HS code 8711.60 covers Electric motorcycles, e-bikes & e-scooters — for example pedal-assist e-bikes, electric kick scooters, electric motorcycles. South Africa applies an indicative general customs duty of 0%, on top of which 15% import VAT is charged.
Duty differs between pedal-assist e-bikes and electric motorcycles — verify your exact subheading and NRCS requirements.
Worked example: landed cost on R100,000 of goods
| Customs value (CIF) | R100,000 |
| Customs duty (0%) | R0 |
| Import VAT (15% on ATV) | R16,500 |
| Estimated landed cost | R116,500 |
VAT is charged on the Added Tax Value (customs value + 10% upliftment for non-SACU imports + duties). Figures exclude clearing, freight and any anti-dumping/safeguard duty. For an exact, all-in figure use the Duty & VAT Calculator.
Where HS 8711.60 sits in the tariff
Classification is decided at heading level first. Heading 8711 is “Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles; fitted with an auxiliary motor, with or without side-cars; side-cars”. If your product is closer to one of the neighbouring subheadings below, that line — and its duty rate — is the one that applies.
- 8711.10 Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles; fitted with an auxiliary motor, with internal combustion piston engine of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50cc, with or without side-cars; side-cars
- 8711.20 Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles; fitted with an auxiliary motor, internal combustion piston engine, of cylinder capacity exceeding 50cc but not exceeding 250cc, with or without side-cars; side-cars 0% duty
- 8711.30 Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles; fitted with an auxiliary motor, internal combustion piston engine, of cylinder capacity exceeding 250cc but not exceeding 500cc, with or without side-cars; side-cars
- 8711.40 Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles; fitted with auxiliary motor, internal combustion piston engine of cylinder capacity exceeding 500cc but not exceeding 800cc, with or without sidecars; side-cars
- 8711.50 Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles; fitted with auxiliary motor, with internal combustion piston engine of a cylinder capacity exceeding 800cc, with or without side-cars; side-cars
- 8711.60 Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles; fitted with auxiliary motor, with electric motor for propulsion, with or without side-cars; side-cars — this page
- 8711.90 Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles; n.e.c. in heading no. 8711, fitted with auxiliary motor, with or without side-cars; side-cars
Harmonised System HS 2022 nomenclature. See the whole of Chapter 87 →
Watch HS 8711.60 for changes
Duty rates, anti-dumping measures and permit rules change by Government Gazette. We’ll email you if this code’s status shifts.
Data current as of 2026-08-06. Indicative general (MFN) rate — real duty can differ at 8-digit level, under trade agreements (SADC, EU-EPA) and by Government Gazette. This is guidance, not a tariff determination under s47(9) of the Customs & Excise Act, 1964. Verify against the current SARS Tariff Book.
More codes in Chapter 87 — Vehicles other than railway rolling-stock
Frequently asked questions
What is the import duty on electric motorcycles, e-bikes & e-scooters in South Africa?
HS code 8711.60 (Electric motorcycles, e-bikes & e-scooters) attracts an indicative general customs duty of 0% in South Africa, plus 15% import VAT charged on the Added Tax Value. Verify the exact rate in the current SARS Tariff Book.
What is the HS code for pedal-assist e-bikes?
The Harmonised System heading for electric motorcycles, e-bikes & e-scooters is 8711.60. South Africa uses an 8-digit tariff line based on this heading — confirm the precise 8-digit code in the SARS Tariff Book before importing.