Brussels, Belgium – On 3rd May, the European Commission (EC)confirmed that as of 4th May, EU customs’ authorities will start to register the import of cycles, with pedal assistance, with an auxiliary electric motor, currently falling within CN codes 8711 60 10 and ex 8711 60 90 (TARIC code 8711 60 90 10) and originating in the People’s Republic of China.

The EC found “sufficient evidence that imports of the product concerned from the PRC are being dumped. The evidence of dumping is based on a comparison of the normal value thus established with the export price (at ex-works level) of the product concerned when sold for export to the Union. As a whole, and given the extent of the alleged dumping margins ranging from 193 % to 430 %, this evidence provides sufficient support at this stage that the exporting producers practice dumping.”

This does not mean that there are duties applicable yet and it does not implicate the certainty that duties will become applicable. It only means that retroactive collection of duties is made possible. However for that to happen, the Commission will need to decide for provisional duties. The deadline for a decision on provisional duties is 20th July. But, for provisional duties to result in retroactive collection, the Commission needs to decide on definitive duties. That decision is expected around January 2019.

The Collective of European Importers of Electric Bicycles who are fighting against the complaint lodged by the European Bicycle Manufacturers Association (EBMA) released a press release announcing that together with their lawyers, they will be thoroughly analyzing the Regulation and submit comments to the Commission within the procedural deadline of 21 days.

On behalf of the Collective, LEVA-EU Manager Annick Roetynck stated: “Although this is a setback, it affects in no way our determination to continue to fight for the Collective.”