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Importing cycling gear from China—like carbon wheelsets, frames, and accessories—has become increasingly popular thanks to competitive prices and improved product quality. Over the past few years, I’ve imported dozens of products from China to Europe, and in this article, I’ll share insights based on my experience.
You’ll learn how the process works, when import fees apply, and practical tips to help you minimize or even avoid them.
What Are Import Fees?
Import fees are taxes or duties a country imposes on goods brought in from abroad. These fees can vary based on the type of product, value of the shipment, and shipping method.
For cycling products, import fees often depend on their classification under Harmonized System (HS) codes. For example:
- Carbon wheelsets and frames may fall under higher duty rates due to their value and materials.
- Accessories like bike lights and computers might have lower or no duties in some regions.
Shipping Method Impacts on Import Fees
From my experience, the shipping method greatly influences whether import fees will apply.
1. Free or Slow Shipping Methods
Many Chinese brands and sellers (especially on platforms like AliExpress) offer free or slow shipping. I don’t know exactly how it is possible, but when importing to Czechia, which is a part of the European Union economic area, these shipments often bypass customs. Maybe it’s because the last mile delivery is done by National Post, which doesn’t have the capacity to check each package. In other words, in about 90% of these cases, I didn’t have to pay import fees. But it’s a bit more complicated, so please stay with me.
Countries or economic areas have a so-called de-minimis threshold. In the EU, it’s €150. This means that you don’t have to pay import fees for shipments below this value. Sellers often declare a lower shipment value to bypass this, but it’s not a bulletproof method. If the package is stopped and checked and it’s clear that the value of the goods is higher, you will often be required to pay additional duties and taxes.
I usually don’t pay import fees on cheaper products from Aliexpress or wheelsets and frames ordered directly from Chinese brands. But when I ordered Elitewheels Edge and ENT wheels on Aliexpress, I had to pay import fees. However, Elitewheels offered me the option to pay for DPD shipping with prepaid duties. Back then, in 2023, it was around $70, which was less than the following duties. If a seller offers this, it’s usually a good option because the import fees can be several times higher.
2. Fast Shipping Methods
The story with delivery companies such as FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc., is different. I always had to pay import fees when the seller used their shipping methods. These import fees (duties and taxes) were about 20% of the shipment value.
So, I recommend using free shipping methods unless you are in a rush and can’t wait for your new Chinese frame. It’s likely you won’t have to pay import fees.
Why Are Import Fees Sometimes Avoided?
Customs authorities typically focus on high-value or expedited shipments. Slow shipping methods often result in parcels being categorized as low-priority, especially when the declared value is under the threshold for duties in your region.
My theory is that if the last-mile delivery is done by the local national post, the package is more likely to go through customs “unnoticed”. This is probably because very limited capacities.
It’s also possible that the shipments go to a country in the same economic area first. They are handled there and then sent to the destination country. The benefit of the same economic areas (like the European Union) is that you don’t pay import fees when sending packages between these countries. The question is, how are the import fees handled when imported to that first country. Unfortunately, I don’t have the answer for this question. If you do so, feel free to contact me.
Of course, if the shipment is below the de minimis threshold for your country, you usually don’t have to pay import fees. Below is an overview of de minimis thresholds for major markets:
- United States – $800 for duty and (Source)
- Australia – $AUD 1000 for duty and VAT (Source)
- European Union – €150 for duty and €22 for VAT (Source)
- United Kingdom – £135 for duty and £0 for VAT (Source)
- Canada – CAD $150 for duty and CAD $40 for VAT (Source)
Updated: 3rd of February, 2025
Conclusion
I hope this article has made you at least a little clearer about import fees. Remember that it depends mainly on the value of the product and the delivery method. I recommend using the slower free methods. The risk of paying import fees is much lower with them.
I will be grateful if you share your experience in the comments below or participate in the following anonymous questionnaire. I also encourage you to join the Facebook group where we discuss all things Chinese bikes.
