According to Research Nester, the global electric scooter market is projected to reach USD 30 billion by 2033. China remains the largest consumer, leading producer, and prime exporter of electric scooters globally. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of importing electric scooters from China, highlighting the essential regulations and details you need to know.
1. Find reliable electric scooter suppliers in China
Online platforms
If you’re new to importing electric scooters from China, Alibaba can be an ideal starting point to connect with potential suppliers. Many Chinese electric scooter manufacturers showcase their products on this platform.
Direct suppliers
You can identify scooter brands on various e-commerce platforms and then use search engines like Google or Baidu to find their official websites. They often provide all the necessary product information and shipping costs at the first point of contact.
Sourcing agents
Hiring a sourcing agent can simplify the process, especially if you’re managing your import from abroad. These agents help you find reputable suppliers and guide you through the journey. They ensure you get the best quality scooters that meet your requirements.
2. Certification requirements for importing electric scooters
For example, in the European Union, the CE marking is mandatory. It signifies that electric scooters comply with health, safety, and environmental protection standards.
In the United States, scooters must meet the requirements set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which cover maximum speed, battery safety, and overall durability. They also should comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Manufacturers are responsible for attaching a permanent label certifying that the scooter meets these safety requirements.
Without proper certification, you may face significant issues with customs or potential safety risks during transportation. If you’re unsure about the standards you need to follow, you can send the shipping details and product images to our shipping agents. They can guide you on what you need and how to get one.
3. Customs and import regulations for electric scooters
Import duties
When importing electric scooters from China, it’s necessary to consider applicable customs duties and tariffs.
For instance, the European Union has implemented anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on Chinese electric scooters, with rates reaching up to 83.6%.
To bypass these high tariffs, some Chinese manufacturers separate the pedals from electric bikes and ship them as spare parts. This technical workaround classifies the bike as an electric scooter rather than an electric bicycle.
In the United States, duties are determined by Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes. In addition, Section 301 tariffs—which can be as high as 25%—apply to many Chinese imports, including electric scooters.
Customs duties and taxes for importing electric scooters from China differ by country and can significantly impact your costs. Contact us for a customized quote tailored to your shipment now!
Required documents
When handling customs clearance, you’ll need proper documentation, such as bills of lading, commercial invoices, and certificates of origin.
Since electric scooters from China often contain lithium batteries, you’ll also need to provide an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), UN38.3 test reports, and relevant certifications for each shipment to the EU.
If the value of your electric scooter exceeds $2,500 when importing to the U.S., a customs bond is required to clear customs smoothly.
4. Electric scooter international shipping methods
When importing electric scooters from China, selecting a suitable shipping method is essential to balance cost and delivery time. Below are the most common shipping options:
Sea freight
Sea freight is the most economical choice for bulk orders of electric scooters. However, the shipping times are typically between 20 and 40 days, based on the specific destination.
In sea freight, charges depend on the shipment’s size or weight, with additional costs for port handling and customs clearance. You can choose between full container load (FCL) or less than container load (LCL), giving you flexibility based on your shipment size.
Air freight
Airfreight is the best option for faster delivery, with transit times ranging from 1 to 7 days. It’s ideal for urgent shipments or smaller orders, though more expensive than sea freight, especially for sensitive products like electric scooters.
Rail freight
When shipping to Europe, rail freight is a middle-ground option. It takes around 15 to 25 days, making it faster than sea freight but more affordable than air freight. It is also a more environmentally friendly option compared to air freight.
Express shipping
If you’re importing smaller quantities of electric scooters or need a sample, express shipping via couriers like DHL, FedEx, or UPS is the fastest option. It typically takes 3 to 7 days, though it is also the most expensive shipping method. You can contact us for a discounted price than the official website.
5. Pro tips for importing electric scooters from China
In summary, successfully importing electric scooters from China requires careful planning, thorough research, and adaptable strategies. To simplify the process, consider partnering with an experienced freight forwarder like Airsupply.
We provide a range of services to support you, including:
- Pre-shipment evaluations and inspections
- Efficient logistics and customs clearance management
- Seven days of free warehousing and consolidation services
- Cargo loading and unloading oversight: Ensuring safe handling of your goods.
- Compliance with international regulations: Navigating complex compliance requirements with ease.
