Gray Green

Sep 20, 2004 12:21 PM, by Wayne Wenzel

John Deere recently warned that "gray market" equipment meant for overseas markets but being sold in the United States is not covered by warranty and may not meet U.S. safety standards. Gray market machines are products designed for use in other countries but imported back to the U.S. without authorization of the manufacturer.

In May, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) moved to stop the importation of certain gray market machines. Specifically for John Deere, third party representatives are selling Self-Propelled Forage Harvesters and Telehandlers originally designed for the European market to U.S. dealers, independent retailers, and end users. The ITC ruled that it is illegal for importers to sell these European-version machines to the U.S. market. Customs officials have been ordered to stop these machines at the border and not allow them to be brought into the United States.