In May 2012, EPA conducted inspections at the Port of Boston and found that the labels on all 124 motorcycles in IMSÂs May 2012 shipment do not include the information required under EPA regulations. In addition, examination of the exhaust system of the Model YY150T motorcycle revealed that the catalyst had significantly less volume and cell density than the certified design. Emission reductions are directly affected by catalyst volume and surface area. As a result, these motorcycles were not properly certified.
Engines that are not properly labeled or certified may be operating without proper emissions controls, which can emit excess carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides and cause respiratory illnesses, aggravate asthma and contribute to the formation of ground level ozone, or smog.
ÂEPA is committed to enforcing vehicle emission standards under the Clean Air Act, said Curt Spaulding, Regional Administrator. ÂBy taking action to deter the importation and sale of non-compliant engines, EPA is ensuring a level playing field for manufacturers and protecting Americans from illegal air emissions.Â
As part of the settlement, IMS will destroy the two Model YY150T motorcycles. The remaining 122 motorcycles will be re-labeled to EPAÂs satisfaction before being introduced into commerce.
The Clean Air Act prohibits any vehicle or engine from being imported and sold in the United States unless it is covered by a valid, EPA-issued certificate of conformity indicat