Guide · 2026
Chinese Motorcycles: The Real Cost in Switzerland (0% Customs, VAT, Homologation) — 2026
Buying a Chinese-designed motorcycle in Switzerland has become simpler and more transparent since the abolition of industrial customs duties on January 1, 2024. But between the listed price, VAT, homologation, and required license, the real cost can be confusing. This guide details the fees to expect, official importers, and available models, with prices verified on the websites of authorized Swiss distributors.
0% Customs: The Swiss Advantage Since 2024
Since January 1, 2024, Switzerland has abolished all industrial customs duties — the measure covers tariff chapters 25 to 97, including chapter 87 (vehicles, including motorcycles and scooters). A two-wheeler made in China therefore only pays the Swiss VAT of 8.1% upon import.
Contrast with the European Union: since 2019, the EU has applied anti-dumping duties of 10.3% to 70.1% and countervailing duties of 3.9% to 17.2% on e-bikes made in China, extended in January 2025 for five years. Chinese motorcycles and scooters are not targeted by this measure — but the EU-China trade climate remains volatile, while Swiss policy is stable and duty-free.
VAT and Registration Fees: What to Add to the Listed Price
The price listed by official Swiss importers generally includes the 8.1% VAT and registration fees. For example, the CFMoto 450NK is offered at CHF 5,290, the Zontes 350 R at CHF 5,390, and the Voge 625R Naked at CHF 6,690 — these prices are all-inclusive and ready to ride.
For models without a listed price (marked 'price on request'), it is advisable to contact the importer directly. Any additional fees (license plate, insurance, inspection) are the same as for any two-wheeler in Switzerland.
Swiss Homologation: Who Are the Official Importers?
All models listed on SinoRide are imported by official distributors who ensure Swiss homologation (OETV/OAC type). The main importers are: Motohub Swiss (CFMoto), VOGE Schweiz / Mosportgroup (Voge), Mosport SA (Zontes, Kove), Fun-Car (QJ Motor), Grandjean Diffusion (Super Soco), Mobilize/niumobility.ch (NIU), Emovemotors (Yadea), ETRIX (Ecooter), and Xiaomi Switzerland (mi-store.ch) for scooters.
Buying from these importers guarantees that the vehicle complies with Swiss standards (restriction, lighting, noise) and that the warranty is valid. Avoid unauthorized parallel imports, which can lead to registration refusal.
Which License for Which Model? The Category Table
The required license depends on power and displacement. For Chinese motorcycles: A1 license (from age 16) for 125 cc models like the Zontes 125 GK (CHF 3,990), the QJ Motor SRT 125 DX (CHF 3,990), or the Kove NK 125R (CHF 3,990). Limited A license (from age 18, up to 35 kW) for the CFMoto 450NK (34.5 kW, CHF 5,290), the Zontes 350 R (29 kW, CHF 5,390), or the Kove 450 Rally (31 kW, CHF 8,990). Unlimited A license for models over 35 kW: CFMoto 675SR-R (CHF 7,690), Zontes 703 RR (CHF 8,990), QJ Motor SRK 800 RR (CHF 9,290), etc.
On the electric side, NIU scooters like the NQiX 150 (CHF 3,290, 45 km/h) or the MQi GT 100 (CHF 4,690, 100 km/h) require an A1 license. 20 km/h scooters (Xiaomi, Segway, NIU KQi) require no license from age 16, or an M license between ages 14 and 16.
The Real Cost: Comparison with Established Brands
Prices of Chinese motorcycles in Switzerland are significantly lower than those of equivalent Japanese or European brands. For example, a CFMoto 450NK at CHF 5,290 competes with 400-500 cc roadsters often above CHF 7,000. Similarly, the Zontes 703 RR at CHF 8,990 offers an unbeatable performance/price ratio compared to a European 700 cc sportbike that exceeds CHF 12,000.
Thanks to 0% customs and competitive production costs, Chinese brands offer well-equipped motorcycles (ABS, TFT screen, adjustable suspension) at prices that competitors cannot match. The only downside: availability of spare parts and after-sales service network, which should be verified with the importer.