Facts & Figures

Dumping duties only apply to Chinese bicycles that fall under one of the three CN codes 8712. E-bikes and Pedelecs are considered as “bicycles with an auxiliary engine”. This product group has CN code 8711 90 00 and is not subject to anti-dumping duties. As a result, the standard duty on E-bikes and Pedelecs is 6%, the preferential rate is 2.5%.

To be 100% certain about the correct classification of E-bikes and Pedelecs, it is advisable for importers to apply for Binding Tariff Information (BTI). The European Community has created the Binding Tariff Information (BTI) system as a tool to assist economic operators to obtain the correct tariff classification for goods they intend to import or export.

Binding Tariff Information is issued on request (see BTI application form, http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/common/databases/ebti/#bti_application_form) to economic operators by the customs authorities of the Member States (see list of customs authorities, http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/common/databases/ebti/#authorities). It is valid throughout the Community, regardless of the Member State that issued it.

The main benefit to the holder is legal certainty with regard to tariff classification. This is important, as tariff classification is the basis for determining customs duties. A BTI is generally valid for 6 years.

The Commission’s website has a database, http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds/ebticau_en.htm, with all BTI issued so far. For CN code 8711 90 00 there are over 100 BTI. Several of these concern E-bikes and Pedelecs.