Emissions
Vehicles sold in several parts of the world (especially the Middle East, Africa and South America) often do not meet European emissions standards. Please note that petrol-fuelled cars manufactured after August 1992 are required to meet standards that can currently only be achieved by a catalytic converter.
This is from the Dept of the Environment
Oh, yes, the ONLY engine that COULD pass without a CAT is one which ISNT running!!
Pete