European Union Import Duty Rate for Motorcycles & Scooters
HS 8711 · Motorcycles (including mopeds)
European Union MFN Import Duty Rate
Live6%
JEFTA: 0%
HS 8711. Japan is a major exporter — 0% under JEFTA since 2019.
How duty is calculated
CIF value
Product cost + international freight + insurance
Import duty (6%)
Applied to CIF value. EU, UK, and most countries use CIF.
VAT (20%)
Applied to CIF value + duty. Collected at customs.
Use our Landed Cost Calculator to compute the full cost including freight, brokerage, and last-mile delivery.
Worked example: motorcycles & scooters worth US$10,000
A commercial shipment invoiced at US$10,000 with US$900 of international freight and insurance. European Union charges duty on the CIF value (goods + freight + insurance), so the duty base is US$10,900. Customs converts the amount to EUR at the official exchange rate on the day of import.
| Charge | At 6% |
|---|---|
| Import duty | $654 |
| VAT (20%) | $2,311 |
| Total paid at the border | $2,965 |
VAT is usually recoverable for a registered business, so the cost that stays with you is the duty. Excise, anti-dumping duties and broker fees are not included.
Classifying motorcycles & scooters correctly
Heading 8711 covers motorcycles, mopeds and cycles with an auxiliary motor, split by engine capacity, plus electric motorcycles (8711.60).
- E-bikes with pedal assistance go to 8711.60, e-scooters (stand-up) to 8711.60 or 8711.90 depending on the market
- Quad bikes and ATVs are often 8703, not 8711
- Sidecars are 8711.90
Compliance. Motorcycles need type approval (EU L-category, US FMVSS and EPA) and are often subject to excise or registration tax based on engine capacity.
Importing into European Union: what you need
Customs is run by each member state (Zoll in Germany, Douane in France, Agencja Celna in Poland) under the Union Customs Code; rates come from the Common Customs Tariff and TARIC.
Registration. An EORI number issued by the member state where the importer is established. Non-EU sellers either appoint an indirect customs representative or ship DDP through a carrier that acts as declarant.
Low-value shipments. Goods worth €150 or less were duty-free until 30 June 2026. Since 1 July 2026 a flat €3 customs duty applies to each tariff heading in a low-value parcel sold through IOSS (Council Regulation (EU) 2026/382), until normal duties take over in July 2028. VAT is due from the first euro, collected at checkout under IOSS or at import.
Documents customs will ask for
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- Proof of origin for preferential rates (statement on origin or REX statement)
- Import licence or certificate where the product is regulated
Charges on top of duty
- Import VAT at the rate of the member state of import (17–27%)
- Excise on alcohol, tobacco and energy products
- Anti-dumping duties on specific product/origin pairs (TARIC additional codes)
- CBAM certificates for iron, steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers and hydrogen above the 50-tonne annual threshold
Watch out. VAT, not duty, is usually the bigger number — a 3% duty on a €10,000 shipment is €300, while 20% VAT on the duty-paid value is over €2,100. VAT-registered importers recover it; consumers do not.
Frequently asked questions
What is the import duty rate for Motorcycles & Scooters in European Union?
The MFN (Most Favoured Nation) import duty rate for Motorcycles & Scooters (HS 8711) in European Union is 6% on the CIF value. HS 8711. Japan is a major exporter — 0% under JEFTA since 2019.
Is VAT charged on Motorcycles & Scooters imports to European Union?
Yes. European Union charges VAT at 20% on the CIF value plus any import duty. This applies to virtually all commercial imports.
Are there FTA rates available for Motorcycles & Scooters in European Union?
Yes. JEFTA: 0%. CETA (Canada), JEFTA (Japan), EU–Korea FTA, EU–Vietnam FTA (EVFTA), EU–UK TCA are the key agreements — verify origin requirements with your customs broker.
How is import duty calculated for Motorcycles & Scooters entering European Union?
Duty is calculated on the CIF value of the goods. CIF value includes the product cost, international freight, and insurance. The MFN duty of 6% is applied to this value. VAT (20%) is then applied on the duty-paid value.
Verify this rate
Duty rates change. Always verify the current rate at the official tariff schedule before importing.
EU TARIC official database ↗Motorcycles & Scooters duty rates in other markets
Quick facts