House Bill Would Target Non-Compliant Products

To help deter the import of automotive and other products that falsely claim compliance with federal or industry safety standards, Representatives Sander Levin, (D-Mich.) and Dave Camp, (R-Mich.), have sponsored H.R. 4152, which would make unlawful the importation, sale for importation or sale within the U.S. after importation, of products falsely labeled or advertised as meeting a U.S. government or industry performance or safety standard. The bill would amend Section 337 of America's trade law, a section well known by aftermarket companies who have used the law against imports that infringe upon their trademarks, patents and other intellectual property rights.

WASHINGTON — To help deter the import of automotive and other products that falsely claim compliance with federal or industry safety standards, Representatives Sander Levin, (D-Mich.) and Dave Camp, (R-Mich.), have sponsored H.R. 4152, which would make unlawful the importation, sale for importation or sale within the U.S. after importation, of products falsely labeled or advertised as meeting a U.S. government or industry performance or safety standard.

The bill would amend Section 337 of America’s trade law, a section well known by aftermarket companies who have used the law against imports that infringe upon their trademarks, patents and other intellectual property rights. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) handles petitions brought under Section 33, and can order relief including bans on such imports, as well as cease and desist orders to American importers. H.R. 4152 would extend Section 337 provisions to non-compliant imports.

The bill was referred to the House Ways and Means Committee, where both Reps. Levin and Camp are members, and recently seven prominent representatives, including three Ways and Means Committee members who cosponsored the legislation.

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