Since 2025, China's bicycle exports have displayed diversified growth, with notable acceleration in shipments to Latin America, Central Asia, Africa, and the European Union. To help enterprises better understand the key aspects of bicycle exports, this article outlines the relevant considerations.
I. Procedures for Filling Import/Export Enterprise Qualification Registration
(1) Users may log in to the China International Trade Single Window, navigate to "All Applications—Port Law Enforcement Declarations—Enterprise Management—Enterprise Qualifications—Unified Management of Administrative Counterparts 3.0—Qualification Registration—Registration Application—Customs Declaration Entity and Related Qualification Registration," select "Import/Export Enterprise Qualification Registration," and complete the required enterprise information. After printing the "Customs Declaration Entity Registration Information Form," users shall affix the official seal and upload it as an attachment, then submit the application.
(2) The local customs authority will conduct a review within three business days. For applications meeting the requirements, qualification registration will be granted, and a ten-digit Customs Registration Code will be generated.
(3) Channels for Public Inquiry into Application Status and Results
1. China International Trade Single Window
2. Credit Publicity Platform of Import and Export Business of Customs of the People's Republic of China
3. Customs 12360 Hotline
(4) E-Port Card Application
Users may proceed as follows: log in—access E-Port Card Production—enter Card Production Cloud Service—submit a Card Production Application—register as a new enterprise—upon submission of information, the IC card will be mailed to the applicant's address.
II. Commodity Classification
Bicycle commodity classification is primarily based on type, function, and technical parameters and can be classified as ordinary bicycles, racing bicycles, off-road bicycles, and others. China's bicycle exports are mainly composed of ordinary bicycles. Among these, other unclassified bicycles and mountain bikes are the principal export categories, while racing bicycles, off-road bicycles, and similar models show a declining export trend. The following is a classification guide for common bicycle types:
Ordinary Two-Wheeled Pedal Bicycles: Typically classified under tariff line 8712.0000, with the specific national tariff code 87120000.00. This category includes mountain bikes, road bikes, and other non-motorized pedal bicycles.
Racing Bicycles: Designed specifically for competition, including track racing bikes and road racing bikes, characterized by high strength and light weight. The wheel diameter is typically not less than 610 millimeters, and the complete bicycle weight does not exceed 11 kilograms. Such bicycles are recommended to be classified under tariff line 8712.0020.
Off-Road Bicycles: Used for exercise, touring, or competition, designed to operate on poor road conditions or roadless areas, characterized by high strength, small wheel diameter, thick cross-section tires, and knobby tread. Based on wheel diameter, they may be classified under tariff line 8712.0041 (wheel diameter of 16, 18, or 20 inches) or 8712.0049.
Electric Bicycles: Powered primarily by rechargeable batteries with installed electric motors, controllers, and other components, relying mainly on electric drive. According to the 2025 Tariff Schedule, pedal-assisted bicycles are classified under tariff line 8711.6000, with corresponding national tariff code 87116000.00. This classification applies to products complying with electric bicycle standards.
When making declarations, it is necessary to clearly specify product name, intended use (such as racing type or mountain bike type), wheel diameter, brand, and model to ensure accurate classification.
III. Export Declaration
When handling bicycle export business, exporters or their agents shall log in to electronic platforms such as the China International Trade Single Window to declare to the Customs. The customs declaration form must be completed truthfully, including information on commodity name, HS code, specification and model, quantity, unit price, and total price, and active cooperation with customs supervision shall be maintained. The required documentation primarily includes contracts, invoices, packing lists, and other necessary materials.
IV. Regulatory Requirements
Customs regulatory requirements for bicycle exports principally concerning product safety standards and certification and labeling requirements.
European Union: Bicycles must comply with the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), which has superseded the previous directive since December 13, 2024. The regulation emphasizes performance specifications of components such as frames, forks, and brakes. The complete bicycle must bear a CE marking to evidence compliance with safety, health, and environmental protection requirements.
United States: Bicycles fall under the jurisdiction of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and must comply with Title 16, Part 1512 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), which specifies testing requirements for components including wheels, pedals, and brakes. Bicycles with seat heights exceeding 25 inches must satisfy all prescribed requirements.
Australia: The mandatory standards are based on AS/NZS1927-1998, which specifies design and labeling requirements for adult and children's bicycles. Special requirements for children's products: Bicycles designed for children aged 12 or under must have a permanent traceability label affixed to both the product and packaging, and manufacturers or importers must provide a Children's Product Certificate (CPC) demonstrating compliance with applicable safety rules.
According to relevant regulatory provisions of the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), exported bicycles are not subject to mandatory inspection. Customs conducts random inspections at the port of entry only during the export stage.
V. Special Regulatory Requirements for Electric Bicycles
When electric bicycles involve the transportation of lithium batteries, strict compliance with hazardous goods declaration requirements is mandatory:
Maritime Export: Lithium batteries (UN3171 or UN3480) must be accompanied by a hazardous goods declaration form, Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) identification report, and a goods transportation condition certificate. Packaging must comply with UN marking requirements. Misrepresentation or non-compliance may result in cargo detention, fines, or even criminal liability.
According to U.S. regulatory requirements, low-speed electric bicycles must comply with CPSC regulations, including motor power not exceeding 750W and speed limits of 20 miles per hour. Third-party testing and certification are required.
VI. Helpful Reminders
(1) Relevant enterprises should familiarize themselves with foreign technical regulations and standards, proactively understand and study the technical requirements of target markets, and establish their own internal control standard systems accordingly. On this basis, a comprehensive system should be developed covering all aspects of product design, manufacturing, testing, and labeling.
(2) Timely track updates on foreign bicycle regulations, standards, safety marking, and other technical trade measures. Fully understand the latest standards and regulations in target export countries concerning bicycle technology, quality, safety, health and environmental protection, packaging, and labeling. Based on this understanding, compare the enterprise's product standards with the various standards, regulations, and other technical trade measures of the export destination country to provide a basis for product improvement and innovation as well as internal management.
(3) When product problems occur in foreign markets, investigate and handle them promptly in accordance with local product management regulations. (By Dong Zhao)
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of China Inspection and Quarantine Times. The China Inspection and Quarantine Times version shall prevail.
