Over 4,000 e-bikes seized by Irish Customs in suspected international smuggling operation

Source: Road.cc, Bike Europe

Targeted searches of two warehouses in Wexford by Irish Customs Authorities have led to the seizure of over 4,000 e-bikes, plus undisclosed numbers of e-scooters and bike parts and accessories. The haul, illegally imported into the European Union, is estimated to be worth €4.5 million in retail value.

The Irish operation was conducted as part of a larger international initiative supported by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), in which several EU member states have worked together to tackle the unlawful import and sale of e-bikes.

OLAF has highlighted the potential repercussions of such illegally imported products entering the market. The e-bikes could have been sold to consumers without the VAT being paid, thereby undercutting legitimate e-bike sellers. The unpaid import duties associated with the Irish seizure are estimated at €2.8 million. Director-General of OLAF, Ville Itälä, said, “This case highlights the value of close cooperation between OLAF and Member State authorities in protecting the EU’s financial interests, ensuring fair competition, and safeguarding the integrity of the single market.

“By working closely with Member States, OLAF helps ensure that those who try to exploit EU rules are identified and stopped. Together, we are making it clear that such abuse will not go unchecked.”

LEVA-EU calls for greater market surveillance against illegal products and revision of anti-dumping measures for components

The Irish Customs operation can be seen as part of a broader effort across the EU to tackle customs fraud in the e-bike market. There was recent widespread reporting of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) launching a major investigation across several EU countries, focused on uncovering instances of disassembled e-bikes made in China and reassembled in the EU to avoid anti-dumping duties. LEVA-EU has made several statements in light of these developments, making the case for greater market surveillance which would help eliminate the proliferation of non-compliant e-bikes, and revision of the rulings around anti-dumping measures.

There have been well-publicised incidents recently of increased enforcement against non-compliant electric two-wheelers, such as several UK police forces seizing bikes from users which do not meet the definition of electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs). PC Matthew Dilks of Suffolk Police summarised the situation succinctly when speaking to the BBC. “If an electric bike does not meet the standards then they are technically classed as motorcycles. They therefore need to be insured and registered and the rider needs to wear a crash helmet. You can have a normal mountain bike that has had a battery and a motor retrofitted to it that is completely illegal because it is too powerful and goes too fast.”

“Just like vehicle drivers, some people take responsibility and some buy these bikes without double checking and making sure they are legal. As always there are some people who are honestly going about their day and some who are consciously not following the rules. Either way it is important for us to educate, make sure we are strict, and have a zero tolerance approach to make sure members of the public are kept safe.”