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United Kingdom Import Duty Rate for Motorcycles & Scooters

HS 8711 · Motorcycles (including mopeds)

United Kingdom MFN Import Duty Rate

Live

on CIF value

UK–Japan CEPA: 0%

Phased to 0% under UK–Japan CEPA.

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. United Kingdom charges duty on the CIF value (goods + freight + insurance), so the duty base is US$10,900. Customs converts the amount to GBP 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 United Kingdom: what you need

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) collects duty and import VAT through the Customs Declaration Service (CDS); rates come from the UK Global Tariff.

Registration. A GB EORI number. Non-UK sellers usually appoint a UK customs agent or use a carrier's DDP service.

Low-value shipments. Customs duty is waived when a consignment is worth £135 or less, but 20% VAT applies from £0 — for parcels up to £135 the seller or online marketplace charges UK VAT at checkout.

Documents customs will ask for

Commercial invoice
Packing list
Transport document
Statement on origin to claim 0% under the UK–EU TCA or another UK trade agreement
Licences for controlled goods (e.g. some steel, chemicals)

Charges on top of duty

Import VAT 20% (5% or 0% for some goods) — VAT-registered businesses can use postponed VAT accounting
Excise on alcohol, tobacco and fuel
Trade remedies and anti-dumping duties from the Trade Remedies Authority

Watch out. Since Brexit, EU-made goods still need a statement on origin to enter duty-free; without it the full UK Global Tariff rate applies.

Frequently asked questions

What is the import duty rate for Motorcycles & Scooters in United Kingdom?

The MFN (Most Favoured Nation) import duty rate for Motorcycles & Scooters (HS 8711) in United Kingdom is 6% on the CIF value. Phased to 0% under UK–Japan CEPA.

Is VAT charged on Motorcycles & Scooters imports to United Kingdom?

Yes. United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom?

Yes. UK–Japan CEPA: 0%. UK–EU TCA, UK–Japan CEPA, CPTPP, UK–Australia FTA, UK–New Zealand FTA are the key agreements — verify origin requirements with your customs broker.

How is import duty calculated for Motorcycles & Scooters entering United Kingdom?

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.