Sourcing e-bikes from China: the duty that applies
Pedal-assisted e-bikes from China pay 6% UK duty. Foldable e-bikes can also carry anti-dumping duty of up to 62.1% and countervailing duty of up to 17.2%; since 7 February 2025 non-foldable e-bikes are exempt from both. To count as a bicycle in the UK, the motor must be 250 W or less and cut out above 15.5 mph. Cambridge China Bridge sources e-bikes to that specification.
Chinese e-bikes pay 6% UK duty, and foldable e-bikes also face up to 62.1% anti-dumping and 17.2% countervailing duty. Non-foldable ones are exempt.
Foldable or not decides the duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, pedal-assisted cycles with an auxiliary electric motor carried 6% duty on goods from China. The same codes carry a definitive anti-dumping duty and a countervailing duty on China, and the rate depends on the producer: exporters not named in the measure pay 62.1% anti-dumping and 17.2% countervailing duty on top of the 6%, while named producers have lower company rates that apply only when the commercial invoice carries a signed declaration.
The largest change is the exemption. From 7 February 2025 the tariff exempts electric bicycles that are not foldable from both the anti-dumping and the countervailing duty, under Trade Remedies notices 2025/3 and 2025/4. A standard e-bike and a folding e-bike from the same factory can therefore land at very different costs. Check the exact model with the anti-dumping duty checker before you quote.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping and countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pedal-assisted cycles with an auxiliary electric motor of limited continuous power | 8711 60 10 00 | 6% | Foldable: up to 62.1% anti-dumping plus 17.2% countervailing; not foldable: exempt |
| Other cycles with pedal assistance and an auxiliary electric motor | 8711 60 90 10 | 6% | Foldable: up to 62.1% anti-dumping plus 17.2% countervailing; not foldable: exempt |
| Other electric two-wheelers (for example electric motorcycles) | 8711 60 90 90 | 6% | None |
What makes it a bicycle in the UK
The Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Regulations 1983, as amended from 6 April 2015, set the line: the vehicle must have pedals that can propel it, a motor with a maximum continuous rated power not exceeding 250 watts, and assistance that stops when the cycle is travelling at more than 15.5 miles per hour. A machine that meets them is treated as a pedal cycle; one with a stronger motor, a throttle that drives it without pedalling, or a higher cut-off is a motor vehicle, with approval, registration and insurance to match.
Chinese factories build to several markets, so state the UK limits in the product specification and test the cut-off speed on production samples. The bicycle parts guide covers components, and the cycle helmet guide a common add-on.
| Requirement | Limit |
|---|---|
| Maximum continuous rated power | 250 watts or less |
| Assistance cut-off | Above 15.5 miles per hour |
| Pedals | Must be able to propel the cycle |
Batteries and safety
The battery pack is the most important component for safety and the most expensive to get wrong. Ask for the cell maker and model, the battery management system, the charger's compatibility with that pack, and the transport test summary, because e-bike batteries ship as dangerous goods. Test charging and a full discharge on samples, and check the cells at inspection against the approved specification.
Frames, brakes and wheels carry more load than on an ordinary bicycle, so ask for test reports on the frame and brakes for the model, and check torque settings and brake adjustment on assembled bikes before they are packed.
Planning the range
Given the duty gap, decide early whether a folding model belongs in the range, and if it does, which producer's rate you are buying at and whether its invoices will carry the declaration. Spare batteries, chargers and brake parts should come with the first order.
Cambridge China Bridge sources e-bikes built to the UK limits, checks the duty and the invoice declaration for each model, and inspects batteries and assembly before shipment. See how our sourcing service works.
Frequently asked questions
Is there anti-dumping duty on e-bikes from China?
On foldable e-bikes, yes: up to 62.1% anti-dumping plus 17.2% countervailing duty on top of 6%, read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026. Non-foldable e-bikes have been exempt since 7 February 2025.
How do named producers get a lower rate?
The tariff applies their company rate only when the commercial invoice carries a signed declaration that the named company produced the goods.
What are the UK legal limits for an e-bike?
Under the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Regulations 1983 as amended in 2015: pedals, a motor of no more than 250 watts continuous rated power, and assistance that cuts out above 15.5 mph.
What should be checked on e-bike batteries?
The cell maker and model, battery management system, charger compatibility and transport test summary, with charge and discharge tests on samples.