Home – New › Forums › Logistics › Import Electric Bike/Scooter requirements ?
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January 14, 2014 at 12:59 am #986331Up::0
Hi everyone !
I have some questions about this product to import to Aus:
+ import custom documentations need to passed
+ import duty/taxes
+ quarantine requirements
+ does users/buyers need a license to drive ?
Its a 1000W and max speed is 50km/h
I hope someone will have some feedbacks.Kind Regards
DanielJanuary 14, 2014 at 2:00 am #1157290Up::0Hi Daniel,
The importation of motor vehicles is tricky. The Australian govt. doesn’t really like low volume imports for a number of reasons. they will tell you it’s primarily about safety (a good and valid reason) but many will tell you it’s very much about protecting taxes and the automotive industries.
I am going to assume you are talking about bringing the bikes in as a business, not as a personal import, the rules for that are very different. Also, my experience is based around car imports but I believe much of the rules are the same.The rules are different depending on a number of factors. First of all, are they new or used? Are they full volume production bikes or limited/small volume? Are they an “Australian delivery” model?
I can give you some general answers though.
You must have all the import approvals before you import any vehicle/bike, without it the bike/s will be destroyed.
You have to apply to the department of infrastructure for the import permits and give the details of the volume, types, reasons and complicating (modifying the vehicle to meet Australian ADR’s) that will take place.Import taxes are calculated by customs at the time of import but can be roughly calculated based on values of the bikes. Customs.gov will have some of the applicable taxation rates and the fees posted up on the website.
The bikes will be inspected by quarantine on arrival, it is your responsibility to ensure they are clean. obviously if they are new there will be no problem but if they are second hand and they are not clean quarantine will charge you for having them cleaned. Apparently very few private car imports make the standard and most people are charged for cleaning. If they are the same for bikes I would budget for it.
From my understanding (based on my personal research in NSW only, other states may have different laws) you do not need a valid license to purchase any motor vehicle, only to operate it. Apparently it’s quite common for people planning to get their bike license to get a friend with a license to go with them to purchase a new bike because they do not have a license yet. (according to Aust. motor bike forums I’ve ready anyhow)
Anyhow, ultimately you need to do a fair bit of reading on the rules and regulations. All of these are available on the infrastructure.gov website.
Here’s a few links to get you started:
http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/imports/
http://www.customs.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/ImportingCarsMotorcyclesTrailersAndOtherVehicles.pdf
http://raws.infrastructure.gov.au/motorcycles/I hope this helps!
January 14, 2014 at 2:26 am #1157291Up::0Hi Omega
Thank you for the prompt reply.
Your information is really helpful, I will have a read through links that you provided.
Let me tell a bit more about this product. Actually this is not a Vehicle for daily transport which people drive on the road. It just actually kind of Hobbies scooter/bike but high quality can reach up to 50km/h and not like those we can see in Kmart.
They are brand new and full volume production. Supplier said that they have ISO9001 certificate and they already export to 52 countries …
I hope you will get some feedbacks for me.Thank you and have a nice day
Kind regards
DanielJanuary 14, 2014 at 4:50 am #1157292Up::0Hi Daniel,
You will have to read the regulations and see how your product fits in to the categories.
Be careful though, I know there was some issues a few years ago with the micro/mini bikes and the legality of them. This is not to say your product is not legal, just that you should check if they need to be road registered and if not, are there safety issues that might make them un-saleable here in Oz. Again, I am pretty sure that the documents on the industry.gov.au site should hold the answer to that.I would be interested in having a look at an example of them if you’re willing? PM me a link if so.
Good luck!
January 14, 2014 at 12:17 pm #1157293Up::0Hi Daniel,
Regardless of the intended use after import motorized scooters require an ‘import approval’ from the Dept. of Infrastructure in order to satisfy a Customs import requirements. It is highly recommended that this approval be in place prior to your consignment being shipped. The Dept. of Infrastructure has a short questionnaire that will give some indication as to your applications likelihood of approval. If your scooter arrive into AUST without an approval in place the costs go skyward quickly.
In regard to Import Customs Duty if the scooter are stand on scooters having all of the below they will be Duty Free
(a) electric motor;
(b) hand operated rear brake;
(c) stand on footboardThe Import GST is 10% of the total of Price + Intl Freight + Intl Insurance
As long as these are new and are accompanied by declarations with the correct wording Australian Quarantine will have little interest (any wooden pallets/dun age need to be treated prior to shipping or compliant with AQIS Import Requirements)Some suppliers use brake pads contains asbestos, so it’s worth obtaining a declaration from the supplier addressing this concern.
Finally you should contact an Australian Freight Forwarder to arrange the Intl Freight on your behalf and obtain rates prior to shipping. Failing this your consignment will come through an agent that you do not have agreed rates with and this can be costly.
Anyway, good luck. The scooters sound like fun!
Matt
January 15, 2014 at 7:18 am #1157294Up::0THanks Matt & Omega
I have contacted the daff department today and they said the product is no require import permit and no Quarantine required because they all brand new. But suggested to provide all documents to approved before i start bring in the container.
Thank you guys again and i will post here if i need you guys help.Have a nice day
DanielJanuary 21, 2014 at 6:54 pm #1157295Up::0Hi Daniel,
I hope you are well.
In regard to the Import Approval for the scooters, you need to source this from the Dept. of Infrastructure they can be found at: http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/imports/
DAFF/AQIS should not be an issue as you have suggested but you will need either an approval or an exemption from the above Govt. Body in order to take possession of the scooters. I strongly suggest that this be in place prior to shipping to avoid massive costs.Matt
March 7, 2017 at 6:55 am #1157296Up::0Matt Icon Logistics, post: 181975, member: 34006 wrote:Hi Daniel,I hope you are well.
In regard to the Import Approval for the scooters, you need to source this from the Dept. of Infrastructure they can be found at: http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/imports/
DAFF/AQIS should not be an issue as you have suggested but you will need either an approval or an exemption from the above Govt. Body in order to take possession of the scooters. I strongly suggest that this be in place prior to shipping to avoid massive costs.Matt
So what was the final verdict when they arrived into australia ive been trying but (DOI) department of infrastructure said its illegal.to now bring them here
March 7, 2017 at 9:15 am #1157297Up::0Make sure DoI understands what the bike actually is – they might be thinking that you’re talking about a motorcycle. Quite a few ebike manufacturers are now importing into Australia (& ebikes usually fall outside of the definition of a motor vehicle, avoiding many of the issues above). Also be aware of restrictions / requirements for air freight with LiON batteries if the bikes are loaded with those if you’re considering buying OS to import.
March 7, 2017 at 5:26 pm #1157298Up::0when i rang them this morning they said it fell into the category of a motorcycle, so do i wait a few days before i ring again or should a just ring tomorrow and tell them what i mean’t so i am able to get approval. they said anything over 250 watts is classes as a motorcycle
Edit: Please note that where a motorised scooter exceeds 200 watts, it is considered a LA/LB (Moped) under the national standards or a LC (Motorcycle) and must comply with the requirements of other import options. These vehicles cannot be imported as ‘non-road’ vehicles unless they meet other non-road vehicle requirements.
March 7, 2017 at 9:34 pm #1157299Up::0That’s right – 200W although I am aware that there was one particular design that was allowed with a 250W maximum. As you’d be aware there is also a range of other specifications and standards that must be met even for bike (as opposed to motor cycles). They aren’t “illegal” but are subject to restrictions.
Check this association if you’re considering this as a commercial activity- https://www.bikeoz.org. They are obviously heavily involved as an industry rep body in bike and ebike imports but provides advice and support to members.
March 8, 2017 at 8:33 am #1157300Up::0Hi Mr Biolumin and Red log.
I was very curious on your discussion. heres my thoughts.https://infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/imports/import_options/orneao.aspx
Motorised Scooters
- To be assessed as a non-road vehicle, a motorised scooter must have a maximum power output of 200 watts or less.
- Technical specifications issued by the manufacturer, including evidence of the power output, should be attached to the application form.
Please note that where a motorised scooter exceeds 200 watts, it is considered a LA/LB (Moped) under the national standards or a LC (Motorcycle) and must comply with the requirements of other import options. These vehicles cannot be imported as ‘non-road’ vehicles unless they meet other non-road vehicle requirements
I have read this:
- Not a vehicle listed in a Determination under Section 5b of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989.
The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that vehicles of a particular class or description are not road vehicles for the purposes of this Act or of a specified provision of this Act. <-- DOI being the minister here.
Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule – Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005
states that a LA MOPED being of 2 wheels ( scooter ) or 3 wheels LB.
using LA as an exampleMOPED – 2 Wheels (LA)
A 2-wheeled motor vehicle, not being a power-assisted pedal cycle, with an engine cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 ml and a ‘Maximum Motor Cycle Speed‘ not exceeding 50 km/h; or a 2-wheeled motor vehicle with a power source other than a piston engine and a ‘Maximum Motor Cycle Speed‘ not exceeding 50 km/h.
So from this summary, where did they get ????”
Please note that where a motorised scooter exceeds 200 watts, it is considered a LA/LB (Moped) under the national standards or a LC (Motorcycle)
Unless they got it from:
POWER-ASSISTED PEDAL CYCLE (AB)A pedal cycle to which is attached one or more auxiliary propulsion motors having a combined maximum power output not exceeding 200 watts; or
( vehicle standard ADR 2005) , i would put if my scooter with a power source other then a piston engine did not exceed 50kms say 49km from the manufacturers specifications then it would be considered NOT LA/LB moped as it kicks it out of the category and back into the NON- ROAD vehicle, which does not require a permit ( not that its hard to apply) Definitely not a power assisted pedal cycle ( AB).
What do you guys think?
March 8, 2017 at 8:57 am #1157301Up::0not to mention that if its intended use is for instance a children toy, the broker lodges it as per what its intended for, the permit query won’t come up unless you go border hold and they look into it more…. if its classified in the vehicle category of the tariff then they will want a permit which leaves interpretation of what a vehicle is and is debatable on your goods.
March 8, 2017 at 9:39 pm #1157302Up::0it’s really not designed for kids, this is mainly an adult’s hobby toy/electric scooter
This is what im talking about
March 8, 2017 at 11:35 pm #1157303Up::0if you have a market for them. Send the application in refering legislation, nanufacturers specs,idm as non road vehicle amd its a toy. Get a confirmation from them not classified as a road vehicle in writing.manufacturer to state its a toy. If they comeback to you going. Its a toy go away. Keep it as evidence then import your goods. Anything happens refer the letter that you have made all relevant checks. Look into scooter associations and get their opinion as a toy. Confirm their opinions in writing.
you have made all relevant queries. Good safeguard as you the importer are responsible
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