Norfolk, Va., CBP seizes non-compliant and potentially unsafe e-bikes from China

NORFOLK, Va. - Electric bikes are exploding in popularity across the United States, especially in cities, coastal communities, and tourist areas, and so are injuries to riders. With summer approaching, Customs and Border Protection officers continue to scrutinize imports that potentially threaten consumer safety, including a recent import of 35 e-bikes that arrived in Hampton Roads, Va., recently that failed to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards.

CBP officers initially inspected a shipping container of e-bikes on Jan. 7 after the e-bikes arrived from China. Officers observed that the e-bikes came partially assembled and lacked required certification labels and safety markings. Officers detained the e-bikes for further investigation.

CBP officers contacted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for a compliance determination and on Jan. 20, NHTSA determined that the e-bikes failed to comply with motor vehicle safety standards. NHTSA recommended that CBP refuse entry

CBP officers seized the shipment of e-bikes on Feb. 27 after the importer, an e-bike shop in Hampton Roads, declined to export the e-bikes to another country.

"We know that injuries to electric bike riders continue to rise. Customs and Border Protection officers will continue to partner with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to protect e-bike riders and others on the road by denying the importation of noncompliant and potentially unsafe e-bikes," said Keri Brady, CBP's area port director for the Area Port of Norfolk-Newport News, Va.

Importation of a nonconforming vehicle is prohibited under (49 USC 30112). To be lawfully imported, a vehicle must be originally manufactured to comply with all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards, and vehicles must bear a label certifying such compliance that is permanently affixed in a prescribed location by the vehicle's original manufacturer.

The internet marketplace and global supply systems have made it easier to purchase products from foreign markets. CBP urges consumers to do their due diligence and ensure that the product they intend to purchase complies with all applicable U.S. safety and import laws.

If you are interested in importing vehicles to the United States, visit NHTSA's website to learn rules governing the lawful importation of vehicles, and read through some answers to common vehicle importing questions and concerns.

CBP's border security mission is led at our nation's Ports of Entry by CBP officers and agriculture specialists from the Office of Field Operations. CBP screens international travelers and cargo and searches for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, counterfeit consumer goods, prohibited agriculture, invasive weeds and pests, and other illicit products that could potentially harm the American public, U.S. businesses, and our nation's safety and economic vitality. See what CBP accomplished during "a typical day."

Learn more at https://www.CBP.gov.

Follow the Director of CBP's Baltimore Field Office on X @DFOBaltimore for breaking news, current events, human interest stories and photos, and CBP's Office of Field Operations on Instagram @cbpfieldops.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 67,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.

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