Whenever you ship a car to Poland from outside the EU, there are multiple fees you need to pay. Understanding each of them is essential for accurate budgeting. Poland follows EU-wide customs rules, uses the CIF method (cost + insurance + freight) to calculate duties and taxes, and applies its own excise rates based on engine size. If you plan to ship car to Poland from the US soon, this is the guide you need to read.
Shipping Rates and Port Charges
The first, and one of the biggest, fees that you will pay is for the transportation across the ocean. This includes the price you pay to ship the vehicle from the departure point to Poland, depending on the selected route and service.
Shipping costs vary depending on whether you choose container shipping or roll‑on/roll‑off. Container shipping is more secure and often preferred for high‑value vehicles, while RoRo is usually cheaper but offers less protection. Moreover, RoRo is not suitable for the transportation of electric vehicles. Keep in mind that the shipping cost becomes part of the customs value, which is used to calculate customs duty and VAT.
When your car arrives in Poland, port handling fees may apply. These usually cover:
- unloading;
- storage;
- administrative charges.
Port fees vary depending on the terminal and service provider. They will be added to the total import cost. Importers may also need to pay a customs broker to prepare and submit required documents. Their assistance will also be paid separately.
Customs Duty, Excise Tax, and VAT
Poland applies EU-wide customs duty rules. If you are importing a passenger vehicle, the customs duty rate is 10%. It is calculated on the CIF value. This duty is mandatory unless the importer qualifies for a special exemption, such as the “removal goods” rule for people relocating to Poland. You will also need to pay an excise tax based on engine size. The rates are fixed at:
- 3.1% for engines up to 2000 cm³;
- 18.6% for engines above 2000 cm³.
Excise is calculated on the vehicle value after customs duty is added. Please note that hybrids and electric vehicles may be subject to different excise rules.
Finally, Poland applies a 23% VAT, calculated on the sum of the CIF value, customs duty, and excise tax. It should be paid before the vehicle can be released from customs.
Why Ship Your Car to Poland with Polonez?
Polonez offers a level of support that makes the process less overwhelming. So, you can take advantage of more organized transportation. Their team helps customers understand all the cost components, so you know exactly what to expect before your vehicle even leaves the port of origin. Moreover, it helps with required documents and Polish customs procedures.
To sum up, car shipping to Poland involves a lot of different cost elements. Therefore, the calculation can be tricky, but it matters for accurate budgeting. If you are confused by the number of fees that are calculated on top of each other, it is best to get help from a dedicated carrier and learn about all the nuances to ensure smooth transportation overseas.