Shipping to Poland
Shipping to Poland
Cargo Shipping to Poland
Poland is a bustling, populous European country with over 39.5 million people. In fact, Poland is the 71st largest country in the world and the 9th largest in Europe. With a strong cultural background and a growing economy, Poland offers more than just a homeland. Poland is a beautiful country filled with environmental wonders and according to the 2014 Global Peace Index, Poland is one of the safest countries in world to live.
As a member of the European Union, Poland is a part of the customs union as well. This means that items imported into and exported from Poland and within the territory of the EU are free from customs duties. If you are interested in shipping cargo to Poland, there are some regulations you should know.
Regulations When Cargo Shipping to Poland
It is important to note that all shipments to Poland are subject to inspection. In addition, customs clearance must be completed within 20 days of a shipment’s arrival into Poland (or a maximum of 27 days).
If you are a returning Polish citizen, your shipment is tax and duty free if you have a certificate from the Polish Consulate at origin. You are not allowed to sell any of these articles for at least two years from the date of customs clearance
Household goods may be imported to Poland free of tax and duty, provided:
- You will be residing in Poland for more than six months (foreigner)
- You have lived abroad for at least 12 months (returning Polish citizen)
- Items are re-exported (foreigners)
For those looking to move overseas to Poland or to return to the country after some time away, there are a few custom details and regulations to know in advance.
Documents Needed to Move to Poland:
- Passport (original or notarized copy)
- Work permit
- Needed for clearance of household goods by air or for surface travel
- Work certificate (in Polish) from your employer in Poland. This must specify your position, start and end dates of employment, and the legal status of the shipper
- Company registration documents (copies should be updated and notarized)
- Power of attorney for customs clearance
- Original or notarized copy of Polish home address
- A bank guarantee as security for duty and VAT - excludes returning citizens and diplomats
If you are a Polish citizen returning to the country from a Non- EU Member Country, there is a list of documents you will need for customs clearance:
- Certificate issued by the Polish Embassy/Consulate or by the company abroad certifying that the person returning to Poland has stayed outside Poland for more than 12 months-This enables the client to be exempted from paying import customs duties and taxes.
- Copy of passport certified by Polish notary.
- Copy of “Dowód Osobisty” (your Polish identity card) with valid permanent address, certified by a polish notary.
- Power of attorney (we provide you with the form) for the representatives of AGS to do customs clearance, certified by a notary.
- Detailed and valued inventory list (“Lista Mienia Przesiedlenia”) Listing all of the items which will be imported to Poland. Required by customs are two copies signed by a client.
- NIP-Tax identification number and PESEL references.
If you are returning from a permanent stay abroad you have to register to stay in Poland. It must be done after the date which is stated in the certificate issued by the Polish Consulate.
Special Rules for Foreign Diplomats
Please note that diplomats moving to Poland require additional information. You should have a letter from the embassy and a certificate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requesting clearance of your shipment and confirming your legal status. Household shipments for diplomats are duty free.
If you are shipping household items and other cargo to Poland, you should also make sure to pack and label your goods correctly. Make sure that you have a detailed inventory with values written in Polish. Please note that this should be submitted in advance.
If you are shipping electrical items, they need to be listed on your inventory with the brand name and the serial number. Also, artwork and other items made prior to 1945 must be marked on the inventory, and you should provide photos for customs processing.
Finally, make sure you have a signed letter stating that all the items in the inventory are your property and that they have been used abroad before to shipping to Poland.
Restricted Items when Shipping to Poland
There are restrictions on certain items that you might ship to Poland including the following:
- 10 liters of spirits
- 20 liters of fortified wine
- 90 liters of wine and 110 liters of beer
- Tobacco limit to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of loose tobacco
- Goods in large or commercial quantity
- Duplicate items
- Food must be a reasonable quantity
- Plants (certificate required)
- Prescription medications - must be a reasonable amount for personal use only
Items You are Not Allowed to Ship to Poland
Some items are prohibited from shipment to Poland including the following:
- Narcotics and illegal drugs
- Explosives
- Firearms and ammunition
- Pornographic material
- Toxic materials
- Radioactive materials
An Overview of Car Shipping to Poland
If you are moving to Poland, you might be interested in shipping a vehicle with your personal items and household goods. Before you can ship a car to Poland, you should learn important motor vehicle regulations. You will need some important documentation in advance including the following:
- Certificate of origin
- Original sales invoice for new vehicles or value declaration signed by owner
- Original title or registration
- Driver’s license
- International insurance policy
- Car model, make, year, registration and chassis number noted on inventory
Bringing a Pet to Poland
If you are interested in bringing a cat or dog or some other pet with you to Poland, there are some rules and regulations. All pets regardless of the type must go through a quarantine period. In addition, they need to be under the owner’s supervision for at least six months. You will also need an import permit to bring a pet to Poland and a health certificate signed by your veterinarian at least 10 days prior to your arrival. Make sure that you have a rabies vaccinate certificate at least 30 days prior to departure too, and it cannot be older than 9 months.
Contact Cargo Experts for a FREE freight quote, or give us a toll free call today at 866-994-7822 to find out more about cargo shipping to Poland.