Shipping a Car from the USA to Poland

The transport price depends on where the car is in the US, its size and whether it runs; port handling, customs clearance in Gdynia and delivery in Poland are quoted with it. On top of that come the import charges in Poland: duty of 10% of the customs value, excise of 3.1% or 18.6% by engine size (lower for full and plug-in hybrids up to 3,500 cm³; electric cars are exempt), and 23% VAT. On a $20,000 customs value, duty and taxes come to about $7,899 with an engine up to 2.0 liters, or $12,093 over 2.0 liters. We quote every car individually: send us your car's details and we'll price it.

From New Jersey, the ocean crossing to Gdynia takes about 16–20 days, and door to door usually 4–6 weeks. From Savannah allow about 18–24 days at sea (5–6 weeks door to door), from Houston 24–30 days (6–7 weeks) and from Los Angeles 30–38 days (7–8 weeks). For a car bought at a US auction, plan on 6–10 weeks from the auction win to your door, which also covers the time between pickup and the sailing date. We confirm the timing in your quote.

Yes. We calculate import duty on a passenger car (CN 8703) shipped from the USA to Poland at 10% of its customs value. The customs value is the price of the car plus transport and insurance up to the EU border. The duty is charged when the car is cleared through customs in Gdynia, together with Polish excise and 23% VAT.

Cars arrive at the port of Gdynia, where we carry out the full customs clearance. You don't have to visit the port or a customs office: you sign a power of attorney and send us the documents. After clearance, we deliver the car by flatbed to your address in Poland, or you can collect it in Gdynia.

The original title (or a salvage title or junk certificate), or a certified copy, plus two complete copies; a letter from the lender if the car is financed or leased; and an EEI filing in the Automated Export System (AES) with the VIN, title number and title state, which every used vehicle needs regardless of value. The car, the documents and the filing number (ITN) must be with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at least 72 hours before the ship sails.

Yes, if your lender or leasing company agrees in writing. CBP requires a letter on their letterhead that expressly allows the export, with a complete description of the car including the VIN, their name and phone numbers, an original signature and the date it was signed. Ask for it early: the car and its documents must be with CBP at least 72 hours before export.

No. The car must be empty. If your car travels with your household goods, your belongings are packed in boxes next to it in the same container.

Yes, if you meet all the relocation conditions: you lived outside the EU for at least 12 consecutive months, you had the car and used it yourself for at least 6 months before the move, it is for your personal use, you bring it in within 12 months of settling in Poland, and you do not sell, rent or lend it for 12 months after release. Duty, VAT and excise relief are three separate exemptions, and customs decides each case. A car bought just before the move does not qualify.

If the car came in with relocation relief, selling, renting or lending it within 12 months of release means the duty, VAT and excise you were relieved of become payable, and for duty and VAT customs must be told beforehand. If you expect to sell it sooner, tell us before you ship.

30 days from customs release, not from the car's arrival at your home. Missing the deadline carries a 500 zł penalty, rising to 1,000 zł if the application is not filed within 180 days. You need proof of ownership, sworn Polish translations of the US documents, the customs import clearance document and a positive Polish technical inspection.

It has to pass a Polish technical inspection before its first registration, and some US cars need adapting to European specifications first, for example the lighting. Our workshop in Krze Duże near Radziejowice adapts US cars to European versions, priced separately. If the documents show accident damage, an additional inspection is required.