November 2, 2021

DOE ordered Harbor Freight Tools USA, Inc. to pay a $890,000 civil penalty after Harbor Freight had privately labeled and distributed in commerce in the U.S. multiple units of the noncompliant Smith+Jones brand basic model D561/2S4C-C.  The Order adopted a Compromise Agreement, which reflected settlement terms between DOE and Harbor Freight.

On September 2, 2021, DOE issued a Notice of Noncompliance Determination to Harbor Freight finding that the Smith+Jones brand basic model D561/2S4C-C does not comply with applicable energy conservation standards based on DOE testing. Harbor Freight provided DOE records showing the number of units Harbor Freight distributed.