EPA v. WILDVELD GROUP INC.

Case summary

EPA Recommendation for Denial: 12/19/2025 EPA Recommendation for Entry #A96-00046379: 1996 Land Rover Defender (Vehicle) Imported by Wildveld Group Inc., Docket No. CAA-04-2026-0502 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reviewed the above-referenced entry for compliance with the Clean Air Act (the Act), and by this letter recommends that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) deny entry of the Subject Vehicle imported by Wildveld Group Inc. (Importer). This letter summarizes the applicable law and the basis of the EPA's determination that the Subject Vehicle was imported in violation of the Act because it is not certified, and no facts have been provided to demonstrate eligibility for any exemption or exclusion. Therefore, the EPA recommends that CBP seize, export, or otherwise deny entry of the shipment above referenced as Entry #A96-00046379. The Act prohibits a manufacturer from selling, offering for sale, introducing, or delivering for introduction into commerce, or any person from importing, any new motor vehicle or new motor vehicle engine manufactured after the effective date of the applicable regulations, unless such vehicle or engine is covered by an EPA-issued certificate of conformity (COC) or is properly exempt or excluded from the certification requirement. 42 U.S.C. 7522(a)(1). The Act also prohibits anyone from causing these actions. Id. 7522(a). The term manufacturer as used in Section 203 of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 7522, includes any person who imports engines or vehicles for resale. Id. 7550(1). With respect to imported vehicles and engines, the terms new motor vehicle and new motor vehicle engine mean a motor vehicle and engine, respectively, manufactured after the effective date of a regulation issued under section 7521 . . . which is applicable to such vehicle . . . (or which would be applicable to such vehicle . . . had it been manufactured for importation into the United States). Id. 7550(3). With limited exclusions where certain features would prevent highway operation, a motor vehicle is a vehicle which is self-propelled and capable of transporting a person or persons or any material or any permanently or temporarily affixed apparatus. 40 C.F.R. 85.1703. Motor vehicles are not covered by a COC unless they conform in all material respects to the specifications described in the COC and the associated COC application, and otherwise satisfy statutory and regulatory criteria. Id. 86.1848-10(c)(6). The EPA has determined that the Subject Vehicle is not covered by a valid COC, and no facts have been provided to demonstrate eligibility for any exemption or exclusion. Thus, by importing the Subject Vehicle, the importer has committed a violation of the Act's statutory and regulatory provisions cited above. The EPA recommends that CBP seize, export, or otherwise deny entry of the Subject Vehicle identified under Entry #A96-00046379. If CBP allows exportation before or after remission in lieu of forfeiture, the EPA has no objection if the Subject Vehicle is exported to a country other than Canada or Mexico.

Defendants (1)

• WILDVELD GROUP INC.Named in settlement

Facilities (1)

• WILDVELD GROUP INC (IMPORTER)

  139 SOUTHERN BOULEVARD, SAVANNAH, GA, 31405

  Registry ID: 110072293666

Statutes cited

• CAA 203 — Prohibited Acts - Motor Vehicle & Motor Vehicle Engines

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• WILDVELD GROUP INC.entered 2025-12-19

  Primary law: CAA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2025-12-19Final Order Issued
• 2025-12-19Enforcement Action Closed
• 2026-09-28Enforcement Action Data Entered