Importing from China
China is the world’s largest bicycle maker and the epicentre of the e-bike, so buying at source is tempting. But one point rules over all the others: the EU applies heavy, long-standing anti-dumping duties on Chinese bicycles, which can multiply the landed cost. On top of that, the e-bike carries a lithium battery (dangerous goods) and anything electric needs CE marking. Before you buy, the first thing is to confirm the tariff situation for your exact heading—here is how.
Bicycles are bulky even part-dismantled, and cost is driven by volume (CBM). The usual route is sea freight: a full container (FCL) for large shop or distributor orders, or groupage (LCL) for small quantities. Bikes ship boxed and partly disassembled (wheel, handlebar, pedals), which makes better use of the container.
Air freight rarely pays off given volume and weight, except for urgent samples. The tricky part of transport is the e-bike: its lithium battery makes it dangerous goods (lithium battery contained in equipment, UN 3481; a complete e-bike may ship as a vehicle, UN 3556) and requires specific documentation, approved packaging and, often, air restrictions. Mind the packaging of frames and paint; they travel for weeks by sea.
Bicycles without a motor are classified under HS 8712 and e-bikes under HS 8711 60. Here the “normal” duty is the least of it: the EU has kept high anti-dumping (and countervailing) duties on bicycles originating in China for decades, with successive renewals. The amount can be very high and depends on the heading and the manufacturer; confirm it with your broker before buying, because it can completely change whether the order works.
Import VAT is recoverable if you import as a business with your EORI and the declaration is in your name. Remember the VAT base is CIF + duty + anti-dumping (a cascade effect), so a high anti-dumping duty also inflates the VAT you advance. On certification, every bike (and above all the e-bike) needs CE marking to be sold in the EU.
This is the deciding factor: Chinese bicycles carry high, long-standing anti-dumping duties in the EU, with anti-circumvention measures that also reach certain parts and assemblies that merely change country on paper. Before closing the deal, verify the rate for your heading and manufacturer: it can decide whether the business stacks up.
The e-bike carries a lithium battery, which is dangerous goods. You need a safety data sheet, a UN 38.3 report, approved packaging and carriage that accepts it; by air there are heavy restrictions. Treat it as DG from your first contact with the supplier.
Every bike needs CE for the EU market; the e-bike (pedal assist up to 25 km/h and 250 W) must meet EN 15194 and the machinery and EMC directives. Above those limits it stops being a “bicycle” and enters far more demanding vehicle type-approval.
Anti-dumping measures have been extended to essential parts and components to prevent circumventing assembly. Importing loose frames or kits does not automatically escape the duty; check the classification and true origin before buying.
To move bicycles, the usual route is sea freight (FCL or groupage) and we handle your customs clearance. If you import e-bikes, also see dangerous goods for the lithium battery. Tell us your case and we will advise you.
Note: anti-dumping duties, tariffs and rules (CE, EN 15194, lithium-battery rules) can change, be renewed or be extended to new headings, and depend on the origin and manufacturer. This guide describes the general situation at the time of writing; confirm it with your customs broker before deciding.
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