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87115000
VEHICLES OTHER THAN RAILWAY OR TRAMWAY ROLLING STOCK, AND PARTS AND ACCESSORIES THEREOFMotorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles fitted with an auxiliary motor, with or without side-cars; side-cars

With internal combustion piston engine of a cylinder capacity exceeding 800 cm³

Standard EU duty
6%
VAT
23%
Additional duties / sanctions
0 rules
Docs required
34 docs
Y054Y121Y123Y152Y160Y163+28
Standard rates
Applies toTypeRateConditionsRegulation
ERGA OMNESThird country duty6%-R2261/98
Preferences
AD 0%AL 0%BA 0%CA 0%CAMER 0%CARI 0%CH 0%CI 0%CL 0%CM 0%CO 0%DZ 0%EBA 0%EC 0%EEA 0%EG 0%EH 0%ESA 0%EUCA 0%FJ 0%FO 0%GB 0%GE 0%GH 0%GSP 2.5%GSP+ 0%IL 0%JO 0%JP 0%KE 0%KR 0%LB 0%LOMB 0%MA 0%MD 0%ME 0%MK 0%MX 0%NZ 0%PE 0%PG 0%PS 0%SADC EPA 0%SB 0%SG 0%SM 0%SWITZ 0%SY 0%TN 0%TR 0%UA 0%VN 0%WS 0%XC 0%XK 0%XL 0%XS 0%ZA 0%
Notes
CD303The relief from or reduction of customs duties shall be subject to the specific request expressed by the declarant in box 44 "Additional information/Documents produced/Certificates and authorisations", of the Single Administrative Document (SAD)
TM904Preferences granted under the agreement between the European Union and Morocco in force from 19 July 2019.As of 3 October 2025, products originating in Western Sahara subject to controls by the customs authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco shall benefit from trade preferences under the terms of the new Agreement in the form of exchange of letters between the EU and Morocco, The European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco have agreed to allow those products to be identified by reference to the region of origin to be included in the proof of origin and as provided for in Protocol 4.In view of the application of these measures, the origin certificates codes U179 and U180 must be declared.The country code to be entered in the origin declaration when these proofs of origin are used is “EH”.
CD727Eligibility to benefit from this preference is subject to the presentation of an origin declaration stating the European Union origin of the goods, in the context of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
CD906The list of non-eligible locations and their postal codes is available at the following address: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/customs/technical-arrangement_postal-codes.pdf
CD500Eligibility to benefit from this preference is subject to the presentation of a proof of origin stating the community origin of the goods, in the context of the agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation.
5

Binding Tariff Information

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BTI (Binding Tariff Information) is an official EU customs decision confirming the classification of goods. Valid for 3 years, binding across all EU member states.

Classification of motorcycles above 800 cc CN 871150

CN code 871150 covers motorcycles with reciprocating piston engines with a cylinder capacity exceeding 800 cc. This segment includes premium motorcycles - large touring bikes, sport superbikes, cruisers, and large-capacity adventure motorcycles. Category A driving licence is required. These motorcycles represent the highest market segment by unit value. Brands such as BMW, Harley-Davidson, Honda (Gold Wing), Ducati, Triumph, Kawasaki, and Suzuki dominate. Import follows standard customs procedures, and duty rates should be verified in the TARIC or ISZTAR system. Vehicles must hold EU type approval and meet Euro 5.

Premium motorcycle import procedures

Importing motorcycles above 800 cc requires full compliance with EU Regulation 168/2013. Mandatory ABS, Euro 5 emission standard, OBD, and UNECE safety regulations apply. Motorcycles imported from the USA, Japan, or other third countries require EU or individual type approval. Customs value for premium motorcycles is typically high, resulting in significant customs charges. Collector and vintage motorcycles (over 30 years) may qualify for reduced duty rates. Motorcycles temporarily imported for exhibitions or competitions may use ATA carnets exempting from duties. Parallel imports of motorcycles from lower-priced EU countries are legal and require no additional customs formalities.

Large-capacity motorcycle market in Europe

The European motorcycle market above 800 cc is a premium market characterised by higher margins and a loyal customer base. The touring segment (BMW R 1250 GS, Honda Gold Wing) dominates by sales volume. The sport segment (Ducati Panigale V4, BMW S 1000 RR) generates the highest unit value. Cruisers (Harley-Davidson, Indian) hold a strong market position. Used motorcycle imports from the USA, particularly Harley-Davidson, represent a significant market segment. The large-capacity adventure trend is clear, with models such as BMW R 1300 GS and KTM 1290 Super Adventure. European manufacturers dominate the premium segment.

Motorcycles above 800 cc - premium and duty rates

Importing motorcycles above 800 cc (CN 8711 50) into the EU requires two/three-wheel vehicle type-approval (EU) 168/2013. The MFN rate for motorcycles is 6% or 8% depending on engine size. 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.

Frequently asked questions

Does importing a Harley-Davidson from the USA involve customs duty?
Yes, importing a motorcycle from the USA to the EU is subject to customs duty, the rate of which should be verified in the TARIC system. VAT is charged in addition on the customs value plus duty. The motorcycle must undergo individual type approval, generating additional costs. US motorcycle imports also require adaptation of lighting and speedometer to European standards. Total import costs (duty + VAT + approval + transport) may represent a significant proportion of the motorcycle's value.
Does a vintage motorcycle qualify for reduced duty rates?
Motorcycles over 100 years old may qualify as antiques under heading 9706 and be subject to reduced duty rates. Motorcycles over 30 years in original condition may be treated as collector vehicles. Duty rates for collector and antique vehicles should be verified in the TARIC system. Vintage vehicles may be subject to simplified type-approval requirements when registered on historic plates in the destination member state.
What insurance is required when importing a motorcycle?
Transport insurance (cargo insurance) is not legally required for import but is recommended given the motorcycle's value. Third-party liability insurance is required for motorcycle registration in the EU. The customs value includes transport insurance costs if incurred. For premium motorcycle imports, all-risk insurance covering damage during sea or overland transport is advisable.
What requirements apply when importing motorcycles above 800 cc CN 8711 50?
Importing motorcycles above 800 cc (CN 8711 50) requires two/three-wheel vehicle type-approval (EU) 168/2013, an EORI number and customs declaration. The MFN rate for motorcycles is 6% or 8% depending on engine size. Import VAT applies.