Bicycles and other cycles (including delivery tricycles), not motorised

CN code 871200 covers bicycles and other cycles (including delivery tricycles), not motorised. This heading classifies traditional muscle-powered bicycles, including road bikes, mountain bikes (MTB), city bikes, trekking bikes, cyclocross bikes, BMX, and children's bicycles. The code also covers electrically assisted pedal cycles (pedelec/e-bike) with motor power up to 250 W and assisted speed up to 25 km/h, as these are treated as bicycles rather than motorcycles. Delivery cargo bikes (cargo trikes) also fall within this code. Importing bicycles follows standard customs procedures, and duty rates should be verified in the TARIC or ISZTAR system.

Bicycles imported into the EU must comply with safety standard EN ISO 4210 specifying safety requirements and test methods for bicycles. The standard covers requirements for the frame, fork, brakes, wheels, tyres, pedals, and handlebars. Electric bicycles (pedelecs) are additionally subject to standard EN 15194 on electrically power-assisted cycles. Bicycles must have required lighting and reflective elements as per individual EU country road traffic regulations. The General Product Safety Directive requires importers to ensure bicycles do not pose a risk to users. Importing e-bikes with lithium-ion batteries is additionally subject to dangerous goods transport regulations.

The European bicycle market is one of the largest globally, with a growing share of electric bicycles. Annual EU sales exceed 20 million bicycles, with an increasing proportion being e-bikes. Asian bicycle imports, particularly from Taiwan, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, dominate the market. Chinese bicycle imports are subject to anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties, significantly affecting import structure. European manufacturers - including Dutch, German, and Italian producers - focus on the premium segment and electric bicycles. The cargo bike trend is growing in European cities as an alternative to delivery vans.

Importing bicycles without motor (CN 8712 00) into the EU requires product safety requirements (Directive 2001/95/EC) and EN standards. The MFN duty rate should be verified in the TARIC database. Customs clearance requires an EORI number and a correct declaration. Preferential rates may apply under FTAs such as EU-Korea, EU-Japan EPA, or CETA. National import VAT is charged at the destination Member State rate.