agency's 
Current Street Address
IV. Effective Date
V. Rulemaking Analyses and Notices Regulatory Text

I. Background of This Rulemaking Action

A. The 1968 Importation Regulations and the Imported Vehicle Safety 
Compliance Act of 1988

    The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 as 
amended (``the Safety Act''), now codified at 49 U.S.C. chapter 301, 
requires imported vehicles to meet Federal motor vehicle safety 
standards (``FMVSS''). Effective January 10, 1968, a regulation jointly 
issued by NHTSA and the United States Customs Service (``Customs''), 19 
CFR 12.80, allowed permanent importation of motor vehicles not 
originally manufactured to meet applicable FMVSS if, within 120 days 
from the date of entry, the importer demonstrated that the vehicle had 
been brought into compliance with those standards.
    The Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988 (Pub. L. 100-
562, ``the 1988 Act''), which became effective on January 31, 1990, 
limited the importation of vehicles that did not comply with the FMVSS 
to those capable of being modified to comply. To enhance oversight, the 
1988 Act required that necessary modifications be performed by 
``registered importers'' (``RIs''). RIs are business entities that have 
demonstrated to NHTSA that they are technically and financially capable 
of importing nonconforming motor vehicles and of performing the 
necessary modifications on those vehicles so that they conform to all

[[Page 53073]]

applicable FMVSS. See generally, 49 U.S.C. 30141-30147.

B. Previous Regulatory Actions

1. The 2000 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
    As mandated by the 1988 Act, the agency issued regulations covering 
the RI program (49 CFR parts 591 through 594) that superseded those in 
19 CFR 12.80. See 54 FR 40069, Sept. 29, 1989.
    After nearly a decade of experience with the initial regulations 
under the 1988 Act, the agency identified a number of unanticipated 
difficulties in administering the RI program. To address these 
difficulties and to ensure that imported vehicles were properly brought 
into conformance, the agency tentatively concluded that more 
information from applicants and more specificity about the duties of 
RIs would be necessary. NHTSA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 
(``NPRM'') on November 20, 2000 seeking to clarify RI duties and 
application requirements. 65 FR 69810, Nov. 20, 2000. The NPRM proposed 
amendments clarifying the registration, suspension, and revocation 
procedures for RIs.
2. The 2004 Final Rule
    After considering the comments to the NPRM, the agency published a 
final rule amending the importation regulations on August 24, 2004. 69 
FR 52070. These amendments established new requirements for RI 
applicants and further delineated the duties of RIs. The amendments 
also revised the provisions for suspending or revoking RI 
registrations.

C. The 2011 Proposal To Amend the RI Regulations

    Nearly seven years have passed since the agency last amended the RI 
regulations in 2004. During those years, the agency has looked closely 
at the RI program and determined the need for further amendments to the 
regulations to improve the program. As discussed in the NPRM, 76 FR 
2631, Jan. 14, 2011, these amendments are needed to protect the 
integrity of the RI program and to clarify RI requirements. In 
reviewing RI regulations, the agency determined that RI regulations did 
not give the agency the ability to prevent a person convicted of a 
crime related to the importation of a motor vehicle from becoming or 
remaining as an RI. Allowing such a convicted person to become or 
remain as an RI threatens the integrity of the RI program. Similarly, 
the agency has discovered that nonconforming equipment removed during 
conformance modifications, such as headlights, has been offered for 
sale in the United States on Internet auction sites. To prevent these 
threats to the RI program's integrity, the agency is amending RI 
regulations. Also, the agency will require RIs to certify that the 
information provided in the annual renewal statement they submit under 
49 CFR 592.5(f) is true and correct.
    The agency also identified the need to clarify regulations related 
to import eligibility petitions. RIs seeking import eligibility for a 
nonconforming motor vehicle may need to import a vehicle for the 
purpose of preparing an import eligibility petition. In the past, the 
agency has permitted entry of these vehicles on an ad hoc basis. This 
final rule formalizes and clarifies the protocol for bringing in a very 
limited number of vehicles for the purpose of preparing an eligibility 
petition. Also related to the import eligibility petitions, the agency 
is adopting a clearer definition of the term ``Model Year'' and 
requiring that import eligibility petitions identify the type 
classification and gross vehicle weight rating (``GVWR'') of the 
subject vehicle.
    The agency is also making technical corrections to the regulations. 
These corrections will identify violations of the regulations in part 
592 as a basis for the non-automatic suspension or revocation of an RI 
registration, delete redundant text, and update the agency's mailing 
address.
    As noted above, the agency published a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) on January 14, 2011 to solicit public comments on 
these amendments. No comments were received in response to the NPRM.

II. Amendments to the RI Regulations

A. The Agency May Deny Registration to, or Revoke the RI Status of, 
Entities Convicted of Certain Crimes

    The statute authorizing the RI program directs the agency to 
``establish procedures for registering a person who complies with 
requirements prescribed by the Secretary [of Transportation] by 
regulation under this subsection [49 U.S.C. 30141(c)]. * * *'' As part 
of its responsibilities, an RI has the duty to ensure that each 
nonconforming vehicle that it imports or agrees to modify is brought 
into compliance with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety and 
bumper standards, that an accurate statement of conformity is submitted 
to NHTSA certifying the vehicle's compliance following the completion 
of the modifications, and that the vehicle is not released for 
operation on the public roads until NHTSA releases the conformance 
bond. The agency approves RIs for the specific purpose of carrying out 
these important safety responsibilities. In this respect, each RI 
occupies a position of public trust to ensure that nonconforming 
vehicles imported under its auspices are properly conformed to all 
applicable standards before they are operated on public roads in the 
United States.
    Congress authorized NHTSA to establish procedures and requirements 
for registering Registered Importers. Congress did not delineate all 
the requirements in the statute, but instead required NHTSA to issue 
rules. 49 U.S.C. 30141(c). The statute includes a non-exhaustive list 
of requirements that NHTSA should adopt, which would promote integrity 
in the RI program. These include record keeping requirements, records 
and facilities inspection authority, and the establishment of technical 
and financial requirements. In addition, the statute required NHTSA to 
establish procedures for revoking or suspending an RI registration for 
not complying with a requirement of 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 Subchapter 
III, or any of sections 30112, 30115, 30117-30122, 30125(c), 30127, or 
30166 of title 49 U.S. Code or regulations promulgated under Chapter 
301 Subchapter III or any of the preceding sections, as well as 
automatic suspensions. 49 U.S.C. 30141(c)(4).
    Because RIs hold positions of public trust, we are amending the RI 
regulations to prevent persons or entities convicted of a crime related 
to the importation, purchase, or sale of a motor vehicle or motor 
vehicle equipment from gaining or maintaining RI status.
    We are amending 49 CFR 592.5(e)(1) to state that the agency may 
deny registration to applicants who have been convicted of a crime 
related to the importation, purchase, or sale of motor vehicles or 
motor vehicle equipment. The amendments allow the agency to deny 
registration to an applicant if any person associated with direct or 
indirect ownership or control of the applying entity, or any person 
employed by or associated with the applicant or applying entity, has 
been convicted of a crime related to the importation, purchase, or sale 
of motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment. These offenses include, 
but are not limited to, title fraud, odometer fraud, or the sale of 
stolen vehicles. For the purposes of this final rule, the phrase 
``convicted of a crime'' means a criminal conviction, whether entered 
on a verdict or plea, including a plea of nolo contendere, for which 
sentence has been imposed, whether convicted in the U.S. or in foreign 
jurisdictions.

[[Page 53074]]

    We are also amending the regulations to allow the agency to deny 
registration renewal to RIs who have been convicted of, or whose 
business is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by, or under 
common ownership or control with, a person who has been convicted of a 
motor vehicle-related crime.
    The integrity of the RI program is undermined when an entity, after 
becoming an RI, is convicted of a motor vehicle-related crime. A 
convicted entity, possessing a current registration and knowing that 
its registration will not be renewed, may have little incentive to 
faithfully follow its duties as an RI. The agency believes that waiting 
until the end of the fiscal year to deny registration renewal to a 
convicted entity poses an unacceptable risk to the public. To protect 
the program from this risk, we are amending Section 592.5(f) to state 
that an existing RI or any person who directly or indirectly owns or 
controls, or has common ownership or control of the RI's business, must 
not be convicted of a crime related to the importation, purchase, or 
sale of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment. After the RI has 
been convicted, RI status may be revoked under Section 592.7(b).

B. Information Submitted in Annual RI Registration Renewals Must Be 
True and Correct

    Under 49 CFR 592.5(a)(11), parties applying for RI status must 
certify that all information provided in the application is true and 
correct. As noted above, RIs occupy a position of public trust by 
certifying that imported nonconforming vehicles have been brought into 
conformity with all applicable safety standards. In deciding whether to 
register an applicant as an RI, the agency must be able to trust that 
the information provided in the application is accurate and truthful. 
If the agency discovers that an applicant submitted false or inaccurate 
information, the application may be denied. 49 CFR 592.5(e)(1).
    NHTSA's regulations require RIs to annually renew their 
registrations. When evaluating a request for renewal, the Administrator 
must be able to rely on the accuracy and truthfulness of the annual 
statement submitted under 49 CFR 592.5(f) and 592.6(k) in support of 
that request. Existing RIs, however, are not currently required to 
certify that the renewal request is truthful. To address this 
shortcoming, we are amending Sec.  592.5(f) and Sec.  592.6(k) to 
require an RI to certify that all the information submitted in its 
annual renewal statement is true and correct. Any RI making a false or 
inaccurate certification in this statement may have its registration 
suspended or revoked pursuant to Sec.  592.7(b).

C. RIs Must Certify Destruction or Exportation of Nonconforming Motor 
Vehicle Equipment Removed From Imported Vehicles During Conformance 
Modifications

    The 1988 Act allows an RI to permanently import nonconforming 
vehicles if NHTSA has determined that the vehicle can be modified to 
comply with all applicable FMVSS. During conformance modification of 
nonconforming vehicles, RIs often must remove the nonconforming motor 
vehicle equipment items from these vehicles and replace the components 
with equipment meeting applicable FMVSS. Motor vehicle equipment items 
subject to the FMVSS include tires, wheels, brake hoses, brake fluid, 
seat belt assemblies, lighting equipment, and glazing. The final 
disposition of this equipment is a concern for the agency because the 
Safety Act prohibits the sale of nonconforming equipment.
    To prevent nonconforming equipment from being sold in the United 
States, NHTSA has previously directed RIs to destroy or export the 
noncompliant equipment removed from a vehicle during conformance 
modifications. NHTSA has also directed RIs to certify in the statements 
of conformity submitted for the modified vehicle that all nonconforming 
equipment has been destroyed or exported.
    Despite these efforts, nonconforming equipment removed from 
vehicles by RIs has been offered for sale on the Internet. To ensure 
that this noncompliant equipment does not enter interstate commerce, we 
are amending Sec.  592.6(d) to require RIs to certify that all 
nonconforming equipment on an imported vehicle has been destroyed or 
exported. This certification must be made in the statement of 
conformity the RI submits to the agency upon the completion of all 
conformance modifications. Failing to certify the destruction or 
exportation of nonconforming equipment items removed from imported 
vehicles would result in the agency withholding release of the DOT 
conformance bond furnished for the vehicle at its time of entry and 
also may subject the RI to the suspension or revocation of its 
registration and to civil penalties.

D. Establishing Procedures for Importation of Motor Vehicles for the 
Purpose of Preparing an Import Eligibility Petition

    A motor vehicle not originally manufactured to meet applicable 
FMVSS may not be imported on a permanent basis unless NHTSA determines, 
on its own initiative or upon the petition of an RI, that the vehicle 
is eligible for importation. 49 U.S.C. 30141(a)(1).
    Two categories of vehicles are eligible for importation under 
section 30141(a)(1). The first are vehicles that can be readily altered 
to conform to the FMVSS and are substantially similar to vehicles 
certified as conforming to those standards (i.e., U.S.-certified 
counterparts). 49 U.S.C. 30141(a)(1)(A). The second category covers 
vehicles that do not have a substantially similar U.S.-certified 
counterpart but are capable of being altered to comply with all 
applicable FMVSS. 49 U.S.C. 30141(a)(1)(B). In the latter category, 
proof of compliance is based on dynamic test data or evidence that 
NHTSA decides adequately demonstrates compliance. Id. After NHTSA 
decides that a particular model and model year vehicle is eligible for 
importation, the agency assigns the vehicle a unique vehicle 
eligibility number that permits entry of the vehicle into the United 
States.
    To develop a petition, an RI may need to physically examine at its 
facility in the United States a motor vehicle that was not certified by 
its manufacturer as complying with all applicable FMVSS and compare 
that vehicle to a U.S.-certified vehicle of the same model and model 
year. If there is no substantially similar U.S.-certified vehicle, the 
RI may need to import as many as two motor vehicles in order to conduct 
crash tests or conduct other tests or analyses to demonstrate the 
vehicle's compliance with applicable FMVSS.
    NHTSA has previously informed RIs that only one vehicle may be 
imported for the purpose of preparing an import eligibility petition 
unless destructive test data is needed, in which case the agency will 
authorize the importation of one additional vehicle. Because formal 
regulations do not address these allowances, the agency has made these 
decisions on an ad hoc basis.
    In May 2006, NHTSA amended the HS-7 Declaration form by including a 
new Box 13 to provide for the entry of nonconforming vehicles by RIs 
for the purpose of preparing an import eligibility petition. When the 
agency amended the form, however, we did not make corresponding 
amendments to 49 CFR part 591 to reflect the new contents of the HS-7 
Declaration form. In order to harmonize the HS-7 Declaration form and 
the corresponding import regulations under Sec.  591.5, the agency is 
amending Sec.  591.5 to provide a regulatory basis for the importation 
of

[[Page 53075]]

vehicles for the purpose of preparing an import eligibility petition.
    In the NPRM, the agency requested comments regarding whether 
importing one vehicle is sufficient for the purpose of preparing an 
import eligibility petition for a vehicle that has a substantially 
similar U.S.-certified counterpart and whether importing two vehicles 
is sufficient where destructive crash test data is required to 
establish compliance with all applicable FMVSS. The agency received no 
comments on these issues and we are adopting the amendments as 
proposed. See 76 FR 2633, Jan. 14, 2011.
    Accordingly, for an import eligibility petition covering a vehicle 
that is substantially similar to a U.S.-certified vehicle, RIs may 
import one vehicle in order to prepare the petition. For an import 
eligibility petition covering a vehicle that does not have a 
substantially similar U.S.-certified counterpart but is capable of 
being altered to comply, RIs may import up to two vehicles in order to 
prepare the petition.
    These importations to prepare a petition will be subject to certain 
conditions to prevent abuse. An RI seeking to import a vehicle in 
support of a petition must inform NHTSA that it will, or has, 
petitioned the agency for an import eligibility decision. The RI will 
need NHTSA's written permission to import the vehicle. RIs must follow 
this procedure and may not declare the vehicle under Box 3 as one that 
has already been determined eligible for importation or enter an 
agency-assigned vehicle eligibility number on the HS-7 Declaration 
form. Improper use of an agency-assigned vehicle eligibility number on 
the HS-7 Declaration form for a vehicle imported to prepare an 
eligibility petition will be considered a violation of 49 U.S.C. 
30112(a) and 49 CFR 592.6(a). Such a violation would subject the RI to 
the suspension or revocation of its registration (see 49 CFR 
592.7(b)(1)) as well as civil penalties.
    Vehicles imported for the purpose of preparing an import 
eligibility petition will be authorized to remain in the United States 
for only a limited time. The importing RI must file an import 
eligibility petition with the agency within 180 days of the vehicle's 
entry date. The RI must declare on the HS-7 Declaration form (Box 13) 
that it will destroy, export, or abandon the vehicle to the United 
States if NHTSA dismisses or denies the petition, if the RI withdraws 
the petition, or if the RI does not file a petition within 180 days 
from the date of entry. The vehicle must be destroyed, delivered to 
Customs for exportation, or abandoned to the United States within 30 
days from the date of the dismissal, denial, or withdrawal of the RI's 
petition, as appropriate, or within 210 days from the date of the 
vehicle's entry if the RI fails to submit a petition. The RI must 
submit to NHTSA documentary proof of the vehicle's destruction, 
exportation, or abandonment within 15 days from the date of such 
action.
    An RI will not need to obtain a DOT conformance bond when importing 
a nonconforming vehicle for the purpose of preparing an import 
eligibility petition. These conformance bonds are needed when NHTSA has 
determined that a particular vehicle is capable of being modified to 
meet U.S. standards. For vehicles imported to prepare a petition, the 
final rule provides for the use of a Temporary Importation Bond 
(``TIB''). The TIB serves as the RI's promise that the vehicle, which 
is imported on a temporary basis for up to one year for the purpose of 
testing or inspection, will be exported or destroyed. The RI must post 
a TIB with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (``CBP'') for twice the 
amount of duty, taxes, etc., that would otherwise be due at the time 
the vehicle is imported. If the RI does not export or destroy the 
vehicle, it is subject to forfeiture of the TIB and penalties for 
violations of NHTSA's regulations including civil penalties and the 
suspension or revocation of the RI's registration.
    Under these amendments, if the agency grants the import eligibility 
petition the RI must do one of the following: furnish a DOT conformance 
bond for the vehicle, export the vehicle, abandon the vehicle to the 
United States, or destroy the vehicle. If the RI intends to bring the 
vehicle into compliance, the RI must submit a complete conformance 
package to the agency within 120 days from the date the petition is 
granted. If the vehicle has been destroyed, the RI must submit 
documentary proof of the destruction to the agency within 30 days from 
the date destruction. These recitals are reflected in the text that the 
agency is adding to Sec.  591.5.

E. Adopting a Clearer Definition of the Term ``Model Year'' for the 
Purpose of Import Eligibility Decisions

    Vehicles manufactured for sale in the United States are typically 
assigned model year designations for marketing and other purposes. 
Although the model year traditionally begins on September 1, it can 
begin on other dates as well. A date that is more important from the 
agency's perspective under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 subchapter III is the 
vehicle's ``date of manufacture,'' defined as the date on which 
manufacturing operations are completed on a vehicle at its place of 
main assembly. See 49 CFR 567.4(g)(2) and 49 CFR 571.7. The agency uses 
a vehicle's date of manufacture to identify the specific FMVSS 
requirements that the vehicle must be certified to meet. Manufacturers 
of vehicles intended for sale in the United States must affix to those 
vehicles a label that, among other things, identifies the vehicle's 
date of manufacture and certifies that the vehicle complies with all 
applicable FMVSS in effect on that date. 49 U.S.C. 30115; 49 CFR 
567.4(g).
    Many European manufacturers do not use a model year designation for 
vehicles manufactured for their own markets. Instead, they rely on the 
calendar year in which the vehicle is produced. Moreover, the countries 
in which these vehicles are produced generally do not assign model year 
designations. Although, as previously noted, September 1 through August 
31 is commonly accepted as the model year for vehicles in the United 
States, these dates have limited relevance, if any, to vehicles that 
are produced for sale abroad.
    As discussed above, vehicles not manufactured to conform to FMVSS 
may be imported into the U.S. by an RI if the agency has determined the 
vehicle is eligible. The agency may make this determination based on an 
import eligibility petition or on the agency's own initiative. When an 
import eligibility petition is based on the substantial similarity of 
the subject vehicle to a U.S.-certified counterpart, section 
30141(a)(1)(A) provides for the agency to make the eligibility decision 
on a model and model year basis. Because many European manufacturers do 
not use a model year designation, RIs have a difficult time determining 
whether a particular vehicle has a substantially similar U.S.-certified 
counterpart of the same model year.
    Consequently, the agency will amend the definition of ``model 
year'' in 49 CFR 593.4 by deleting ``the calendar year that begins on 
September 1 and ends on August 31 of the next calendar year,'' as one 
of the alternative definitions of the term ``model year.'' The deleted 
text will be replaced with the following: ``the calendar year (i.e., 
January 1 through December 31) in which manufacturing operations are 
completed on the vehicle at its place of main assembly.'' The new 
language is consistent with how manufacturers must identify the date of 
manufacture in the vehicle's certification label. See 49 CFR 
567.4(g)(2). This change will eliminate much of the confusion now

[[Page 53076]]

confronting RIs over the issue of whether a given vehicle manufactured 
for sale abroad has a substantially similar U.S.-certified counterpart 
of the same model year.
    After an RI performs all modifications necessary to conform a 
vehicle to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety and bumper 
standards, and remedies all noncompliances and defects that are the 
subject of any pending safety recalls, the RI must permanently affix to 
the vehicle a certification label that meets the content requirements 
of 49 CFR 567.4(k). Under 49 CFR 567.4 (k)(4)(i), the RI must identify 
the vehicle's model year or year of manufacture on the label. We are 
amending 49 CFR 567.4(k)(4)(i) to reflect the new definition of model 
year that will be added to 49 CFR 593.4.

F. Requiring Import Eligibility Petitions To Identify the Type 
Classification and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (``GVWR'') of the 
Subject Vehicles

    In making import eligibility decisions, the agency determines the 
safety standards applicable to a particular vehicle by, among other 
things, taking account of the model, model year (if assigned), date of 
manufacture, the type classification, and the gross vehicle weight 
rating (``GVWR'') of the vehicle. The various type classifications that 
a vehicle can be assigned are defined in the agency's regulations at 49 
CFR 571.3. Those type classifications include passenger car, 
multipurpose passenger vehicle (``MPV''), truck, bus, motorcycle, 
trailer, and low-speed vehicle (``LSV''). The regulations also define 
GVWR as the loaded weight of the vehicle as specified by the 
manufacturer. 49 CFR 571.3.
    The agency has access to the type classification and GVWR of U.S.-
certified vehicles. Manufacturers of U.S.-certified vehicles must 
identify the type classification on the vehicle's certification label. 
See 49 CFR 567.4(g)(7). Manufacturers must also identify on the 
certification label the GVWR they have assigned to the vehicle. 49 CFR 
567.4(g)(3). However, determining the type classification and GVWR of a 
motor vehicle without a substantially similar U.S.-certified 
counterpart can require some work. The agency may expend considerable 
time and effort ascertaining this information, thereby delaying the 
processing of the petition.
    To rectify this situation, NHTSA is adopting a requirement that all 
import eligibility petitions under 49 CFR 593.6(a) must include the 
type classification and the GVWR of the vehicle. The final rule will 
amend 49 CFR 593.6(a) and (b) by adding language to require 
identification of the vehicle's type classification as defined in 49 
CFR 571.3. If the petition is or will be submitted under 49 CFR 
593.6(a), on the basis that the vehicle is substantially similar to a 
vehicle which was originally manufactured for importation into and sale 
in the United States, and which was certified by its manufacturer 
pursuant to 49 CFR part 567, then the RI must use the type 
classification of the vehicle's U.S.-certified counterpart. If the 
petition is or will be submitted under 593.6(b), on the basis that the 
vehicle's safety features comply with, or are capable of being modified 
to comply with, all applicable FMVSS, then the RI must identify the 
vehicle's type classification consistent with 49 CFR 571.3.
    The final rule will also amend 49 CFR 593.6(a) and (b) by adding 
language to require identification of the vehicle's GVWR. If the 
petition is or will be submitted under 49 CFR 593.6(a), on the basis 
that the vehicle is substantially similar to a vehicle which was 
originally manufactured for importation into and sale in the United 
States, and which was certified by its manufacturer pursuant to 49 CFR 
part 567, then the RI must use the GVWR of the vehicle's U.S.-certified 
counterpart.
    If the petition is or will be submitted under 593.6(b), on the 
basis that the vehicle's safety features comply with, or are capable of 
being modified to comply with, all applicable FMVSS, then the RI must 
identify the GVWR consistent with certification requirements of 49 CFR 
567.4(g)(3) and 49 CFR 571.3. Pursuant to 49 CFR 593.7, the agency may 
accept or reject the GVWR identified in the petition.
    The agency notes that if the vehicle is ultimately certified to 
meet applicable FMVSS, the GVWR must be included in the certification 
label required by 49 CFR part 567. Per the certification requirements, 
the GVWR shall not be less than the sum of the unloaded vehicle weight 
(as defined by Sec.  571.3), the rated cargo load, and 150 pounds 
multiplied by the number of designated seating positions. 49 CFR 
567.4(g)(3). Of course, compliance with a number of FMVSS is predicated 
on testing at the GVWR.

III. Technical Corrections

A. Identifying a Violation of Regulations in Part 592 as a Basis for 
the Non-Automatic Suspension or Revocation of an RI Registration

    NHTSA is required by statute to establish procedures for revoking 
or suspending an RI's registration for not complying with a requirement 
of 49 U.S.C. 30141-30147, or any of 49 U.S.C. 30112, 30115, 30117-
30122, 30125(c), 30127, or 30166, or any regulations issued under these 
sections. 49 U.S.C. 30141(c)(4). Regulations implementing this 
provision are found at 49 CFR 592.7. The agency amended Sec.  592.7(b), 
as part of the 2004 rule, to list the regulations that, if violated, 
provide grounds for the suspension or revocation of an RI registration. 
These regulations were identified as including, but not being limited 
to, parts 567, 568, 573, 577, 591, 593, and 594. Part 592 was 
inadvertently omitted from this list. We are amending Sec.  592.7(b) to 
add part 592.

B. Deletion of Redundant Text From 49 CFR 592.5(a) Identifying Contents 
of the RI Application

    49 CFR 592.5(a)(4)(v) requires an application for registration as 
an RI to include the statement that ``the applicant has never had a 
registration revoked pursuant to Sec.  592.7, nor is it, nor was it, 
directly or indirectly, owned or controlled by, or under common 
ownership or control with, a Registered Importer that has had a 
registration revoked pursuant to Sec.  592.7.'' This requirement is 
also expressed, in identical language, in Sec.  592.5(a)(6). To correct 
this redundancy, we are deleting the text at Sec.  592.5(a)(4)(v). This 
does not eliminate a requirement.

C. Revisions to Certain Provisions To Reflect the Agency's Current 
Street Address

    Sections 591.6(f)(1), 592.5(a)(1), 592.8(b), 593.5(b)(2), and 
593.10(a), prescribe requirements for submitting information to NHTSA 
and identify the agency's address. The agency will amend these sections 
to reflect the agency's current street address.

IV. Effective Date

    The amendments adopted in this notice will become effective 30 days 
after issuance of this final rule.

V. Rulemaking Analyses and Notices Regulatory Text

A. Executive Order 12866, Executive Order 13563, and DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures

    NHTSA has considered the impact of this rulemaking action under 
Executive Order 12866, Executive Order 13563, and the Department of 
Transportation's regulatory policies and procedures. This rulemaking is 
not significant. Accordingly, the Office of Management and Budget has 
not reviewed this rulemaking document under Executive Order 12886. 
Further, NHTSA has determined that this rulemaking is not

[[Page 53077]]

significant under the Department of Transportation's regulatory 
policies and procedures. NHTSA currently anticipates the costs of the 
final rule to be so minimal as not to warrant preparation of a full 
regulatory evaluation. The rule does not involve any substantial public 
interest or controversy. It has no substantial effect upon State and 
local governments. It has no substantial impact upon a major 
transportation safety program. A regulatory evaluation analyzing the 
economic impact of the final rule establishing the RI program, adopted 
on September 29, 1989, was prepared, and is available for review in the 
docket.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The agency has considered the effects of this rulemaking under the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act, and certifies that the adopted amendments 
will not have a significant economic impact upon a substantial number 
of small entities.
    The following is NHTSA's statement providing the factual basis for 
the certification (5 U.S.C. 605(b)). The adopted amendments will 
primarily affect entities that are currently modifying nonconforming 
vehicles and which are small businesses within the meaning of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act. At present, 65 such entities are registered 
with NHTSA. The adopted amendments will not significantly increase 
operating costs for any of these entities or impose any additional 
financial burden upon them.
    Small governmental jurisdictions will not be affected at all since 
they are generally neither importers nor purchasers of nonconforming 
motor vehicles.

C. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)

    NHTSA has examined today's final rule pursuant to Executive Order 
13132 (64 FR 43255; Aug. 10, 1999) and believes that no additional 
consultation with States, local governments, or their representatives 
is mandated beyond the rulemaking process. The agency believes that 
this final rule will not have sufficient federalism implications to 
warrant consultation with State and local officials or the preparation 
of a federalism summary impact statement. This final rule will not have 
``substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between 
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.''

D. National Environmental Policy Act

    NHTSA has analyzed this action for the purposes of the National 
Environmental Policy Act. The action would not have a significant 
effect upon the environment because it is not likely to change the 
volume of motor vehicles imported through RIs.

E. Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice Reform)

    Pursuant to Executive Order 12988 ``Civil Justice Reform,'' the 
agency has considered whether the amendments adopted in this final rule 
would have any retroactive or preemptive effect. NHTSA concludes that 
these amendments will not have any such effect. Judicial review of a 
rule based on this proposal may be obtained pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 702. 
That section does not require that a petition for reconsideration be 
filed prior to seeking judicial review.

F. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (``UMRA'') 
requires agencies to prepare a written assessment of the costs, 
benefits, and other effects of proposed or final rules that include a 
Federal mandate likely to result in the expenditure by State, local, or 
Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of more 
than $100 million annually (adjusted for inflation with the base year 
of 1995). Before promulgating a rule for which a written assessment is 
needed, Section 205 of the UMRA generally requires NHTSA to identify 
and consider a reasonable number of regulatory alternatives and to 
adopt the least costly, most cost-effective, or least burdensome 
alternative that achieves the objectives of the rule. The provisions of 
Section 205 do not apply when they are inconsistent with applicable 
law. Moreover, Section 205 allows NHTSA to adopt an alternative other 
than the least costly, most cost-effective, or least burdensome 
alternative if the agency publishes with the final rule an explanation 
why that alternative was not adopted. Because this final rule will not 
require the expenditure of resources beyond $100 million annually, this 
action is not subject to the requirements of sections 202 and 205 of 
the UMRA.

G. Paperwork Reduction Act

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, a person is not required 
to respond to a collection of information by a Federal agency unless 
the collection displays a valid OMB control number. This final rule 
includes collections of information that are part of ``Importation of 
Vehicles and Equipment Subject to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety, 
Bumper, and Theft Prevention Standards,'' OMB control number 2127-0002. 
This clearance, which was based on a submission that accounted for the 
minor increase in the collection of information that will result from 
the final rule, is valid through January 31, 2014.

H. Executive Order 13045

    Executive Order 13045 applies to any rule that (1) is determined to 
be ``economically significant'' as defined under E.O. 12866, and (2) 
concerns an environmental, health, or safety risk that NHTSA has reason 
to believe may have a disproportionate effect on children. If the 
regulatory action meets both criteria, we must evaluate the 
environmental health or safety effects of the planned rule on children, 
and explain why the planned rule is preferable to other potentially 
effective and reasonably feasible alternatives considered by us.
    This rulemaking is not economically significant and no analysis of 
its impact on children is required.

I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act

    Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement 
Act of 1995 (``NTTAA''), Public Law 104-113, (15 U.S.C. 272) directs 
NHTSA to use voluntary consensus standards in its regulatory activities 
unless doing so would be inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise 
impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical standards 
(e.g., materials specifications, test methods, sampling procedures, and 
business practices) that are developed or adopted by voluntary 
consensus standards bodies, such as the Society of Automotive Engineers 
(``SAE''). The NTTAA directs the agency to provide Congress, through 
the OMB, with explanations when we decide not to use available and 
applicable voluntary consensus standards.
    After conducting a search of available sources, we have concluded 
that there are no voluntary consensus standards applicable to this 
final rule.

J. Privacy Act

    Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all submissions 
received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the comment or petition (or signing the comment or petition, 
if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 
19477-78).

[[Page 53078]]

K. Regulation Identifier Number (RIN)

    The Department of Transportation assigns a regulation identifier 
number (``RIN'') to each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda 
of Federal Regulations. The Regulatory Information Service Center 
publishes the Unified Agenda in April and October of each year. You may 
use the RIN that appears in the heading on the first page of this 
document to find this action in the Unified Agenda.
    In consideration of the foregoing, NHTSA is amending 49 CFR parts 
567, 591, 592, and 593 as follows:

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Parts 567, 591, 592, and 593

    Imports, Motor vehicle safety, Motor vehicles, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    In consideration of the foregoing, the agency amends parts 567, 
591, 592, and 593, in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations as 
follows:

PART 567--CERTIFICATION

0
1. The authority citation for part 567 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 322, 30111, 30115, 30117, 30166, 32502, 
32504, 33101-33104, 33108, and 33109; delegation of authority at 49 
CFR 1.50.

0
2. In Sec.  567.4, revise paragraph (k)(4)(i) to read as follows:

Sec.  567.4   Requirements for manufacturers of motor vehicles.

* * * * *
    (k) * * *
    (4) * * *
    (i) Model year (if applicable) or year of manufacture and line of 
the vehicle, as reported by the manufacturer that produced or assembled 
the vehicle. ``Model year'' is used as defined in Sec.  593.4 of this 
chapter. ``Line'' is used as defined in Sec.  541.4 of this chapter.
* * * * *

PART 591--IMPORTATION OF VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT SUBJECT TO FEDERAL 
SAFETY, BUMPER AND THEFT PREVENTION STANDARDS

0
1. The authority citation for part 591 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Pub. L. 100-562, 49 U.S.C. 322(a), 30117, 30141-
30147; delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.50.

0
2. Add Sec.  591.5(l) to read as follows:

Sec.  591.5  Declarations required for importation.

* * * * *
    (l) The vehicle does not conform to all applicable Federal Motor 
Vehicle Safety and Bumper Standards (but does conform to applicable 
Federal Theft Prevention Standards) but the importer is eligible to 
import it because:
    (1) The importer has registered with NHTSA pursuant to part 592 of 
this chapter, and such registration has not been revoked or suspended;
    (2) The importer has informed NHTSA in writing that (s)he intends 
to submit, or has already submitted, a petition requesting that NHTSA 
determine whether the vehicle is eligible for importation; and
    (3) The importer has:
    (i) Submitted to the Administrator a letter requesting permission 
to import the vehicle for the purpose of preparing an import 
eligibility petition; and
    (ii) Received written permission from the Administrator to import 
the vehicle.

0
3. Amend Sec.  591.6 by revising the last sentence of paragraph (f)(1) 
and adding a new paragraph (g) to read as follows:

Sec.  591.6  Documents accompanying declarations.

* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (1) * * * The request shall be addressed to Director, Office of 
Vehicle Safety Compliance, West Building--Fourth Floor, Room W43-481, 
Mail Code NVS-220, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
* * * * *
    (g) A declaration made pursuant to Sec.  591.5(l) shall be 
accompanied by the following documentation:
    (1) A letter from the Administrator authorizing importation 
pursuant to Sec.  591.5(l). A Registered Importer seeking to import a 
motor vehicle pursuant to this section must submit, in advance of such 
importation, a written request to the Administrator containing a full 
and complete statement identifying the vehicle, its original 
manufacturer, model, model year (if assigned), date of manufacture, and 
VIN. The statement must also declare that the specific purpose of 
importing this vehicle is to prepare a petition to the Administrator 
requesting a determination whether the vehicle is eligible for 
importation pursuant to part 593 and that the importer has filed, or 
intends to file within 180 days of the vehicle's entry date, a petition 
pursuant to Sec.  593.5. The request must be addressed to Director, 
Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance, Fourth Floor, Room W43-481, Mail 
Code NVS-220, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.

0
4. In Sec.  591.7, add paragraph (f) to read as follows:

Sec.  591.7  Restrictions on importations.

* * * * *
    (f) If a vehicle has entered the United States under a declaration 
made pursuant to Sec.  591.5(l) and:
    (1) If the Administrator of NHTSA dismisses the petition or decides 
that the vehicle is not eligible for importation, or if the importer 
withdraws the petition or fails to submit a petition covering the 
vehicle within 180 days from the date of entry, the importer must 
deliver the vehicle, unless it is destroyed (with destruction 
documented by proof), to the Secretary of Homeland Security for export, 
or abandon the vehicle to the United States, within 30 days from the 
date of the dismissal, denial, or withdrawal of the importer's 
petition, as appropriate, or within 210 days from the date of entry if 
the importer fails to submit a petition covering the vehicle, and 
furnish NHTSA with documentary proof of the vehicle's exportation, 
abandonment, or destruction within 15 days from the date of such 
action; or
    (2) If the Administrator grants the petition, the importer must:
    (i) Furnish a bond, in an amount equal to 150 percent of the 
entered value of the vehicle as determined by the Secretary of the 
Treasury, within 15 days from the date the importer is notified that 
the petition has been granted, unless the vehicle has been destroyed, 
and bring the vehicle into conformity with all applicable Federal motor 
vehicle safety and bumper standards within 120 days from the date the 
petition is granted; or,
    (ii) Deliver the vehicle to the Secretary of Homeland Security for 
export within 30 days from the date the importer is notified that the 
petition has been granted; or
    (iii) Abandon the vehicle to the United States within 30 days from 
the date the importer is notified that the petition has been granted; 
or
    (iv) Destroy the vehicle within 30 days from the date the importer 
is notified that the petition has been granted; and
    (v) Furnish NHTSA with documentary proof of the vehicle's 
exportation, abandonment, or destruction within 15 days from the date 
of such action.

PART 592--REGISTERED IMPORTERS OF VEHICLES NOT ORIGINALLY 
MANUFACTURED TO CONFORM TO THE FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY 
STANDARDS

0
1. The authority citation for part 592 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Pub. L. 100-562, 49 U.S.C. 322(a), 30117, 30141-
30147; delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.50.

[[Page 53079]]

0
2. In Sec.  592.4, add the definition of ``Convicted of a crime'' to 
read as follows:

Sec.  592.4  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Convicted of a crime means receiving a criminal conviction in the 
United States or in a foreign jurisdiction, whether entered on a 
verdict or plea, including a plea of nolo contendere, for which 
sentence has been imposed.
* * * * *

0
3. In Sec.  592.5, revise paragraph (a)(1), amend paragraph (a)(4)(iv) 
by adding ``and'' after the last semicolon, remove paragraph (a)(4)(v), 
redesignate paragraph (a)(4)(vi) as paragraph (a)(4)(v), revise 
paragraph (e)(1) and paragraph (f), and add paragraph (i) to read as 
follows:

Sec.  592.5  Requirements for registration and its maintenance.

    (a) * * *
    (1) Is headed with the words ``Application for Registration as 
Importer'', and submitted in three copies to: Director, Office of 
Vehicle Safety Compliance, National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration, Fourth Floor, Room W43-481, Mail Code NVS-220, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
* * * * *
    (e)(1) The Administrator:
    (i) Shall deny registration to an applicant who (s)he decides does 
not comply with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section;
    (ii) Shall deny registration to an applicant whose previous 
registration has been revoked;
    (iii) May deny registration to an applicant who has been convicted 
of, or whose business is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by, 
or under common ownership or control with, a person who has been 
convicted of, a crime related to the importation, purchase, or sale of 
a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment, including, but not limited 
to, offenses such as title fraud, odometer fraud, auto theft, or the 
sale of stolen vehicles; and
    (iv) May deny registration to an applicant that is or was owned or 
controlled by, or under common ownership or control with, or in 
affinity with, a Registered Importer whose registration has been 
revoked. In determining whether to deny an application, the 
Administrator may consider whether the applicant is comprised in whole 
or in part of relatives, employees, major shareholders, partners, or 
relatives of former partners or major shareholders of a Registered 
Importer whose registration has been revoked.
* * * * *
    (f) In order to maintain its registration, a Registered Importer 
must:
    (1) Not be convicted of, or have any person associated with direct 
or indirect ownership or control of the registered importer's business 
or any person employed by or associated with the registered importer 
who is convicted of, a crime related to the importation, purchase, or 
sale of motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment. These offenses 
include, but are not limited to, title fraud, odometer fraud, or the 
sale of stolen vehicles.
    (2) File an annual statement. The annual statement must be titled 
``Yearly Statement of Registered Importer'' and include the following 
written statements:
    (i)``I certify that I have read and understand the duties of a 
Registered Importer, as set forth in 49 CFR 592.6, and that [name of 
Registered Importer] continues to comply with the requirements for 
being a Registered Importer.''
    (ii) ``I certify that all information provided in each of my 
previous annual statements, submitted pursuant to Sec.  592.6(q), or 
changed in any notification that [name of Registered Importer] may have 
provided to the Administrator in compliance with Sec.  592.6(l), 
remains correct and that all the information provided in this annual 
statement is true and correct.''
    (iii) ``I certify that I understand that, in the event that its 
registration is suspended or revoked, or lapses, [name of Registered 
Importer] will remain obligated to notify owners and to remedy 
noncompliance issues or safety related defects, as required by 49 CFR 
592.6(j), for each vehicle for which [name of Registered Importer] has 
furnished a certificate of conformity to the Administrator.''
    (3) Include with its annual statement a current copy of the 
Registered Importer's service insurance policy. Such statements must be 
filed not later than September 30 of each year; and
    (4) Pay an annual fee and any other fee that is established under 
part 594 of this chapter. An annual fee must be paid not later than 
September 30 of any calendar year for the fiscal year that begins on 
October 1 of that calendar year. The Registered Importer must pay any 
other fee not later than 15 days after the date of the written notice 
from the Administrator.
* * * * *
    (i) The Administrator may deny registration renewal to any 
applicant who has been convicted of, or whose business is directly or 
indirectly owned or controlled by, or under common ownership or control 
with, a person who has been convicted of, a crime related to the 
importation, purchase, or sale of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle 
equipment, including, but not limited to, title fraud, odometer fraud, 
or the sale of stolen vehicles.

0
4. In Sec.  592.6, revise paragraphs (d) introductory text, (d)(1) and 
(k) to read as follows:

Sec.  592.6  Duties of a registered importer.

* * * * *
    (d) For each motor vehicle imported pursuant to part 591.5(f) of 
this chapter, certify to the Administrator:
    (1) Within 120 days of the importation that it has brought the 
motor vehicle into conformity with all applicable Federal motor vehicle 
safety and bumper standards in effect at the time the vehicle was 
manufactured by the fabricating manufacturer. Such certification shall 
state verbatim either that ``I know that the vehicle that I am 
certifying conforms with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety 
and bumper standards because I personally witnessed each modification 
performed on the vehicle to effect compliance,'' or that ``I know that 
the vehicle I am certifying conforms with all applicable Federal motor 
vehicle safety and bumper standards because the person who performed 
the necessary modifications to the vehicle is an employee of [RI name] 
and has provided full documentation of the work that I have reviewed, 
and I am satisfied that the vehicle as modified complies.'' The 
Registered Importer shall also certify that it has destroyed or 
exported any noncompliant motor vehicle equipment items that were 
removed from an imported vehicle in the course of performing 
conformance modifications. The Registered Importer shall also certify, 
as appropriate, that either:
* * * * *
    (k) Provide an annual statement, certifying that the information 
therein is true and correct, and pay an annual fee as required by Sec.  
592.5(f).
* * * * *

0
5. In Sec.  592.7, revise the last sentence of paragraph (b)(1) to read 
as follows:

Sec.  592.7  Suspension, revocation, and reinstatement of suspended 
registrations.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * * These regulations include, but are not limited to, parts 
567, 568,

[[Page 53080]]

573, 577, 591, 592, 593, and 594 of this chapter.
* * * * *

0
6. In Sec.  592.8, revise the third sentence of paragraph (b) to read 
as follows:

Sec.  592.8  Inspection; release of vehicle and bond.

* * * * *
    (b) * * * Each submission shall be mailed by certified mail, return 
receipt requested, or by private express delivery service to: Director, 
Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance, National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration, Fourth Floor, Room W43-481, Mail Code NVS-220, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590 or delivered in person. * * *
* * * * *

PART 593--DETERMINATIONS THAT A VEHICLE NOT ORIGINALLY MANUFACTURED 
TO CONFORM TO THE FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS IS 
ELIGIBLE FOR IMPORTATION

0
1. The authority citation for part 593 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 322 and 30141(b); delegation of authority 
at 49 CFR 1.50.

0
2. In Sec.  593.4, revise the definition of ``Model Year'' to read as 
follows:

Sec.  593.4  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Model year means the year used by a manufacturer to designate a 
discrete vehicle model irrespective of the calendar year in which the 
vehicle was actually produced, or the model year as designated by the 
vehicle's country of origin, or, if neither the manufacturer nor the 
country of origin has made such a designation, the calendar year (i.e., 
January 1 through December 31) in which manufacturing operations are 
completed on the vehicle at its place of main assembly.
* * * * *

0
3. In Sec.  593.5, revise paragraph (b)(2) to read as follows:

Sec.  593.5  Petitions for eligibility determinations.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) Be headed with the words ``Petition for Import Eligibility 
Determination'' and submitted in three copies to: Director, Office of 
Vehicle Safety Compliance, National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration, Fourth Floor, Room W43-481, Mail Code NVS-220, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
* * * * *

0
4. In Sec.  593.6, revise paragraph (a)(1) and paragraph (b)(1) to read 
as follows:

Sec.  593.6  Basis for petition.

    (a) * * *
    (1) Identification of the original manufacturer, model, and model 
year of the vehicle for which a determination is sought, as well as the 
type classification, as defined by Sec.  571.3 of this chapter, (e.g., 
passenger car, multipurpose passenger vehicle, bus, truck, motorcycle, 
trailer, low-speed vehicle) and the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) 
of the substantially similar vehicle which was originally manufactured 
for importation into and sale in the United States, and which was 
certified by its manufacturer pursuant to part 567 of this chapter, 
upon which the petition is based.
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) Identification of the model and model year of the vehicle for 
which a determination is sought, as well as the type classification of 
the vehicle, as defined by Sec.  571.3 of this chapter (e.g., passenger 
car, multipurpose passenger vehicle, bus, truck, motorcycle, trailer, 
low-speed vehicle) and the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) 
as identified by the Registered Importer consistent with parts 567 and 
571 of this chapter.
* * * * *

    Issued on: August 18, 2011.
David L. Strickland,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2011-21595 Filed 8-24-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P