China is one of the world's leading producers and exporters of motorcycles. Domestic motorcycle brands are highly favored by many international consumers due to their superior quality, diverse models, and competitive pricing. This article provides an overview of the customs supervision requirements concerning motorcycle exports.
I. Classification Criteria
In accordance with the Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People’s Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as "the Tariff"), motorcycles should be classified under Heading 8711. The product description is "motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles fitted with auxiliary motors, whether or not with sidecars; sidecars." Specifically, motorcycles with piston internal combustion engines are classified under Headings 8711.1000-8711.5000 based on their engine cylinder capacity (displacement), whereas electric motorcycles driven by one or more electric motors are classified under 8711.6000.
II. Declaration Requirements
According to the "Customs Import and Export Commodity Specification Declaration Catalogue and Interpretation of the People's Republic of China"(2025 Edition) and international trade "Single Window" declaration requirements, motorcycles (commodity code 8711) must include four mandatory declaration elements:
(I) Engine Type: Specify the specific type of engine utilized by the motorcycle, such as diesel, semi-diesel, gasoline, or electric motor.
(II) Displacement (declaration not required for motorcycles equipped with drive motors under 87116000): Describe the power specifications of the motorcycle. This refers to the engine's capacity to deliver air and fuel mixture into all cylinders during an operational cycle. It represents the total working volume of all engine cylinders, commonly measured in "milliliters."
(III) Brand (Chinese or foreign name): Indicate the brand logo placed on the motorcycle by the manufacturer or dealer. Declare the brand name in Chinese or a foreign language to facilitate customs' brand identification and associated intellectual property verification.
(IV) Model: Refers to the classification codes of motorcycle specifications, such as functions and styles, facilitating the distinction between products with varied functions and configurations.
III. Requirements for Export License Application
(I) Scope Requiring Export Licenses
As per the Announcement issued by the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs on Promulgating the Catalogue of Goods Subject to Export License Administration (2025), motorcycles equipped with piston internal combustion engines under 8711100010, 8711201000, 8711202000, 8711203000, 8711204000, 8711205010, 8711205090, 8711301000, 8711302000, 8711400000, and 8711500000 are regulated under export license administration. Enterprises need to apply to the Ministry of Commerce or its delegated local commerce authorities to acquire the "Export License of the People's Republic of China", and proceed with customs clearance formalities presenting the export license.
(II) Application Procedures
The declaration for motorcycle export licenses is typically conducted annually in September, allowing for applications for the subsequent year's export permissions. It's advisable to monitor notifications from the Ministry of Commerce regarding annual motorcycle export license declarations. As an example, the application process for the motorcycle export license in 2025 can consult the "Notice of the General Office of the Ministry of Commerce on the Export License Application Work for Automobiles and Motorcycles for 2025"(SBMH [2024] No. 400).
IV. Export Inspection and Quarantine Requirements
In accordance with the "Law of the People's Republic of China on Import and Export Commodity Inspection" and the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Import and Export Commodity Inspection", as exported motorcycles are not listed in the statutory inspection directory by customs, only selective inspections will be conducted by customs. Nonetheless, enterprises must adhere to the import laws, regulations, certifications, and other standards applicable to motorcycle products in the destination countries or regions, such as Thailand's TISI certification, the Philippines' ICC certification, and the European Union's E/e-mark certification.
V. Additional Considerations
Lithium batteries utilized in electric motorcycles are classified as Class 9 hazardous materials. In compliance with the relevant regulations outlined in the "Law of the People's Republic of China on Import and Export Commodity Inspection" and the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Import and Export Commodity Inspection", manufacturers aiming to export lithium battery products (e.g., UN numbers 3090, 3091, 3480, 3481) must apply to customs for approval of the utilization of certified hazardous material packaging containers. The export of hazardous materials in uncertified or non-compliant packaging containers is prohibited.
(Li Yan, Yuan Zhihua, and Zhang Jianyong)
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of China Inspection and Quarantine Times. The China Inspection and Quarantine Times version shall prevail.
