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87

Tariff Chapter 87

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

What does heading 8712 of the customs tariff cover?

Heading 8712 covers bicycles and other cycles, not motorised. These products are widely imported into the EU from Asian countries. EU duty rates are 0%-14%. CE marking (where applicable) and compliance with relevant EU safety standards are required. Heading 8712 is part of Chapter 87 (vehicles, aircraft and transport equipment) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 8712 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 8712 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.

Duty rates and import requirements for heading 8712

These products are widely imported into the EU from Asian countries. EU duty rates are 0%-14%. CE marking (where applicable) and compliance with relevant EU safety standards are required. Duty rates are 0%-14%. CE marking and safety standard compliance are required. Check for possible anti-dumping measures in the TARIC database. Technical documentation and certificate of origin are required at import. When importing goods under heading 8712 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 8712 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system). Goods under heading 8712 are subject to EU type-approval and technical controls. Required documentation includes: type-approval certificates, Certificates of Conformity (CoC), Euro 6/7 emission test documents. In addition to customs duty, imports are subject to VAT at the rate applicable in the country of destination. The VAT taxable amount at import is the customs value plus duty and any countervailing or anti-dumping duties. The importer must file an electronic customs declaration in the national import system.

Classification of goods under heading 8712 - key considerations

Heading 8712 covers bicycles and other cycles (including delivery tricycles) without a motor. Key: human-powered - no electric or combustion motor. Includes city, road, mountain, BMX bikes, and rickshaws. Common mistake: electric bikes (e-bikes with motor) are 8711, not 8712.

Frequently asked questions

What are the EU duty rates for non-motorised bicycles (heading 8712)?
EU duty rates for bicycles under heading 8712 range from 14% to 15%. Bicycles without derailleur gears and children's bicycles attract a 14% rate, while bicycles with derailleur gears face 15%. These are among the higher rates in Chapter 87. Bicycles from countries benefiting from the GSP may qualify for lower rates. Check the TARIC database, as anti-dumping duties apply to bicycles imported from China, which can significantly increase total customs charges - up to 48.5% in additional anti-dumping duty. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What documents and regulatory requirements apply to importing bicycles into the EU?
Importing bicycles requires compliance with EU safety standards, particularly EN ISO 4210 for city and trekking bicycles and EN 15194 for electrically power-assisted cycles. CE marking (where applicable) and technical documentation are required. Customs clearance requires a commercial invoice describing the bicycle type, transport document, certificate of origin, and declaration of conformity. For bicycles from China, a certificate of origin confirming the country of manufacture is essential. This applies to goods classified under heading 8712 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What practical considerations apply when importing bicycles?
Importing bicycles from China is subject to anti-dumping duties of up to 48.5%. These duties also apply to bicycles assembled in third countries from Chinese components (circumvention). The actual country of origin must be verified. Bicycles must comply with EN ISO 4210 safety standards. Sea freight requires packaging that protects against corrosion. Consider importing from countries with EU free trade agreements, such as Vietnam or Cambodia, for lower duty rates. This applies to goods classified under heading 8712 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.