Title 46, ShippingRelease 119-102
§4304 Importation of Nonconforming Vessels and Equipment
Title 46 › Subtitle II — Vessels and Seamen › Part B — Inspection and Regulation of Vessels › CHAPTER 43 — RECREATIONAL VESSELS › § 4304
Summary
Two Secretaries can allow importing recreational boats and gear that don't meet safety rules if conditions like a bond ensure they are fixed before use in U.S. waters.
Full Legal Text
Title 46, §4304
Shipping, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
The Secretary and the Secretary of the Treasury may authorize by joint regulations the importation of any nonconforming recreational vessel or associated equipment on conditions, including providing a bond, that will ensure that the recreational vessel or associated equipment will be brought into conformity with applicable safety regulations and standards of the Government before the vessel or equipment is operated on waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised sectionSource section (U.S. Code) 430446:1460 section 4304 requires the regulation and control of the importation of nonconforming recreational vessels and associated equipment. This is to assure United States manufacturers that foreign imports comply with those
Regulations
and standards in effect for United States products so that all manufacturers will be on this same competitive footing. This is being done in lieu of providing a specific prohibition against the importation of these vessels and equipment that might be considered an imposition of a non-tariff barrier to trade.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
46 U.S.C. § 4304
Title 46, Shipping
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102