Compilation of Foreign Remanufactured Parts Import Restrictions

US Department of Commerce, Office of Automotive Affairs Remanufactured Parts Global Report
Subject: Regulations for importation of remanufactured, rebuilt, and/or used motor vehicle parts
and the market prospects for such products.
1. This is an action cable and has been cleared by both Commerce and State.
2. Background: the U.S. automotive parts remanufacturing industry was estimated to account
for about $30-35 billion in sales in 1998. The world market is estimated to be over $65 billion.
Recently the president of the U.S. Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association (APRA), Mr.
William Gager, asked the Office of Automotive Affairs if it had any information regarding which
countries prohibit and/or otherwise restrict imports of remanufactured motor vehicle parts.
Specifically, he stated his members are unable to export their products to Brazil, Argentina, and
Colombia. Mr. Gager wanted to know which other countries did not allow remanufactured parts
into their markets, and also which countries might be the best prospects for his members=
products.
3. For the purposes of this request, we consider remanufactured or rebuilt parts to be motor
vehicle parts which have been fully reconditioned to original factory specifications. Used parts
would be parts which have been removed from a vehicle and no additional value added has been
performed with the exception of cleaning. However, we assume all countries treat
remanufactured or rebuilt parts as used. If this is not correct for any particular country, please
state how used and remanufactured parts are treated differently (rate of duty, importation
allowed/not allowed, etc.)
4. This request is somewhat similar to the action cable sent to all posts ( r 301606z apr 98) by
Mr. John Bodson. However, that request is related to used equipment and not auto parts. We
are aware that in many countries, a used product, such as a vehicle, may be treated differently
from a used part for a vehicle, such as an engine or water pump. Wherever possible, we have
used the information each post provided to Mr. Bodson, but little data/information were found
specifically for used motor vehicle parts.
5. In addition to information concerning outright bans, differing rates of duty, or other
conditions on the importation of remanufactured auto parts, the U.S. parts remanufacturing
industry is seeking information concerning the structure and status of each country=s parts
remanufacturing industry. For example, if the remanufacturing industry is well developed, its
emphasis would be on selling equipment, supplies, and possibly components for remanufacturing
replacement parts. However, if very little rebuilding is occurring in a particular country,
remanufactured parts exported from the U.S. would be a more lucrative area.
6. Please respond to the questions (and any additional information/data you might provide) as
follows:
91