Stewart Hendry Posted November 30, 2021 Share Posted November 30, 2021 We hope to go to Spain for 2 months with our electric bikes early in 2022 [value in excess of £ik each]. I've heard of a case where the authorities have charged duty based on the value of the bikes despite these being personal possessions which will be in the country for a limited time. Has any one got definite information on the situation which presumably may have arisen now we are out of the EU. An internet search hasn't helped so far. Regards Stewart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Den Posted November 30, 2021 Share Posted November 30, 2021 We have taken our electric bikes several times over the years and in July this year. They cost €2500 each. No problem what so ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Kirby Posted November 30, 2021 Share Posted November 30, 2021 Don't know how relevant this old forum string is, https://tinyurl.com/yckves7j but it may give some clues as to potential problems, especially if the bikes are not pedelecs. Best of all would probably by direct query to Spanish Embassy, preferably e-mail, so you get a written reply direct from the horse's mouth. It seems the ages of the bikes may be relevant, so being able to prove their value, and when they were bought, may possibly be relevant. If you can give a link to the origin of the case you mention it may shed more light on the circumstances - perhaps someone taking up residence, and not just visiting for a few weeks, so the importation would be permanent?. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin Posted November 30, 2021 Share Posted November 30, 2021 It is still of some speculation as to if the vehicle in question used for transport was a motorhome or commercial van, the Carnets appear to cover commercial goods. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldi Posted November 30, 2021 Share Posted November 30, 2021 Good evening, I reckon that story that's been doing the rounds is baloney Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onecal Posted November 30, 2021 Share Posted November 30, 2021 We have 20 motorhomes gone in search of the winter sun over the last month with electric bikes and electric scooters all have reported no issues at all . Well maybe more sun needed ,lol Enjoy your trip and keep safe, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pagey Posted December 1, 2021 Share Posted December 1, 2021 Stewart Hendry - 2021-11-30 5:07 PM We hope to go to Spain for 2 months with our electric bikes early in 2022 [value in excess of £ik each]. I've heard of a case where the authorities have charged duty based on the value of the bikes despite these being personal possessions which will be in the country for a limited time. Has any one got definite information on the situation which presumably may have arisen now we are out of the EU. An internet search hasn't helped so far. Regards Stewart hi where did you here this information please Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverback Posted December 1, 2021 Share Posted December 1, 2021 its tosh, here say on facebook and scaremongering jonathan 8-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zydeco Joe Posted December 1, 2021 Share Posted December 1, 2021 Had no problems with two electric bike on the back of our van going or staying in Spain back in December 2019 / March 2020. Taking them again in we hope just a few days. That is when we get to France after they have just today changed the rules about Covid testing and PCR test. >:-( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fesspark2 Posted December 5, 2021 Share Posted December 5, 2021 taken our 2 electric bikes since we purchased them about 15 years ago, never been questioned about them fesspark2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CurtainRaiser Posted December 5, 2021 Share Posted December 5, 2021 silverback - 2021-12-01 4:34 PM its tosh, here say on facebook and scaremongering jonathan 8-) I don't know why you would think that? Carnets have long been required for taking what might be either samples or goods for sale across international borders. In the 1980's when attending a international canoeing event in Czechoslovakia we had to pay to temporary import our canoes and kayaks, on leaving the country they were checked back out and no duty had to be paid. We even had to bring back two pieces of one kayak to prove we hadn't sold it. Do I think that customs officers will ask holiday makers if they are importing ebikes - in the main no, but if a couple have four new ebikes questions will be asked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverback Posted December 5, 2021 Share Posted December 5, 2021 CurtainRaiser - 2021-12-05 3:44 PM silverback - 2021-12-01 4:34 PM its tosh, here say on facebook and scaremongering jonathan 8-) I don't know why you would think that? Carnets have long been required for taking what might be either samples or goods for sale across international borders. In the 1980's when attending a international canoeing event in Czechoslovakia we had to pay to temporary import our canoes and kayaks, on leaving the country they were checked back out and no duty had to be paid. We even had to bring back two pieces of one kayak to prove we hadn't sold it. Do I think that customs officers will ask holiday makers if they are importing ebikes - in the main no, but if a couple have four new ebikes questions will be asked. I take it back then! I will apply for my Carnet first thing Monday morning for my e bikes thanks for informing me Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebishbus Posted December 6, 2021 Share Posted December 6, 2021 We take our e-bikes and have not had any problems. I would think as long as they comply with the countries road e-bike rules ie max motor power --250 watts, electric speed about 15 mph . no hand throttle in some countries, they should be ok. But then who is going to check them anyway. ? Brian B. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stewart Hendry Posted December 16, 2021 Author Share Posted December 16, 2021 Thanks for all replies and apologies for not responding sooner. Replies went into a defunct EM account . This situation was posted by a member of the Hymer Club International, late November who saw a posting on Simon Calders travel page (Guardian or Independent newspaper.) Question was motorhome arrived at Santander from Portsmouth. Van checked over by customs officers and the owner was charged over 400euros in duty for 3 electric bikes which would go back with them on return to UK. The staff muttered something about carnets. Answer from Simon Calder - indicates this was not a fine, just the customs arrangements for good in excess of 430E which apply to non EU countries. You can avoid duty by paying for a customs carnet covering the temporary import of goods. Cost of carnet is £300 plus from my own research. I'm still confused but pleased to hear other travellers have not encountered problems. If all this is correct what about towing a car? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stewart Hendry Posted December 16, 2021 Author Share Posted December 16, 2021 Brian, sorry but saw replies. See my followup posting on this page with additional details. regards Stewart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin Posted December 16, 2021 Share Posted December 16, 2021 Stewart Hendry - 2021-12-16 11:31 AM Thanks for all replies and apologies for not responding sooner. Replies went into a defunct EM account . This situation was posted by a member of the Hymer Club International, late November who saw a posting on Simon Calders travel page (Guardian or Independent newspaper.) Question was motorhome arrived at Santander from Portsmouth. Van checked over by customs officers and the owner was charged over 400euros in duty for 3 electric bikes which would go back with them on return to UK. The staff muttered something about carnets. Answer from Simon Calder - indicates this was not a fine, just the customs arrangements for good in excess of 430E which apply to non EU countries. You can avoid duty by paying for a customs carnet covering the temporary import of goods. Cost of carnet is £300 plus from my own research. I'm still confused but pleased to hear other travellers have not encountered problems. If all this is correct what about towing a car? The reply given by Simon Calder specifically stated 'van' not motorhome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverback Posted December 16, 2021 Share Posted December 16, 2021 silverback - 2021-12-05 10:54 PM CurtainRaiser - 2021-12-05 3:44 PM silverback - 2021-12-01 4:34 PM its tosh, here say on facebook and scaremongering jonathan 8-) I don't know why you would think that? Carnets have long been required for taking what might be either samples or goods for sale across international borders. In the 1980's when attending a international canoeing event in Czechoslovakia we had to pay to temporary import our canoes and kayaks, on leaving the country they were checked back out and no duty had to be paid. We even had to bring back two pieces of one kayak to prove we hadn't sold it. Do I think that customs officers will ask holiday makers if they are importing ebikes - in the main no, but if a couple have four new ebikes questions will be asked. I take it back then! I will apply for my Carnet first thing Monday morning for my e bikes thanks for informing me Jonathan I didn't bother with a Carnet...and guess what nobody bothered about them, now having a beer in Benicassim, feel gutted for the people that can;t travel now due to the ban Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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