In recent years, Chinas electric bicycleExport to EuropeThe market is showing rapid growth and the market heat continues to climb. Europe has become one of the key markets for e-bikes, according to a Mordor Intelligence report, the European e-bike market was valued at $9.01 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $18.26 billion in 2027, growing at a CAGR of 12.97% from 2022-2027. The European market is dominated by Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands, with a market penetration rate of 20%. All the data show the strong demand for Chinese e-bikes in the European market.

On the one hand, environmental awareness is deeply rooted in Europe. Driven by the goal of reducing emissions, people are actively seeking green travel alternatives, and the advantages of e-bikes in terms of zero-emission and low energy consumption fit this demand perfectly. On the other hand, traffic congestion in European cities is becoming more and more serious, and e-bikes are flexible and convenient, making them an ideal choice for short-distance urban commuting. Moreover, the fact that e-bikes can meet the needs of daily travel and add fun to cycling has further boosted their market sales. So, how should these products be sold to the European market?

I. Export Process

Preparation before export

1. Confirmation of qualification: Ensure that the enterprise has the right to export business, complete the customs record registration, obtain the customs import and export code, and at the same time complete the record of the Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau and other related procedures.
2. Understanding of regulations: In-depth study of regulations, standards, tax rates and required documents of European importing countries, including product certification, environmental requirements, safety standards and other requirements.
3. Prepare product information: such as product specifications, quality inspection reports, production process, raw material source certificates, production facility health license, product labels and packaging samples, certificates of conformity, proof of qualifications of manufacturers, export contracts, etc..

Choose agent and logistics:

1. selectionExport agent: Choose an experienced and reputable export agency, you can refer to its past performance, customer evaluation, etc. The agency can assist in a series of formalities such as customs declaration, inspection, transportation, tax rebate, and so on.
2. Determine the freight forwarder logistics: according to the quantity of goods, destination and other factors, select the appropriate shipping company or carrier, and sign the transportation contract, and consider purchasing export transportation insurance to cope with the transportation risk.

Commodity inspection and customs declaration:

1. Sample testing: Commodity inspection agencies conduct strict quality testing on electric bicycle samples, including safety, performance, environmental protection and other aspects.
2. Prepare documents: including packing list, commercial invoice, customs declaration, export license, etc., and fill in and submit them according to customs requirements.
3. Submit declaration: You can submit the documents to the customs declaration company or declare to the customs yourself, pay the corresponding tariffs, and wait for customs inspection and release.

Transportation and Insurance

1. Arrange transportation: Choose the appropriate mode of transportation, such as sea transportation, air transportation, railway transportation, etc., based on the quantity, weight, volume, delivery time and other factors of the goods.
2. Ocean freight: large volume, low cost, suitable for bulk shipments. However, the transportation cycle is long, about 25-35 days from Shanghai to Rotterdam, and is easily affected by weather and port congestion.
3. Air transport: fast, can arrive in 3-5 days, can respond to orders quickly, but the transportation cost is 3-5 times that of sea transport, suitable for emergency replenishment and high value-added products.
4. Railway transportation: For example, China-Europe Express has both cost and time advantages, with a transportation time of about 15-20 days and policy subsidies. However, the station coverage is limited and the loading and unloading times are high.
5. Purchase insurance: Purchase export transportation insurance for goods to protect against potential risks during transportation.

Follow-up

1. Track cargo: Keep track of cargo transportation status to ensure safe arrival at the destination port.
2. Pay attention to policies: Pay close attention to changes in import policies and regulations of importing countries so as to adjust export strategies and prepare corresponding documents in a timely manner.

II. Certification Standards

Electric bicycles exported to the EU need to obtain EU CE certification, and the corresponding standard is EN15194. This standard mainly covers the following aspects:

1. Mechanical safety standards: In accordance with the testing requirements of the bicycle standard (EN14764:2005), the strength, stability and reliability of mechanical components such as the frame, brakes, handlebars, etc. are tested to ensure safety during riding.
2. Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standard: Starting from July 2009, all electric assisted bicycles sold in the EU market must pass the electromagnetic compatibility test of the new standard EN15194 to prevent electric bicycles from interfering with other electronic equipment, while also ensuring their normal operation in the electromagnetic environment.
3. Electrical safety standards: involve requirements for electrical components such as circuits, batteries, wires and connectors, power control, etc., to ensure the safety of electrical systems and prevent safety hazards such as leakage and short circuits.

c) Attention points

Misunderstandings in the application of standards

Many companies have stumbled over the application of the standard. If the design speed of an electric bicycle exceeds 25 kilometers per hour, or if components such as batteries and controllers do not meet the EN 15194 standard, they will be deemed non-compliant by the EU.

Logistics and transportation risks

Lithium battery transportation is a "hard nut to crack". First, during the declaration process, incorrect information may lead to customs inspection and detention. Secondly, if the packaging is not compliant, such as the use of fireproof and cushioning materials, the batteries may be damaged or catch fire during transportation. When exporting, companies should choose logistics partners with expertise in the transportation of such products and a good reputation to ensure the safe "delivery" of goods.

IV. Packaging labeling requirements

Marking location

Should be marked in a prominent position on the product packaging, if there is no packaging, it is necessary to mark directly in the conspicuous parts of the vehicle, such as the frame, handlebars and other locations, so that consumers in the purchase or use can easily see.

Marking content

It mainly includes information such as product name and function, instructions for use, list of ingredients, country of origin, relevant responsible parties, net weight, total weight, production lot number, date of manufacture/restricted use date, and so on.

Language requirements

The labeling must be in both English and the language of the country in which the product is sold to ensure that local consumers can accurately understand the labeling information.

THISLogo

E-bikes with CE certification must be clearly and obviously affixed with the CE logo on the product or its packaging, and the size, font and color of the logo should comply with the relevant regulations.

As Europe continues to promote emission reduction targets, countries to increase support for green mobility, e-bike demand is expected to further climb. In addition, the European young generation of intelligent, personalized travel tools preferred, but also for the enterprise product innovation pointed in the direction. It is not difficult to see that the export of electric bicycles to the European market is promising. At the end of this article, we wish you all the best in your business, and if you have any other questions or need further support, please feel free to contact us!