question about importing bikes from Europe in the new age of tariffs

[Robert Blunt]

Greetings from frozen New Jersey. I am in something of a pickle. Anticipating becoming an empty nester soon, I commissioned a German bike designer and builder to make a sort of dream randonneuse, which I'll need to sell most of my current bikes to afford. I'm concerned about import duties. I'm wondering if anyone knows whether it would be cheaper to import via a global carrier and pay what now seem like very hefty duties, or if flying to Germany and bringing the bike home as luggage would be a better option. Basically I am looking for the most cost effective way to get the item home, considering tariffs. I wish I had thought about this a bit more before pulling the trigger.

Rob Blunt 

Pennington, New Jersey which was colder than Antarctica this week 

[Julian Westerhout]

The relative cost question depends upon the cost of the bike (frame/fork or complete bike?) vs. the cost of a flight and baggage fees --  if a full bike I'm guessing they're probably not all that different -- if that's the case I'd opt for going to pick it up and taking a week or more to ride it in Germany before packing it and putting it on the plane. You'll still need to pay duties upon entry when you bring it back, but there's an initial exemption, then lower rates than the  tariffs (at least that's my understanding -- be sure to clarify). That will be a great trip and memory -- IMHO much better use of funds than the tariffs and large broker fees you'll pay in addition to air freight to get it to your door. 

Julian Westerhout

Bloomington, IL 

[Nick Payne]

Wait until the Supreme Court releases their opinion on the tariffs, which is expected to happen shortly after the court returns from its winter recess on 20 February. If the tariffs get torpedoed, then your problem goes away.

Nick Payne

[Robert Blunt]

Good point! 

On Sun, Feb 8, 2026 at 11:49 PM Nick Payne <njh...@gmail.com> wrote:

Wait until the Supreme Court releases their opinion on the tariffs, which is expected to happen shortly after the court returns from its winter recess on 20 February. If the tariffs get torpedoed, then your problem goes away.

Nick Payne

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[Huston]

Rob,

I'm no expert, but I think frame imports from Germany were subject to tariffs prior to the current administration.  It may have been complete bicycles only (versus framesets).  The rules have always been confusing.  So, you may be facing import fees of some sort regardless of the opinion from the Supreme Court.

--Huston

Lexington, KY