Hyperlites new shipping policy

I have just been on performance website and have found the following restrictions are being put on them for shipping of Hyperlite goods
'Hyperlite Wakeboards in an effort to support immerging wakeboarding countries all over the world, is implementing for 2009 a for US only distribution policy for domestic retailers.
For all International Customer Service inquires and product assistance please contact Hyperlite International Customer Service via email at internationalcs@hosports.com
All inquires will be answered with in 24 hours'

As a rider in the UK where buying equipment can be difficult, I buy alot of my stuff from them or other american sites. Not only do i think this sort of stance is bad for riders outside America, I don't think it is fair for companies to prevent retailers selling there goods to customers just because of their location.
Sorry to rant but this has really annoyed me

It's a must if the company wants to establish distribution and relationships Internationally.

They are trying to protect themselves.

Liquid Force has been doing this for years without any major issues.

Hyperlite have had distribution in EMEA & APJ for a very long time.

I think this might be due to huge costs associated with folks from those regions buying equipment in the United States and then having warrenty issues. Distribution partners will not want to cover those costs locally if the equipment was not purchased in their region.

This has been standard in many other industries for sometime. Its really tough to buy anything online from the U.S if you live in another country. I just try to do as much shopping as i can when im over on business or vacation - not ideal, but no other option really.