Is your company under investigation by national customs or by OLAF?
Go with NieuwsFiets.nu to versatile Vietnam!
Second B2B Festival on its way
Invitation for Expert Participation: LEV and Circular Economy
Join the Ad Hoc Group in Opposing Extension Measures on E-Bikes from China
LEVA-EU Establishes Ad Hoc Group for EU Companies to Counter EU Commission’s Review of Measures against E-Cycles from China
LEVA-EU Gears Up to Counter European Commission’s Review of Trade Defence Measures against Electric Cycles from China
Spain introduces national certification requirements for PLEVs.
Belgium increases cycling allowance in 2024 but caps tax exemption
Author Archives: Annick Roetynck
About Annick Roetynck
Annick is the Manager of LEVA-EU, with decades of experience in two-wheeled and light electric mobility.-
Is your company under investigation by national customs or by OLAF?
Comments Off on Is your company under investigation by national customs or by OLAF?Are you one of the many companies in the European Union that encounters problems with the assembly of ebikes in the EU or with the import of ebikes from outside the EU and outside China? Are the national customs services investigating your company or, worse, accusing your company of infringing anti-dumping legislation?
Your problems are directly caused by the anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures against e-bikes from China. It’s an extremely complicated matter, which we can explain to you. We may also be able to assist you in tackling your problems.
If you want to find out more, please contact us. We will explain the cause of your problems and we will propose how we can tackle those problems together. The measures against China are not about dumping cheap Chinese ebikes in the European Union, they are about hurting companies in the EU.Are you one of those companies? Get in touch with LEVA-EU: annick@leva-eu.com, tel.+32 475 500 588 and we will set up an online meeting.
If you wish, we can guarantee you complete confidentiality.
You may also wish to read: https://leva-eu.com/leva-eu-establishes-ad-hoc-group-to-counter-commission-review-measures-against-e-cycles-china/Photo by Anja Bauermann on Unsplash
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Go with NieuwsFiets.nu to versatile Vietnam!
Comments Off on Go with NieuwsFiets.nu to versatile Vietnam!HO CHI MINH/ HO TRAM (VN) – Registration for the NieuwsFiets.nu DealerReis 2024 is open! The destination is completely new: Vietnam. First, a variety of manufacturers in the bicycle industry will be visited, then the relaxing ending will take place in a comfortable beach resort.
This is the ultimate networking event for bicycle retailers from the Netherlands and Belgium, who want to take a unique look behind the scenes of the Vietnamese bicycle industry. The NieuwsFiets.nu Dealer Trip 2024 is an educational business trip to Vietnam, together with fellow retailers, which consists of a strong line up of factory visits, including Motinova (e-bike motors), Velo (saddles), Starite International (producer of New Looxs, among others). bicycle bags) and Astro Tech (frames). Here you will gain professional knowledge that will come in very handy once you return to the store. The tour starts in Ho Chi Minh City and will end in a luxury beach resort in Ho Tram, on the coast of Vietnam.
Registration for the NieuwsFiets.nu DealerTrip is open!
The NieuwsFiets.nu DealerTrip 2024 will take place from November 10 to 18 and is only open to colleagues working in the bicycle industry. Unfortunately, interested consumers cannot join this inspiring business trip. Participation in the NieuwsFiets.nu DealerTrip 2024 costs € 2,750 (per person) for a stay in a single room and € 2,400 (per person) for a stay in a double room.
Entrepreneurs who want to end the year 2024 with a unique trade event should book as soon as possible, because the number of places is limited.
You can register your interest in the trip here: https://nieuwsfiets.nu/nieuwsfiets-dealerreis/aanmelden/
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Second B2B Festival on its way
Comments Off on Second B2B Festival on its wayNieuwsFiets Media & Events is organizing the B2B FESTIVAL for the second time on Sunday 25 and Monday 26 February 2024 in the Brabanthallen in Den Bosch. This is just before the 2024 cycling season starts, but also a moment when we are cautiously looking ahead to 2025. In short, doubly good timing for an extra networking moment between the trade and industry in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Governing is looking ahead, accordint to a well-known Dutch saying. This is more true than ever, especially in these times, because anyone who adopts a wait-and-see attitude now risks falling behind. That is why a networking opportunity between the trade and industry in the spring is incredibly relevant. Listening to and inspired by signals from the market, the initiative was therefore taken to organize the B2B FESTIVAL, with the aim of combining the useful with the pleasant in an accessible manner and in a casual festival atmosphere.
Manufacturers and importers will be given every opportunity to present themselves to the Dutch and Belgian specialist trade, which will receive a particularly hospitable welcome. Trad visitors enjoy free entrance, free parking and catering at the food trucks present is also free of charge for our guests. Sunday will end with a musically supported Happy Hour XXL, where you can enjoy informal drinks from 5:00 PM while enjoying Drinks & Bites.
A 2-day format was deliberately chosen, because Tuesday is a quiet day for many events. The festival doors are open on Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Monday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
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Invitation for Expert Participation: LEV and Circular Economy
Comments Off on Invitation for Expert Participation: LEV and Circular EconomyCompanies in the light electric vehicle (LEV) industry are facing increasing challenges as the importance of sustainability grows. Expert knowledge from manufacturing, sharing or disposal is essential to understand the complex interrelationships of a circular economy for LEVs and thus enable future-proof strategic planning. The Laboratory for Sustainability in Technology at the Bochum University of Applied Sciences under the direction of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Semih Severengiz invites you to actively participate in the development of the scenario study:
What could a circular economy in the LEV sector look like in 2035?
Once completed, this analysis will not only be relevant to your company but will also provide valuable insights for the industry as a whole.
Your expertise is essential. We would appreciate your help in reviewing the identified drivers and influencers. Please complete and return the attached survey. Further instructions can be found in the the following document: https://shorturl.at/knIV7. We kindly ask you to complete the survey by 23 February 2024.
You are also welcome to share this survey with employees in your organisation.
Further information: The survey is part of the Pilot4CircuLEV research project. The aim of the project is to analyse and develop a pilot factory for sustainable end-of-life strategies for light electric vehicles (LEVs) in the context of a resource-efficient circular economy. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. More information about the project is available at https://www.hochschule-bochum.de/en/sustainable-technologies-lab/pilot4circulev/.
Photo by Matt Seymour on Unsplash
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Join the Ad Hoc Group in Opposing Extension Measures on E-Bikes from China
Comments Off on Join the Ad Hoc Group in Opposing Extension Measures on E-Bikes from ChinaIs your company involved in any of the following:
- Importing electric bicycles, electric cargo bikes, or speed pedelecs from China and paying duties?
- Importing electric bikes, electric cargocycles, or speed pedelecs from a non-EU country OTHER THAN China?
- Importing components from China for the assembly of electric bikes, electric cargocycles, or speed pedelecs within the EU?
Is your company facing:
- Investigation by national customs services and/or OLAF?
- Accusations of circumventing measures against China?
- Legal action for circumventing measures against China?
- Sentencing or acquittal for circumventing measures against China?
If so, we strongly recommend that you become a part of the Ad Hoc Group established by LEVA-EU to collectively oppose the potential extension of these measures.
What will the Ad Hoc Group do?
- Request recognition from the European Commission as an interested party.
- Submit joint comments on the Commission’s review.
- Seek a hearing from the European Commission, allowing companies to express their views.
- Provide assistance from a specialized lawyer.
- Communicate the group’s activities to the press and on social media.
- Lobby other influential entities on this matter.
How to Participate?
- A modest contribution, based on the number of employees in your company, is required for participation in the Ad Hoc Group.
- Participation can be kept confidential.
- LEVA-EU membership is not a prerequisite for joining the Ad Hoc Group.
- LEVA-EU members receive a discount on the contribution.
Meeting Details:
- The Ad Hoc Group will conduct multiple meetings, with the first scheduled for February 15, both in-person in Brussels and online.
- If the Commission grants a hearing, it will be held in-person in Brussels; all other meetings will be accessible online.
How to Join?
- For more information or to join the Ad Hoc Group, please call LEVA-EU Manager Annick Roetynck on +32 475 500 588 or mail annick@leva-eu.com.
- Are you already determined to join the group? Complete and return the Ad Hoc Group Participation Form to annick@leva-eu.com.
Your involvement will make a difference in challenging the extension of the measures affecting the European electric cycle industry.
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LEVA-EU Establishes Ad Hoc Group for EU Companies to Counter EU Commission’s Review of Measures against E-Cycles from China
Comments Off on LEVA-EU Establishes Ad Hoc Group for EU Companies to Counter EU Commission’s Review of Measures against E-Cycles from ChinaLast week, the European Commission announced the review of the trade defence measures against electric cycles from China. The review has been requested by EBMA, who wants the measures to be extended for another 5 years. However, over the past 5 years, LEVA-EU has collected numerous testimonies from European companies that have suffered serious damage due to the measures. Some have even gone bankrupt.
It may be in the interest of a small minority of EU companies to continue the measures, but for the majority it is a constant threat and a major obstacle. In response to this, LEVA-EU is taking decisive action by establishing an ad hoc group to unite with affected companies and jointly challenge the potential extension of the trade defense measures. This collaborative effort aims to represent the interests of the broader industry and address the concerns of companies that have experienced adverse effects of the measures.
LEVA-EU will apply for the ad hoc group to be granted interested party status, which will allow the group to comment on the requested review and also request a hearing with the Commission. In all this, the group will also be supported by a specialized lawyer. LEVA-EU will further support the companies in the ad hoc group with lobbying and communication on the matter.
The more companies join the group, the greater the chance that opposition to the measures will be taken into account. LEVA-EU therefore warmly calls on all companies that are damaged in some way by the measures or that oppose the measures, to register for the ad hoc group. A first meeting of the group is planned for Thursday, 15 February, in Brussels. The group is open to all companies, regardless of whether they are members of LEVA-EU. You can register by expressing your interest in a simple email to LEVA-EU manager Annick Roetynck, annick@leva-eu.com. If you wish, you can also call her for further information: +32 475 500 588
It has long been clear that the focus of the EBMA is less on preventing dumping and injury recurrence, than on fostering protectionism, primarily led by a few large groups within the EU. All this is happening under the guise that the trade defence measures will result in return of production to Europe, which in turn will result in the creation of millions (sic) of jobs. Both EBMA and the Commission are of course wisely silent about the fact that trade defence legislation, by its nature, is not designed with the goal of reshoring industries nor fostering job creation. Let alone that they care at all about the jobs that have already disappeared in the EU due to the measures.
The current measures disproportionately impact mainly smaller entrepreneurs, who inadvertently fall victim to the immense complexity of the legislation. That complexity is partly due to the interweaving between the measures against the electric cycles with the measures on essential bicycle components. LEVA-EU also raises concerns about EBMA not shying away from providing companies with incorrect legal information, which raises serious questions about integrity.
A potential 5-year extension of the trade defence measures is predicted to exacerbate the challenges faced by many more European companies, leading to reduced supply, which will in turn lead to significant job losses in the retail sector. It will also lead to increased prices, and a stifling of innovation. LEVA-EU emphasizes that the measures primarily serve the interest of a few large groups, who are merely interested in safeguarding their big cash cow, i.e. the electric bicycle with pedal assistance up to 25 km/h and 250W.
The consequences extend beyond the financial burden on European citizens, to include countless European companies that are now or will soon come under fire. Moreover, the measures prevent many more European companies to enter the market, since a new company in the EU cannot start up unless it pays anti-dumping duties for an indefinite period, without any prospect of any refund.
Last year the European Union had the dubious honour of commemorating 30 years (!) of anti-dumping measures against conventional bicycles from China. This “milestone” prompts questions about the effectiveness of European trade defence measures and the resilience of the “Union Industry”. The measures against electric bicycles will never last 30 years, because by then the electric bicycle sector will simply have been wiped off the map, thanks to the so-called “Union Industry” and EBMA. That is precisely why it is important that at least someone tries to provide some resistance. Five more years of trade defence measures on electric cycles from China will never foster an environment conducive to fair competition, innovation and sustainable growth of the sector in Europe.
Annick Roetynck,
LEVA-EU ManagerBelow are the links to relevant Commission publications in the Official Journal:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:C_202400802
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:C_202400798 -
LEVA-EU Gears Up to Counter European Commission’s Review of Trade Defence Measures against Electric Cycles from China
Comments Off on LEVA-EU Gears Up to Counter European Commission’s Review of Trade Defence Measures against Electric Cycles from ChinaIn a widely anticipated move, the European Commission has officially granted EBMA’s request to review the trade defence measures against electric cycles from China, with a view to an extension of 5 years. The basis for this request is, entirely as expected, the fact that the expiry of the measures would be likely to result in continuation of dumping and recurrence of injury to the Union Industry. LEVA-EU is gearing to respond. The organization warns for the potential impact of 5 more years of measures on European companies and is mobilizing efforts to address the serious concerns arising from the potential extension.
The European Bicycle Manufacturers Association’s (EBMA) request for an extension comes from only one faction of the so-called Union Industry. Another segment of that Industry, along with numerous European companies assembling electric cycles outside both Europe and China, are already experiencing significant adverse effects from the existing measures. Some businesses have already effectively succumbed to these measures, which demonstrates the tangible and widespread damage inflicted upon the industry.
In response, LEVA-EU plans to establish an ad hoc group for companies that are assembling their electric cycles within the EU or outside the EU and China, and are suffering substantial harm from the measures. It has long been clear that the focus of the EBMA is less on preventing dumping and injury recurrence, than on fostering protectionism, primarily led by a few large groups within the EU.
All this is happening under the guise that the trade defence measures will result in return of production to Europe, which in turn will result in the creation of millions (sic) of jobs. Both EBMA and the Commission are of course wisely silent about the fact that trade defence legislation, by its nature, is not designed with the goal of reshoring industries nor fostering job creation. Let alone that they care at all about the jobs that have already disappeared in the EU due to the measures.
The current measures disproportionately impact mainly smaller entrepreneurs, who inadvertently fall victim to the immense complexity of the legislation. That complexity is partly due to the interweaving between the measures against the electric cycles with the measures on essential bicycle components. LEVA-EU also raises concerns about EBMA not shying away from providing companies with incorrect legal information, which raises serious questions about integrity.
A potential 5-year extension of the trade defence measures is predicted to exacerbate the challenges faced by many more European companies, leading to reduced supply, which will in turn lead to significant job losses in the retail sector. It will also lead to increased prices, and a stifling of innovation. LEVA-EU emphasizes that the measures primarily serve the interest of a few large groups, who are merely interested in safeguarding their big cash cow, i.e. the electric bicycle with pedal assistance up to 25 km/h and 250W.
The consequences extend beyond the financial burden on European citizens, to include countless European companies that are now or will soon come under fire. Moreover, the measures prevent many more European companies to enter the market, since a new company in the EU cannot start up unless it pays anti-dumping duties for an indefinite period, without any prospect of any refund.
Last year the European Union had the dubious honour of commemorating 30 years (!) of anti-dumping measures against conventional bicycles from China. This “milestone” prompts questions about the effectiveness of European trade defence measures and the resilience of the “Union Industry”. The measures against electric bicycles will never last 30 years, because by then the electric bicycle sector will simply have been wiped off the map, thanks to the so-called “Union Industry” and EBMA. That is precisely why it is important that at least someone tries to provide some resistance. Five more years of trade defence measures on electric cycles from China will never foster an environment conducive to fair competition, innovation and sustainable growth of the sector in Europe.
Annick Roetynck,
LEVA-EU ManagerBelow are the links to relevant Commission publications in the Official Journal:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:C_202400802
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:C_202400798 -
Spain introduces national certification requirements for PLEVs.
Comments Off on Spain introduces national certification requirements for PLEVs.At the beginning of 2022, the State Traffic Office of Spain (DGT) presented the technical requirements manual for the certification of PLEV, which will enable the regulation of the circulation of these vehicles in Spain. As of the 22nd of January 2024 all PLEVs have to be certified in order to be authorized to circulate in Spain.
Regarding the manual’s entry into force, it became effective on 22 January 2022. However, a transitional regime was established with the following timelines:
- All PLEVs marketed until 22 January 2024 will be able to circulate until 22 January 2027 without the need to be certified.
- All PLEVs marketed from 22 January 2024 onwards must be certified.
- From 22 January 2027 onwards, only PLEVs complying with the requirements described in the manual will be allowed to circulate.
As specified in the manual, an electric scooter is a vehicle with one or more wheels, propelled exclusively by electric motors that, by design, can provide a maximum speed of between 6 and 25 km/h (4 – 16 mph). They can only be equipped with a single seat or saddle if they are provided with a self-balancing system.
Key Technical Requirements:
- Speed: PLEVs will be permitted to have a maximum speed of 25km/h, following which the engine will cease propulsion. Additionally, they must incorporate anti-tampering systems for both speed and power, along with a visible speed and battery level indicator.
- Braking System: All personal transport vehicles must feature two independent brakes capable of decelerating at a minimum of 3.5 m/s2. Vehicles with more than two wheels should also have a parking brake.
- Visibility: PLEVs are mandated to have front (white), side (white or yellow), and rear (red) reflectors. The brake light should be distinct or integrated with the rear light.
- Indicators and Safety Features: Front and rear indicators, rear-view mirrors, reversing assist, and an acoustic warning system are obligatory. Vehicles designed for goods or services must also include a reversing warning.
- Parking Stability: PLEVs with less than three wheels need a stabilization system such as a side kickstand or central stand for parking stability.
- Wheel Specifications: Minimum wheel diameter is set at 203.2 mm with a rough surface for better ground adherence. Slick tires are strictly prohibited.
- Secure Folding: PLEVs must feature a dual safety system to prevent accidental unfolding during transportation.
- Marking and Identification: Every PLEV should display a unique, legible, factory marking indicating maximum speed, serial number, certificate number, year of construction, make, and model. Additionally, there must be a designated space for carrying an identification or registration tag.
- Quality-Oriented Characteristics: The manual also includes directives on structural integrity, electromagnetic compatibility, humidity resistance, battery protection against high temperatures, non-slip surfaces, among others.
“Personal mobility vehicles are a reality in our cities and contribute positively to sustainability, but we must ensure that they do so in safe conditions. The Manual of technical characteristics will help reduce the number of accidents”, explains Jorge Ordás, deputy director general of Mobility and Technology Management of the DGT.
For their part, the PLEV user associations give a different opinion: “There is already a European standard; this standard is not necessary, it only puts barriers in the market and an expiration date for hundreds of thousands of vehicles”, says Antonio Gómez, spokesperson for the Spanish Federation of MP Vehicle User Associations (FEVEMP).
It must be taken into account that next to this national certification, PLEVs must also legally comply with the Machinery -, EMC – and RoHS Directives. Spain is yet another country believing that it should reinvent the wheel by imposing additional technical requirements on these vehicles. This creates a severe obstruction of the single market. With every country that introduces national rules, manufacturers are forced to adapt the vehicles for that country only.
Some countries are wise enough to refrain from national technical rules, Belgium and France being only two examples. In these countries there are no more problems with e-scooters than, for example, in Germany and now also Spain, which find it necessary to introduce a type-approval for these vehicles. The key question is therefore: cui bono? Next up is the Netherlands, where the damned LEV-framework has been on the political table for several years now. It is fairly clear who in the Netherlands will benefit form the framework. RDW, the Dutch type-approval authority, has the privilege to design the rules and to check them!
In the meantime, the Commission continues to delay adequate harmonized technical rules for e-scooters and other LEVs. Yet another study has now been commissioned, that will undoubtedly come to the same conclusion as the 2022-study: LEVs need their own legal framework. The big question remains when that will finally come. In the best case, the Commission may start working, following the study, within 1 to 1.5 years, then it will take about three years to pass the proposal through the co-decision procedure and so we are good for another 5 years of waiting!
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Belgium increases cycling allowance in 2024 but caps tax exemption
Comments Off on Belgium increases cycling allowance in 2024 but caps tax exemptionThe Belgian government has decided to substantially increase the maximum tax-free allowance for commuting by bike, e-bike or speed pedelec, raising it from € 0.27 to € 0.35 per kilometer. The new rate is applicable since 1 January 2024. This initiative is based on the Belgian cycle plan ‘Be Cyclist’, which runs since 2021 until the end of this year.
Vincent Van Peteghem, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, explains the increase: “For those for whom it is possible, cycling is an efficient, sustainable, and healthy way to commute to and from work. With the increase in the tax and social exemption for bicycle allowances, we aim to give an extra push to the number of employees opting for cycling. Because more people cycling also means fewer cars on the road, leading to reduced traffic congestion and better air quality. Undoubtedly, it has a positive impact on the health of our citizens.”
At the same time, an annual ceiling for tax exemption of € 2,500 has been introduced. This ceiling corresponds to an annual distance of 7,142 km, given a cycling allowance of € 0.35 per km. Based on 210 working days a year, this annual distance equals a one-way commute of 17 km. This may seem a realistic calculation, given that 92% of employees who cycle to work live within less than 15 km from their workplace. Nevertheless, there are speed pedelec riders who use their vehicle to commute over longer distances. LEVA-EU’s technical director for instance has a one-way commute of 40 km. In his case, the capped amount only allows for 89 paid commuting days a year.
It’s not clear why the government has introduced this cap, thus discriminating those riders who contribute most to avoiding emissions and to reducing congestion, whilst using more expensive vehicles than (e)bike riders. Beyond the cap of € 2,500, riders are still entitled to the cycling allowance of € 0.35 per km but the excess amount becomes subject to social security and tax.
The Belgian government is addicted to taxing everything and anything. The € 2,500 limit is probably a result of that obsession. It is a pity that no cost/benefit analysis has been carried out to determine the savings in external costs resulting from the replacement of a car with a speed pedelec. That analysis would undoubtedly show how counterproductive that cap is.
On a more positive note, until April last year, employers had no obligation to pay the cycling allowance. In May 2023, employers’ and employees’ organizations reached an agreement to introduce the entitlement to a cycling allowance in all collective labour agreements in the private sector. This however does not mean that employers must pay € 0.35 per km. They are entitled to pay a lesser amount or a fixed amount per commute.
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