Importing a car from European Union (EU) countries to Poland is a popular choice for those seeking quality vehicles at affordable prices. However, to legally use the vehicle in Poland, it must go through the customs clearance process.

What is Car Customs Clearance?

Customs clearance is the procedure of officially registering a vehicle imported from another country with the relevant customs authorities. For cars from the EU, this process includes:

1. Paying excise tax.
2. Obtaining necessary certificates and permits.
3. Registering the vehicle in the Polish transport registry.

When is Customs Clearance Required?

If you have imported a car from the EU, customs clearance must be completed before registering the vehicle in Poland. You have 30 days from the date of import to submit the documents and pay the excise tax.

Customs clearance for a car from the EU in Poland is a mandatory step for legal vehicle use. The process involves excise tax payment, technical inspection, and registration. Following all rules and deadlines will help you avoid fines and registration issues. If you encounter difficulties, consider seeking assistance from specialized agencies or customs offices.

Steps for Customs Clearance of a Car from the EU

1. Prepare DocumentsYou will need the following documents to start the process:

● Purchase agreement or invoice (umowa kupna-sprzedaży or faktura VAT).

● Registration certificate from the country where the vehicle was previously registered (dowód rejestracyjny).

● Customs declaration form (deklaracja AKC-U/S).

● Proof of excise tax payment (issued after submitting the declaration).

● Translations of documents into Polish (performed by a certified translator).

2. Pay Excise Tax
The excise tax rate depends on the engine capacity:

● 3.1% for vehicles with an engine capacity up to 2000cc.
● 18.6% for vehicles with an engine capacity above 2000cc.
Example:For a car priced at 50,000 PLN with an engine capacity of 1500cc:50,000 × 3.1% = 1,550 PLN.
To pay the excise tax:
1. Complete the AKC-U/S form (online or at a customs office).
2. Pay the tax via bank transfer or at the customs office cashier.
3. Obtain confirmation of payment.

3. Perform a Technical Inspection
The car must undergo a technical inspection (przegląd techniczny) at a certified control station to confirm that it meets Polish safety and environmental standards.

4. Obtain a Certificate of Conformity
If the car is imported from an EU country, a Certificate of Conformity (świadectwo zgodności UE) is required to verify compliance with EU standards. This document is usually provided by the seller. If unavailable, it can be obtained in Poland (fees apply).

5. Register the Car
After paying excise tax and passing the technical inspection, you can submit your documents for vehicle registration at the Wydział Komunikacji (Transport Department). Required documents:

● Proof of excise tax payment.

● Vehicle documents (registration certificate, purchase agreement).

● Technical inspection results.

● Identity document (passport or residence card).

● Proof of payment for registration fees.

Costs of Customs Clearance in Poland

1. Excise tax: 3.1% or 18.6% of the car's value.
2. Technical inspection: ~100–200 PLN.
3. Document translation: ~100–300 PLN (depending on the number of pages).
4. Registration fees: ~256 PLN (includes license plates and registration certificate).

The Cost of Our Services

Every foreigner has a unique set of documents, vehicle specifics, and circumstances. Therefore, we calculate service fees individually for each client.

To find out the cost of vehicle registration based on your specific case, contact our friendly manager through the chat window.

Thank you for trusting us and choosing our company!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is customs clearance necessary for cars from the EU?Yes. Despite the absence of customs duties within the EU, excise tax must be paid, and the vehicle must be registered in Poland.
2. What if the car is over 10 years old?Older vehicles must still meet environmental standards. If the car does not comply, registration may be prohibited.
3. How long does the customs clearance process take?It usually takes 1–2 weeks, provided all documents are in order.