Import bicycles

What is imported

India is one of the world's largest bicycle makers, so imports are small and specialised: carbon and alloy road bikes, high-end mountain bikes, folding bikes and children's premium models. TradeStat shows only about US$ 4.5 million of 8712 imports in 2025–26, from Taiwan, China, Cambodia, Belgium, Indonesia and Vietnam. Importers are usually bike shops, brand distributors and online sellers of premium cycles.

Licences and registrations you need

• BIS (status check)BIS has an Indian Standard for bicycle safety (IS 10613), and a Quality Control Order on retro-reflective devices for bicycles was notified with an implementation date of 1 July 2023. Confirm on the BIS list whether it is in force for your model on the day of import.bis.gov.in ↗
• Legal Metrology (LMPC)Importers of pre-packed goods for retail sale must register under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 and print the importer's name and address, MRP, net quantity, month and year of import and consumer-care details on each pack.consumeraffairs.nic.in ↗

What is checked at the port

• Whether the cycle has a motor: e-bikes are classified under 8711 and pay a very different duty.
• New or used — used bicycles attract AIDC.
• Frame serial numbers and brand against the invoice; complete bikes versus frames and parts (8714) shipped separately.

Practical tips

• Ship bikes partly assembled in individual boxes; assembly by a trained mechanic is part of the selling price.
• Check whether an FTA rate applies to bicycles from ASEAN countries, with a valid certificate of origin.

Where new importers go wrong

• Declaring a pedal-assist e-bike as an ordinary bicycle.
• Under-valuing high-end carbon bikes; customs checks brand price lists online.