Some radios were never meant to be used in the United States. They do not carry the necessary FCC certifications and approvals. They are made for use in overseas markets and are not ordinarily imported into the U.S.A. Equipment model numbers are different from U.S. models. Parts, programming software and accessories may not be available domestically.
They can be sold to domestic or international customers, for use outside of the United States. In those occasions when a non-certified equipment must be temporarily brought into the U.S.A. as part of exportation procedure to a third country, the buyer would be required to sign a special waiver. Such equipment they bring cannot be used here legally.