1️⃣ Cost structure of an import
| Job | Description | Average amount |
|---|---|---|
| China catalog price | Displayed price (without VAT) | 799 € |
| Air transport | 10–15 kg, Shenzhen → Paris | 180 € |
| Cargo insurance | Optional, often absent | 30 € |
| Import VAT (19–22%) | Calculated on price + freight | 180 € |
| Customs duties (3–5%) | According to TARIC code | 35 € |
| DHL/FedEx Administrative Fees | 20–35 € | 30 € |
| Touch-up paint/fixings | In Europe | 120 € |
Actual total ≈ €1,340 for a kit displayed at €799.
2️⃣ Import process
Step 1 – Shipping
The seller sends the package under INCOTERM DDU (“Delivered Duty Unpaid”).
➡️ This means that you pay VAT and duties upon arrival.
Step 2 – Customs blockage
Content check (ABS, paint, TARIC code 8714 1090 00)
Average lead time: 5–10 days
Notification via DHL or FedEx
Step 3 – Payment of taxes
VAT 19% + duty of 3% + administration fees.
3️⃣ Concrete example: GSXR 1000
| Element | Amount (€) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Seller price | 799 | tax-free |
| Transportation | 190 | air cargo |
| VAT 19% | 188 | on CIF value |
| Customs 3% | 31 | according to code 8714 |
| FedEx Fees | 28 | import folder |
| Total delivered | 1,236 | excluding retouching |
The same EuroFairings kit: €1,099, delivered 3x faster, with EU warranty.
4️⃣ VAT: legal operation
Any product entering the EU is subject to VAT + duties.
In 2025, AliExpress and eBay platforms will only apply this VAT for orders < €150.
➡️ For a complete fairing, VAT is due upon import.
| Type of purchase | VAT application |
|---|---|
| < €150 (AliExpress One Stop Shop) | Collected online |
| > €150 (fairing kit) | Collected by customs + carrier |
In case of non-payment, the package is blocked or returned to China.
5️⃣ Frequent risks
- Cracks due to uninsured transport
- Paintwork faded or not compliant
- Model incompatibility (wrong mold)
- Non-existent after-sales service – return ≈ €300
- No legal guarantee
8 out of 10 orders for China fairings in 2024 suffered a loss of value or a delay > 30 days.
6️⃣ Comparison: import from China vs EuroFairings
| Criteria | 🇨🇳 Import China | 🇪🇺 EuroFairings |
|---|---|---|
| Deadline | 35–70 days | 5–10 days |
| VAT / customs | ⚠️ to pay | ✅ included |
| Guarantee | ❌ none | ✅ 24 months |
| Support | 🇨🇳 English only | 🇫🇷/🇩🇪/🇬🇧 |
| Adjustment | ⚠️ variable | ✅ OEM-fit |
| Paint | 1 acrylic layer | 3 layers 2K |
| Return possible | ⚠️ cost 300 € | ✅ 14 days |
| Actual price | ≈ €1,300 | €1,099 |
7️⃣ Typical purchase scenario
1️⃣ Order on AliExpress (€799).
2️⃣ 5 weeks of waiting.
3️⃣ DHL message: “Customs fees €198”.
4️⃣ Reception: deformed right side, dull paint.
5️⃣ No response from the seller.
6️⃣ Attempted PayPal refund → refused: delay > 180 days.
Result: wasted time, money, and no EU warranty.
8️⃣ The strategic advantage of EU stock
- VAT already paid ✅
- DHL Express Delivery 5–10 days ✅
- Trilingual technical support ✅
- Easy return via EU label ✅
Each kit is checked, photographed and certified before shipping.
9️⃣ Cost & Value Summary
| Element | China | EuroFairings |
|---|---|---|
| Initial price | 799 € | €1,099 |
| Additional costs | + 520 € | 0 € |
| Time limit | 60 days | 7 days |
| Guarantee | ❌ | ✅ |
| Total value | ≈ €1,319 | €1,099 |
The EU kit is faster, guaranteed and more financially advantageous.
🔟 Frequently asked questions
Do you have to pay VAT on AliExpress?
Yes, it's due on imports over €150.
Are Chinese kits the same?
No: recycled materials, variable fit, 1-coat paint.
EuroFairings: Do you really ship from the EU?
Yes, from Germany, with a Batch-Proof lot number and EU invoice.
How long does delivery take?
5–10 working days within the EU.
1️⃣1️⃣ Internal links
➡️ /collections/carennage
➡️ /pages/faq
➡️ /pages/delivery
⚖️ Legal notices
EuroFairings is not affiliated with any manufacturer brand.
All products are OEM quality replacement fairings.
Model names are for identification purposes only.