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Engineering goods

Export motorcycles and scooters

Commuter motorcycles and scooters for Latin America, Africa and South Asia; India is a top exporter.

Free to exportHS 8711
HS code
8711
Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles fitted with an auxiliary motor, including electric two-wheelers (HS 8711).
Export policy
Free to export
New motorcycles and scooters are free to export under ITC(HS) Schedule 2. For used vehicles check DGFT and the buyer country's rules, which often restrict them.
Registrations
3
IEC, GST and those below
India’s exports, 2025-26
US$ 3.98 bn
to 144 countries

What is exported

Indian makers in Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Uttarakhand export commuter motorcycles, premium bikes and scooters through their own distributors. In 2025-26 India exported about US$ 4 billion under HS 8711; Colombia, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Nigeria were the largest buyers (Commerce Department data).

Varieties, grades and forms

  • Commuter motorcycles (100–125 cc)The bulk of exports: simple, fuel-efficient bikes for Latin America, Africa and South Asia.
  • Premium and mid-size motorcycles (150–650 cc)Sports and classic bikes increasingly sold in Europe, the UK, Japan and Australia.
  • ScootersPetrol scooters and a growing number of electric scooters.
  • Mopeds and three-wheelersMopeds are under 8711; auto-rickshaws are passenger vehicles under 8703.

Where it is grown or made

  • Tamil NaduHosur, Chennai (Oragadam) and Krishnagiri
  • Haryana and RajasthanGurugram, Manesar, Dharuhera and Neemrana
  • MaharashtraPune (Chakan) and Aurangabad (Waluj)
  • Uttarakhand and KarnatakaPantnagar, Haridwar and Mysuru

Export packing

  • Fully built bikes are crated in steel or wooden frames, usually with the front wheel, mirrors and handlebar partly removed; CKD and SKD kits are packed by assembly set.
  • Fuel tanks are drained and batteries disconnected; lithium batteries in electric scooters ship under dangerous-goods rules (UN 3171 / UN 3480).
  • Crates carry model, colour, chassis and engine numbers that must match the invoice.

Who buys abroad

  • Appointed distributors and assemblers of Indian brands abroad
  • Dealer networks in Latin America, Africa and South Asia
  • Fleet and delivery-service buyers

The quality buyers ask for

Type approval
Each market approves the model: EU Regulation (EU) No 168/2013 (L-category), UNECE regulations under WP.29, or national rules
Emissions
Euro 5/5+ in the EU; many Latin American and African markets use Euro 3 or Euro 4 levels — check the importing country
Lighting and controls
Headlamp, indicator and mirror rules differ by market (left- or right-hand traffic)
Electric scooters
Battery safety (UN 38.3 for transport, IEC/EN battery standards) and charger certification

Certificates

  • Destination type approval or homologationRequiredThe importer or manufacturer must have the model approved before it can be registered abroad.
  • US EPA and DOT certificationOften askedMotorcycles for the USA need EPA emissions certification and must meet NHTSA safety standards.
  • UN 38.3 battery test summaryOften askedRequired to ship lithium batteries in electric two-wheelers.
  • IATF 16949 / ISO 9001Often askedQuality systems expected of vehicle and parts makers.

Shipping, storage and shelf life

Container load

A 40-ft high-cube container typically takes about 70–100 crated motorcycles, or several times more as CKD kits (trade practice).

How it travels

Sea from Chennai, Kamarajar (Ennore), Mundra and Nhava Sheva; road to Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.

Storage

Covered, dry storage; batteries kept charged or disconnected.

What goes on the pack and carton

  • VIN or chassis number stamped on the frame and engine number on the engine, matching the invoice.
  • Statutory plate with type-approval number for markets that require it.
  • Owner's manual and warranty card in the market language.
Where to get it tested

ARAI (Pune) and ICAT (Manesar) test vehicles and components and can test to UNECE and EU requirements; some markets also accept reports from foreign technical services. Ask the importer which approval route their country uses.

Benefits of exporting this product

Where to register

  • EEPC India (Engineering Export Promotion Council)RCMC — two- and three-wheelers are under EEPC (DGFT Appendix 2T).eepcindia.org ↗

Quality and checks

  • Each model needs type approval or homologation in the buying country (UNECE regulations, EU Regulation 168/2013 or national rules).
  • Emission levels must match the market (Euro 5 in the EU; check others).
  • Electric two-wheelers ship lithium batteries as dangerous goods with a UN 38.3 test summary.
How to start small

Vehicle exports are run by manufacturers. A small exporter can start with two-wheeler spare parts, accessories or helmets for distributors in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh or Africa, where Indian bikes are common on the road.

Where new exporters go wrong

  • Shipping a model that is not approved in the destination — it cannot be registered.
  • VIN or engine numbers that do not match the documents.
  • Battery shipments refused for missing dangerous-goods papers.

Documents this product needs

Schemes that apply

Sources (5)
  1. Department of Commerce, Export Import Data Bank — India's exports of HS 8711 by country, 2025-26
  2. DGFT — Appendix 2T: Export Promotion Councils and the products under each
  3. DGFT — ITC(HS) export policy search (Schedule 2)
  4. UNECE — World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29)
  5. EEPC India (Engineering Export Promotion Council) — official site

Trade data

Indian motorcycles and scooters exports in numbers

From the Department of Commerce’s TradeStat, country by country. US$, Indian financial years (April–March).

Exports in 2025-26
US$ 3.98 bn
+14.1% a year on average, 2020-21 to 2025-26
Change from 2024-25
↑ +24.2%
US$ 3.21 bn → US$ 3.98 bn
Buyer countries
144
Average export price
US$ 848.56
per kg · 4,694 tonnes shipped · US$ 858.89 the year before
Colombia: US$ 578 mnMexico: US$ 320 mnSri Lanka: US$ 257 mnNepal: US$ 218 mnNigeria: US$ 187 mnBrazil: US$ 174 mnPhilippines: US$ 149 mnKenya: US$ 99.6 mnTanzania: US$ 90.4 mnArgentina: US$ 89.6 mnPeru: US$ 85.2 mnUnited Arab Emirates: US$ 75.6 mnBangladesh: US$ 72.9 mnNetherlands: US$ 60.7 mnItaly: US$ 53.7 mnJapan: US$ 53.6 mnUnited Kingdom: US$ 51.3 mnUnited States of America: US$ 47.6 mnGhana: US$ 40 mnColombia: US$ 578 mnColombiaMexico: US$ 320 mnMexicoSri Lanka: US$ 257 mnSri LankaNepal: US$ 218 mnNepalNigeria: US$ 187 mnNigeriaBrazil: US$ 174 mnBrazilPhilippines: US$ 149 mnKenya: US$ 99.6 mnTanzania: US$ 90.4 mnArgentina: US$ 89.6 mnPeru: US$ 85.2 mnUnited Arab Emirates: US$ 75.6 mnBangladesh: US$ 72.9 mnNetherlands: US$ 60.7 mnItaly: US$ 53.7 mnJapan: US$ 53.6 mnUnited Kingdom: US$ 51.3 mnUnited States of America: US$ 47.6 mnGhana: US$ 40 mnIndia
Where Indian motorcycles and scooters goes — among our 80 countries, 2025-26
2020-21: US$ 2.06 bn2.1k2020-212021-22: US$ 2.99 bn3.0k2021-222022-23: US$ 2.79 bn2.8k2022-232023-24: US$ 2.77 bn2.8k2023-242024-25: US$ 3.21 bn3.2k2024-252025-26: US$ 3.98 bn4.0k2025-26
India’s motorcycles and scooters exports, year by year · US$ million

The price cycle

India’s average export price per kg each year (total value ÷ total quantity). Highest in 2024-25, lowest in 2020-21 — a 21% swing between them. Keep this swing in mind when you quote.

2020-21: US$ 707.76 per kg707.762021-22: US$ 757.33 per kg2022-23: US$ 845.90 per kg2024-25: US$ 858.89 per kg858.892025-26: US$ 848.56 per kg848.562020-212021-222022-232023-242024-252025-26
Average export price of Indian motorcycles and scooters · US$ per kg · dotted = year in between not available

What next: a projection from the trend

The past trend carried forward — not a forecast by any authority. Sudden changes in policy, prices or demand are not in it.

2020-21: US$ 2.06 bn2020-212021-22: US$ 2.99 bn2021-222022-23: US$ 2.79 bn2022-232023-24: US$ 2.77 bn2023-242024-25: US$ 3.21 bn2024-252025-26: US$ 3.98 bn2025-262026-27: US$ 4.13 bn (US$ 3.51 bn – US$ 4.86 bn)4.1k2026-272027-28: US$ 4.57 bn (US$ 3.81 bn – US$ 5.48 bn)4.6k2027-28
India’s motorcycles and scooters exports and projection · hollow bars = projection, line = likely range
By 2027-28: US$ 4.57 bn

Likely range US$ 3.81 bn to US$ 5.48 bn.

Trend
+10.6% a year
Fit (R²)
0.76
Based on
6 years of official figures

Method: a straight line through the logarithm of yearly exports (log-linear regression); range = ±1 standard error.

Biggest buyer countries

By value in 2025-26. Change is against 2024-25.

Name2025-26Change
1ColombiaUS$ 578 mn+52.1%
2MexicoUS$ 320 mn-17.9%
3Sri LankaUS$ 257 mn+8,050.5%
4NepalUS$ 218 mn+39.8%
5NigeriaUS$ 187 mn-0.7%
6BrazilUS$ 174 mn+42.3%
7GuineaUS$ 153 mn+43.7%
8PhilippinesUS$ 149 mn+39.2%
9GuatemalaUS$ 141 mn-18.4%
10DR CongoUS$ 119 mn+75.2%
11KenyaUS$ 99.6 mn+223.7%
12TanzaniaUS$ 90.4 mn+18.8%

Where demand is rising and falling

Only countries that buy at least US$ 1 million or 1% of India’s exports of this product. Change from 2024-25 to 2025-26.

High demand

  1. Sri LankaUS$ 3.2 mn → US$ 257 mn+8,050.5%
  2. KenyaUS$ 30.8 mn → US$ 99.6 mn+223.7%
  3. NetherlandsUS$ 20.5 mn → US$ 60.7 mn+195.8%
  4. GhanaUS$ 19.7 mn → US$ 40 mn+102.8%
  5. DR CongoUS$ 67.8 mn → US$ 119 mn+75.2%
  6. United States of AmericaUS$ 29.6 mn → US$ 47.6 mn+61%
  7. ColombiaUS$ 380 mn → US$ 578 mn+52.1%
  8. United Arab EmiratesUS$ 50.9 mn → US$ 75.6 mn+48.4%

Low demand

  1. TürkiyeUS$ 72.2 mn → US$ 13.8 mn-80.9%
  2. BangladeshUS$ 101 mn → US$ 72.9 mn-28%
  3. GuatemalaUS$ 173 mn → US$ 141 mn-18.4%
  4. MexicoUS$ 390 mn → US$ 320 mn-17.9%
  5. UgandaUS$ 83.5 mn → US$ 73.4 mn-12.1%

Which forms sell, and at what price

India’s exports by 8-digit tariff line, 2025-26. Average price = total value ÷ total quantity (TradeStat): the average of every shipment on that line, not the price of any one deal.

Tariff lineValue 2025-26ChangeQuantityAverage price
Motr cyclwth cylndr cpcty >75 bt<=250 cc8711 20 29 · Motorcycles and cycles, fitted with an auxiliary motor, internal combustion piston engine, of cylinder…US$ 2.82 bn+23.7%3.7 mn piecesUS$ 759.64 per piecewas US$ 766.65
Motr cycls with cylndr cpcty >250 bt<=500cc8711 30 20 · Motorcycles and cycles, fitted with an auxiliary motor, internal combustion piston engine, of cylinder…US$ 525 mn+25.4%232k piecesUS$ 2261.62 per piecewas US$ 2237.21
Scooters with cylndr cpcty >75 bt<=250 cc8711 20 19 · Motorcycles and cycles, fitted with an auxiliary motor, internal combustion piston engine, of cylinder…US$ 492 mn+30.5%674k piecesUS$ 730.10 per piecewas US$ 732.83
Motor cycles >500 bt <=800 cc8711 40 10 · Motorcycles and cycles, fitted with auxiliary motor, internal combustion piston engine of cylinder capacity…US$ 98.6 mn+15.2%32k piecesUS$ 3082.29 per piecewas US$ 3244.93
Motorcycles and cycles, fitted with auxiliary motor, with electric motor for propulsion, with or without… — scooters8711 60 20US$ 14.5 mn+206.1%10k piecesUS$ 1527.37 per piecewas US$ 1311.57
Others-of-with electric motor for propulsion8711 60 90 · Motorcycles and cycles, fitted with auxiliary motor, with electric motor for propulsion, with or without…US$ 12.4 mn+235%12k piecesUS$ 1002.35 per piecewas US$ 469.47
Other motor cycl etc. with rcprctng intrnl cmbstn piston engn of cylndr cpcty<=50 cc8711 10 90 · Motorcycles and cycles, fitted with an auxiliary motor, with internal combustion piston engine of a…US$ 8.1 mn+26.1%7k piecesUS$ 1237.16 per piecewas US$ 1196.49
Motorcycles and cycles, fitted with auxiliary motor, with electric motor for propulsion, with or without… — motor cycles8711 60 10US$ 3.9 mn-81%2k piecesUS$ 2093.02 per piecewas US$ 4358.92
E- bicycle or battery-operated pedal assisted vehicle8711 60 80 · Motorcycles and cycles, fitted with auxiliary motor, with electric motor for propulsion, with or without…US$ 2.3 mn+560%5k piecesUS$ 460.25 per piecewas US$ 286.89
Mopeds with cylndr cpcty >75 bt<=250 cc8711 20 39 · Motorcycles and cycles, fitted with an auxiliary motor, internal combustion piston engine, of cylinder…US$ 630k-53%2k piecesUS$ 414.75 per piecewas US$ 418.49
Other vehicles with cylndr cpcty >50 bt <= 75 cc8711 20 91 · Motorcycles and cycles, fitted with an auxiliary motor, internal combustion piston engine, of cylinder…US$ 500k+212.5%588 piecesUS$ 850.34 per piecewas US$ 808.08
Motorcycles and cycles in heading no. 8711, fitted with auxiliary motor, with or without side-cars, side-cars — side cars8711 90 10US$ 220k+29.4%269 piecesUS$ 817.84 per piecewas US$ 735.93
Other vehicles with cylndr cpcty >250 bt<=500 cc8711 30 90 · Motorcycles and cycles, fitted with an auxiliary motor, internal combustion piston engine, of cylinder…US$ 180k+125%59 piecesUS$ 3050.85 per piecewas US$ 1355.93
Others-of-others-of-motorcycles (includinguding mopeds) and cycles fitted with an auxiliary motor, with or without side-cars;8711 90 90 · Motorcycles and cycles in heading no. 8711, fitted with auxiliary motor, with or without side-cars, side-carsUS$ 120k-81%207 piecesUS$ 579.71 per piecewas US$ 1582.91

The world market

Each country’s own recorded exports and imports in UN Comtrade, 2023 (the latest year nearly every country has reported).

World imports
US$ 36.8 bn
2023
India among exporters
#6
of 150 countries
India’s share of world exports
6.3%
US$ 2.62 bn
Left for others to win
US$ 39.1 bn
exported by other countries

Top exporters — your competitors

  1. 1ChinaUS$ 11.6 bn 27.8%
  2. 2GermanyUS$ 3.6 bn 8.6%
  3. 3JapanUS$ 3.49 bn 8.4%
  4. 4ThailandUS$ 2.93 bn 7%
  5. 5AustriaUS$ 2.65 bn 6.3%
  6. 6IndiaUS$ 2.62 bn 6.3%
  7. 7ItalyUS$ 2.53 bn 6.1%
  8. 8NetherlandsUS$ 1.7 bn 4.1%
  9. 9Other Asia, nesUS$ 1.4 bn 3.3%
  10. 10Viet NamUS$ 1.36 bn 3.3%

Biggest buyers in the world

  1. 1USAUS$ 4.26 bn 11.6%
  2. 2GermanyUS$ 3.38 bn 9.2%
  3. 3FranceUS$ 2.34 bn 6.4%
  4. 4NetherlandsUS$ 1.81 bn 4.9%
  5. 5PhilippinesUS$ 1.68 bn 4.6%
  6. 6ItalyUS$ 1.67 bn 4.6%
  7. 7GambiaUS$ 1.6 bn 4.4%
  8. 8SpainUS$ 1.37 bn 3.7%
  9. 9United KingdomUS$ 1.14 bn 3.1%
  10. 10JapanUS$ 1.06 bn 2.9%

Opportunity: what these countries buy from the world, and from India

Each country’s own recorded imports in UN Comtrade, latest year it has reported. The long light part of each bar is demand other countries are filling today.

United States of AmericaUS$ 3.99 bnIndia 2.1% · gap US$ 3.91 bn
GermanyUS$ 2.8 bnIndia 2.1% · gap US$ 2.74 bn
FranceUS$ 2.12 bnIndia 1.8% · gap US$ 2.08 bn
NetherlandsUS$ 1.76 bnIndia 0.4% · gap US$ 1.75 bn
ItalyUS$ 1.57 bnIndia 3.5% · gap US$ 1.51 bn
SpainUS$ 1.31 bnIndia 1.6% · gap US$ 1.29 bn
United KingdomUS$ 1.14 bnIndia 3.3% · gap US$ 1.1 bn
CanadaUS$ 747 mnIndia 1.3% · gap US$ 737 mn
AustraliaUS$ 739 mnIndia 2.5% · gap US$ 720 mn
JapanUS$ 746 mnIndia 3.8% · gap US$ 717 mn

TradeStat’s 2023-24 quantities are double-counted, so that year is left out of the price. Sources: TradeStat — Export Import Data Bank, Department of Commerce · UN Comtrade database (United Nations Statistics Division) · Figures taken 29 October 2026.

Step by step

How to export motorcycles and scooters

India is the world's largest maker of two-wheelers and one of the largest exporters, selling mainly commuter motorcycles to Latin America, Africa and South Asia. China and other Asian makers are the main competitors in low-cost markets, while Japanese brands make bikes in India for export too. In 2025-26 Colombia, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Nigeria were the largest buyers (Commerce Department data). Exports are almost entirely by established manufacturers through their own distributors; small exporters work in parts, accessories and helmets. Openings are in mid-size premium bikes for Europe and in electric scooters.

  1. 01Decide your role

    Vehicle exports are run by manufacturers; traders usually start with parts, accessories or helmets.

  2. 02Register with EEPC India

    Two- and three-wheelers are under EEPC.

  3. 03Get the model approved

    Work with the importer on homologation, emissions and lighting rules.

  4. 04Agree CBU or CKD

    Many markets tax completely built units more than kits; plan packing accordingly.

  5. 05Pre-delivery inspection and crating

    Inspect every unit, drain fuel, crate and record VIN and engine numbers.

  6. 06Ship and claim benefits

    File the shipping bill on ICEGATE with the correct 8-digit HS code, declare RoDTEP and drawback, and keep the mill or test certificates with the export file.

  7. 07After-sales support

    Ship spare parts and train the distributor's mechanics; markets are won on service.

Meet buyers

Trade fairs

Questions

Questions about exporting motorcycles and scooters

Can a small trader export motorcycles?
Export policy is free, but each model needs approval in the buying country and manufacturers usually appoint their own distributors. Parts and accessories are a more realistic start.
Can I export used motorcycles?
Check both the DGFT policy and the buyer country's rules — many countries restrict or ban used vehicle imports.
What is the RoDTEP rate?
About 1% to 1.1% of FOB, without a cap, depending on the line (Appendix 4R, heading 8711).
How do I ship electric scooters?
As dangerous goods because of the lithium battery: UN 38.3 test summary, correct UN number and a shipping line that accepts them.
Which ports handle two-wheeler exports?
Mainly Chennai, Kamarajar (Ennore), Mundra and Nhava Sheva, close to the Hosur, Chennai, Gujarat and Pune plants.
Sources (8)
  1. EEPC India (Engineering Export Promotion Council) — official site
  2. UNECE — World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29)
  3. NHTSA — Importation and certification of motor vehicles and equipment
  4. ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India), Pune — testing and homologation
  5. ICAT (International Centre for Automotive Technology), Manesar
  6. DGFT — Appendix 4R, RoDTEP schedule for DTA exports w.e.f. 10.10.2024 (Notification 32/2024-25); rates continued to 31.12.2026 by Notification 41/2026-27
  7. Gazette of India — Notification 77/2023-Customs (N.T.) dated 20.10.2023: All Industry Rates of duty drawback
  8. Department of Commerce, Export Import Data Bank — India's exports of HS 8711 by country, 2025-26

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