Exporting Goods from USA to Poland

Shipping goods and motor vehicles from the USA to Poland can be complicated only if the consignee isn’t familiar with the required documents and processes. Hopefully, the information below will suffice as a quick guideline.

For household items and personal effects

This section will refer to used items (those which have been in the ownership of the consignee for at least 6 months). These items do not cover restricted or banned items from Poland. There should also be proof that the items are not for commercial purposes.

i. Diplomats may be exempted from taxes and duties for imported used household items and personal effects provided that the shipment passed diplomatic procedures. These goods must be listed in detail, and the list must be accredited by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The inventory should note the quantity per item, the value of each set of items, and their serial numbers. The shipment should also come with a letter from the consignee’s attorney authorizing the customs agency to import the goods in the diplomat’s behalf. The diplomat consignee’s presence is not needed for clearance, but a copy of the diplomat’s passport is necessary.
ii. Non-diplomat foreign consignees need to pay duties and taxes for imported household goods. They also need to provide a detailed packing list, a notarized letter from an attorney authorizing the customs agency to process the clearance, the consignee’s certificates of employment (current from Poland and one from the previous USA employer), a notarized copy of the consignee’s passport with proper Visa stamped, a notarized copy of the Polish home address, and a copy of promise of work permit if no Polish work permit is available yet.
iii. Returning Polish citizens must have stayed out of the country and other EU nations for a total of 12 months or more before they can import used household items. The shipment must come with a notarized letter from an attorney authorizing the import. Proof of stay abroad must also be provided. These include green cards, utility bills, letter from the USA employer, and residence registration. A copy of the consignee’s passport and a copy of his/her Polish ID will also be asked for. The list of goods, including each item’s quantity and value, must be signed by the consignee. There should also be a written statement from the shipper which pledges that s/he is not importing narcotics or guns.

Certain documents, like the certificate from the employer for returning polish citizens and non-diplomat foreign residents must be in English and in Polish. A sworn translator may be hired for the Polish version of this document.

For motor vehicles

These documents apply to all vehicles imported from the USA to Poland, no matter what the stature of the consignee is:

i. Proof of ownership
ii. Original registration documents
iii. Original invoice and deed of sale
iv. Insurance proof
v. All documents stated in the importation of household goods

For a returning Polish citizen to import a vehicle to the country, s/he must have stayed out of EU for a minimum of 12 months. The vehicle must also be no younger than 12 months old, used, and must reach a minimum mileage of 6,000 km. Unfortunately all vehicles imported from the USA to Poland are dutiable, unless otherwise stated in diplomatic protocols.

Similar documentation requirements apply for industrial vehicles, boats and aircrafts. To be able use these vehicles in the country, the consignees must acquire the necessary work and driving permits.

This information is only a guideline. The shipping rules and regulations for household items and motor vehicles for Poland change all the time. It is advised that consignees contact the Polish Embassy before importation. This is also beneficial so that the consignee may be given an estimate of duties and tariffs s/he will have to pay to clear the shipment.