Electric Motorcycle Shipping Guide
Complete cross-border logistics guide: container shipping, customs duties by country, transit times, and documentation for importing electric motorcycles from China.
Shipping Terms Explained
FOB (Free On Board)
You arrange shipping from the Chinese port. You book the container, you handle freight. We deliver to the port and handle export clearance. Best for: Experienced importers with freight forwarder relationships.
CIF (Cost Insurance Freight)
We arrange shipping to your destination port. Included: product cost + insurance + freight. You handle import customs. Best for: Most first-time importers — simplest balance of cost and control.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
We deliver to your door. All costs included: product + shipping + insurance + customs duties + taxes + inland delivery. Best for: Importers wanting turnkey delivery. Available for volume orders.
Container Loading Guide
| Container Type | Motorcycle Units | Dimensions | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft GP | ~18 units | 5.9 x 2.35 x 2.39m | Small initial orders, sample + first batch |
| 40ft GP | ~36 units | 12.03 x 2.35 x 2.39m | Standard volume orders |
| 40ft HC | ~40 units | 12.03 x 2.35 x 2.69m | Maximizing volume (extra height) |
| LCL | 1-10 units | Shared container | Very small orders, samples |
Transit Times & Destination Ports
Southeast Asia (7-14 days)
Bangkok (Thailand), Jakarta/Tanjung Priok (Indonesia), Port Klang (Malaysia), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Manila (Philippines)
Europe (25-35 days)
Rotterdam (Netherlands), Hamburg (Germany), Antwerp (Belgium), Valencia (Spain), Piraeus (Greece), Felixstowe (UK)
Americas (25-40 days)
Santos (Brazil), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Itajaí (Brazil), Manzanillo (Mexico), Callao (Peru), Los Angeles/Long Beach (USA)
Africa & Middle East (25-35 days)
Jebel Ali (UAE), Dammam (Saudi Arabia), Lagos/Apapa (Nigeria), Mombasa (Kenya), Durban (South Africa), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)
Customs Duties & Taxes by Country
| Country | Import Duty | VAT/Tax | EV Incentive | HS/NCM Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | II 35% | IPI 0% (EV), ICMS 12-18% | IPI exemption for EVs | NCM 8711.60.00 |
| Indonesia | 0-10% | PPN 11% | CKD EV incentives | HS 8711.60 |
| Thailand | 0-5% (FTA) | VAT 7% | EV Board incentives | HS 8711.60 |
| EU | 6% | VAT 19-27% | CO2-based reductions | CN 8711.60 |
| UAE | 5% (0% for EV) | VAT 5% | 0% duty on EVs | HS 8711.60 |
| Saudi Arabia | 5% | VAT 15% | Under development | HS 8711.60 |
| Nigeria | 35% | VAT 7.5% | CKD assembly incentives | HS 8711.60 |
| Kenya | 25% (EV reduced) | VAT 0% (EV) | 0% VAT on EVs | HS 8711.60 |
| South Africa | 25% | VAT 15% | Ad valorem exemption | HS 8711.60 |
Rates as of 2026. Actual duties depend on trade agreements and specific classification. Always confirm with your customs broker before ordering.
Export Documentation Checklist
- Commercial Invoice — Shows product value, HS code, importer/exporter details
- Packing List — Itemized list of all units in the container (model, quantity, weight, dimensions per crate)
- Certificate of Origin — Form E (ASEAN-China FTA), Form A (GSP), or standard COO depending on destination
- Bill of Lading (B/L) — Ocean freight contract from the shipping line
- ECE R136 Type-Approval Certificate — E9 136R01 certificate, provided by DOGUARDS with every order
- UN38.3 Test Report — Mandatory for lithium battery transport compliance
- Insurance Certificate — Marine cargo insurance (included with CIF/DDP, optional for FOB)
- MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) — For lithium battery shipping classification and handling
Ready to Ship?
Contact DOGUARDS for a shipping quote to your port. We handle all export documentation — you focus on your market.