Car customs clearance from Germany in Poland

How to Clear Customs for a Car from Germany in Poland: A Detailed Guide

Bringing a car from Germany to Poland is a popular choice due to the high quality of German vehicles and often more affordable prices. However, to legally use the vehicle in Poland, you must complete the customs clearance and registration process. This article provides a step-by-step guide, including costs and useful tips.

Deregistration of the Vehicle in Germany

Before the car is transported to Poland, it must be deregistered in Germany. This involves:

Visiting the Zulassungsstelle (registration office);
Obtaining temporary license plates for export;
Purchasing temporary insurance coverage to transport the car to Poland.

These steps are essential for compliance with German regulations and facilitate the subsequent registration process in Poland.

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Payment of Excise Duty in Poland

The excise duty is the primary tax required for customs clearance. The excise rate depends on the engine size:

3.1% of the vehicle’s value for engines up to 2000 cm³;
18.6% of the vehicle’s value for engines over 2000 cm³.

The excise tax must be paid before initiating the vehicle registration process. Once paid, the owner receives a document confirming the payment, which must be included in the registration paperwork.

Technical Inspection in Poland (Badanie techniczne)

The next step is passing a technical inspection. In Poland, vehicles must meet local safety and environmental standards. The inspection involves:

Assessing the vehicle’s overall technical condition;
Ensuring that exhaust emissions comply with environmental regulations.

After successfully passing the inspection, you will receive a certificate verifying that the vehicle is roadworthy in Poland.

Document Translation

All vehicle documents, including the sales agreement, registration certificate, and others, must be translated into Polish. The translations must be certified by a sworn translator. This is necessary for the documents to be accepted by Polish authorities during registration.

Vehicle Registration in Poland

The final step is registering the car with the Urząd komunikacji (Communication Office). You will need the following:

A completed registration application;
Proof of excise duty payment;
Purchase documents (sales agreement or invoice);
Vehicle registration certificate;
Technical inspection certificate;
Translated documents.

After submitting the paperwork, you will receive temporary license plates and a registration certificate. Permanent documents will be available within 30 days.

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Additional Costs

Depending on the car’s age and condition, additional costs may include:

VAT (23%), if the vehicle is considered new (mileage under 6000 km or less than 6 months old);
Technical inspection fees, typically around PLN 100;
Sworn translator services, costing approximately PLN 200;
Administrative fees, including the cost of license plates.

Useful Tips

Use online calculators. These tools help estimate the excise duty and other taxes in advance.
Seek professional assistance. If you are unsure about the process, ERA Consulting specialists can help with documentation, payments, and interactions with authorities.
Verify the car before purchase. Ensure all necessary documents are available in Germany to avoid customs clearance issues.

Clearing customs for a car from Germany in Poland is a multi-step process requiring time and attention to detail. Understanding all the steps and preparing in advance will help avoid errors and delays. By following the established rules, you can successfully legalize your car and enjoy driving it in Poland.