Who must comply with this subpart and when?

(a) All foreign manufacturers, assemblers, and importers of motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment (hereinafter referred to as “foreign manufacturers”) must comply with this subpart before offering a motor vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment for importation into the United States. (b) Unless and until a foreign manufacturer appoints an agent in accordance with the requirements of this subpart, it may not import motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment into the United States.