Customs Clearance for a Car
from the USA in Poland

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растаможка авто из сша в польше

Customs Clearance for a Car from the USA in Poland: Step-by-Step Guide

Cars from the USA are popular among Polish residents due to their favorable prices and rich equipment. However, the process of importing a vehicle from across the ocean requires compliance with various formalities, including payment of taxes, fees, and ensuring the car meets Polish standards. This article provides a detailed description of all the steps involved in the customs clearance and registration of a car from the USA in Poland.

Preparing the Vehicle for Export from the USA

Before sending the car to Poland, the following steps must be taken:

  1. Deregister the vehicle in the USA.
  2. Obtain temporary license plates for transportation.
  3. Secure insurance coverage for legal protection during the transport.
  4. Find a reliable transport company to deliver the vehicle to a Polish port.

On average, delivery from the USA takes between 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the route and the carrier.

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Submit your request, and we will help you navigate the complexities of legalizing your stay, employment, and business registration in Poland. Our team of experts is ready to answer your questions, assess your situation, and suggest the best course of action to achieve your goals. Fill out the form, and we will contact you at a convenient time.

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Оплата акцизного сбора в Польше

Payment of Excise Duty in Poland

Excise duty is one of the main taxes that must be paid when importing a car from abroad. The excise rate depends on the engine size:

  • For engines up to 2000 cm³, the rate is 3.1% of the vehicle’s value.
  • For engines over 2000 cm³, the rate is 18.6% of the vehicle’s value.

The excise duty is paid through the customs authorities, and proof of payment is required for the vehicle’s further registration.

Регистрация автомобиля из США в Польше
Дополнительные расходы помимо растаможки авто из сша в польше

VAT (Value-Added Tax) Payment

If the vehicle is considered new (with less than 6000 km of mileage or less than 6 months since the first registration), a 23% VAT is payable on the car’s value. For used vehicles, VAT is generally not charged if it has already been paid in another country.

Technical Inspection

Upon the vehicle’s arrival in Poland, it must undergo a mandatory technical inspection (Badanie techniczne). The purpose of the inspection is to ensure the vehicle complies with Polish safety and environmental standards. The inspection includes:

  1. Checking the technical condition (brakes, steering, suspension);
  2. Assessing exhaust emissions to ensure compliance with environmental regulations;
  3. Confirming the functionality of headlights, signals, and other systems.

The cost of the inspection is usually around 100 PLN.

растаможить автомобиль из сша в польше
Полезные советы по растаможке авто из сша в польше

Document Translation

For registration in Poland, all vehicle documents must be translated into Polish. This includes:

  • Sales agreement or invoice;
  • Vehicle registration certificate;
  • Customs documents (proof of excise duty payment).

Translations must be certified by a sworn translator.

Get a free consultation

Submit your request, and we will help you navigate the complexities of legalizing your stay, employment, and business registration in Poland. Our team of experts is ready to answer your questions, assess your situation, and suggest the best course of action to achieve your goals. Fill out the form, and we will contact you at a convenient time.

Schedule a consultation
бесплатную консультацию по растаможке авто из сша в польше

Vehicle Registration in Poland

The final step is registering the vehicle at the Urząd komunikacji (Communication Office). You will need to provide:

  1. A completed registration application;
  2. A document confirming the technical inspection;
  3. Proof of excise duty payment;
  4. VAT payment (if applicable);
  5. Translated documents;
  6. The owner’s passport or residence card.

After submitting the documents, you will receive temporary license plates and a registration certificate, valid for 30 days. Permanent license plates and registration documents will be issued 30 days after the application is submitted.

Additional Costs

In addition to excise duty and VAT, consider the following expenses:

  • The cost of shipping the car from the USA (usually between $3000 and $5000);
  • Transport company services;
  • Document translation fees (about 200 PLN);
  • Registration fees (around 180 PLN).

Useful Tips

  1. Calculate expenses in advance. Use online calculators to estimate excise duty, VAT, and other costs.
  2. Check the car’s condition. Before purchasing, ensure the vehicle meets Polish standards.
  3. Consult ERA Consulting specialists. If you’re unsure about the process, the experts at ERA Consulting, specializing in customs clearance, can assist with documentation and communication with customs authorities.

Customs clearance for a car from the USA in Poland is a complex but manageable process when approached with proper preparation. Understanding the steps and preparing documents in advance will help avoid delays and additional costs. By following our recommendations, you can successfully clear customs and enjoy driving your car in Poland.