Cycle Industry News)
Mark Sutton
27 July, 2018
Mission Cycles, a long-standing disability bike and trikes specialist, has told CI.N that the provisional anti-dumping tariff’s imposed on Chinese-sourced electric bikes could force its business to close.Many customers of the Maidstone business depend on the products sold and customised by the business for basic mobility, though the imposition of tariffs has forced the importer to absorb costs beyond its control.
Managing director David Wilsher told CI.N: “I’m faced with a situation where Customs are asking me for the 6% duty, plus a further 37%. I’ve three containers, ordered back in April before these changes came in, that are landing in the coming weeks. That adds up to a further £20,000, plus VAT in costs on these specialist bikes. That’s a serious and unsustainable stumbling block for our business. It’s around £210 extra, per bike!”
The provisional anti-dumping tariffs, put in place earlier this month by the European Commission, came about in response to a complaint by the European Bicycle Manufacturer’s Association. The claims made as part of the case are now being contested by importers as part of a lawsuit against the EU.
Wilshere has written to Conservative MP for Dover and Deal, Charlie Elphicke, who is said to be offering his full support in pressing the Government for alterations to be made to import codes, allowing for disability goods to avert such tariffs.
“I’ve countless customers that will testify that our disability bike, trike, hand cycles and other goods have changed their lives,” adds Wilsher. “The disability bike and tricycle products that we import come with adaptations like rear steer, back supports, a range of pedals and more. We believe these should be classed as medical appliances, but they have duty placed on them all the same. We are sure that a tricycle was developed not only for comfort, but also for balance problems and other disabilities.”
