Poland
Poland Customs Information – Hercules Worldwide
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
- Copy of passport- with relevant pages including most recent entry stamp for the clearance of personal effects such as unaccompanied luggage by air, or for household goods by air or surface.
- Original work permit
- Work certificate written in Polish from employer in Poland, describing position and dates of employment; must also confirm legal status of shipper.
- Updated and notarized copy of companies registration documents
- 3 descriptive copies of inventory showing the contents of cartons (PBO “packed by owner” NOT acceptable). Must also include:
- A valued and numbered inventory written in Polish; foreigners who prepared a valued insurance inventory should also fax this in advance.
- All electrical items listed should provide details such as brand name and serial number
- Items dating pre-1945 and any artwork should be clearly marked on inventory and include photos of these items, provide 2 copies to customs
- The items listed above need to be loaded close to the container doors for easy access
- Returning Polish citizens are to submit a numbered and valued inventory listed in Polish after arriving in Poland
- Must include a statement with inventory indicating that all items are the property of customer and were used during stay abroad; owner must sign inventory.
- Diplomats require a letter from Embassy and a certificate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at destination to confirm the legal status of customer and to request clearance of shipment.
- Foreigners (except diplomats) require a bank guarantee as security for duty and VAT that was calculated for declared value of imported possessions
- Both foreigners and returning Polish citizens require a certificate of residence in Poland (Zameldowanie)
- Air shipments require a customs clearance power of attorney, written in Polish, and in the name of destination agent, also requires signature of customer. For surface shipments the power of attorney must be notarized in Poland.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
- Diplomats may import household goods duty and tax free. Items must not be sold for a minimum of 3 years after the date of customs clearance.
- Returning Polish citizens may import household goods duty and tax free with the proper certificate from the Polish Consulate in country of origin. Items must not be sold for a minimum of 2 years after date of customs clearance.
- May import used household goods duty free if:
- Eligible foreigner takes up residence for more than 6 months
- Returning Polish citizen has lived abroad for more than 12 months
- Foreigners re-export their items. If fail to re-export, customer required to pay duty and tax or customs may take from bank guarantee.
- Your presence is not typically required at customs clearance
- The clearance procedure in Poland is required to be carried out within 20 days, 27 maximum, from shipments arrival
- Most shipments inspected
- Returning Polish citizens and diplomats are required to declare both inventories at initial clearance if one shipment is traveling by air and the other by surface.
RESTRICTED ITEMS/DUTIABLE
- Goods shipped in commercial quantities
- New items – applies to returning Polish citizens only
- One of each item usually permitted as duty-free – for returning Polish citizens only
- Foodstuffs – must be in reasonable quantities & for personal consumption
- Alcohol
- Load these items near container doors for easy access
- Phytosanitary certificate required for plants
- Protected items due to their historic, artistic or scientific value, such as antiques and paintings, must be identified on inventory; required to provide customs office with 2 photos and to be stored near container doors for easy access.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
- Ammunition, weapons and firearms prohibited
- A permit is required for hunting weapons, and can be obtained through membership with hunting lodges in Poland. For more details contact the Polish Consulate in country of origin.
- Explosives
- Drugs and narcotics
- Drugs in reasonable quantities that are for personal use are tax and duty free. Prescription drugs require a current prescription from doctor at origin.
- Tobacco products and alcohol
- Pornographic materials
MOTOR VEHICLES
- Foreigners taking up residence in Poland for more than 6 months, or returning Polish citizens that have lived abroad for more than 1 year may import a vehicle duty and tax free.
- The following documents are required:
- Certificate of origin
- Original registration or title – vehicle required to be registered in name of current owner
- Include model, year, registration and chassis number of vehicle on inventory
- New vehicles require an original bill of sale
- Used or second-hand vehicles require value declaration signed by owner
- Drivers license
- International insurance policy (green card)
- Foreigners allowed to import brand new or used vehicles
- Returning Polish citizens only allowed to import used vehicles (used for at least 1 month); vehicle must be registered in USA prior to obtaining a certificate from the Polish Consulate.
PETS
- Health certificate issued by licensed veterinarian at origin (in English) or abroad; completed at least 10 days prior to arrival.
- Rabies vaccination certificate issued at least 30 days and no more than 9 months prior to departure
**NOTE- all customs regulations and procedures are subject to change at any time. The above customs information is provided as a brief summary of Poland customs regulations and applies only to household goods shipments, and is for your general guidance. Hercules Worldwide is not liable for any damage, delays, duties, costs, taxes or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance, omissions or errors. Always check full requirements and restrictions with the local embassy or consulate.**
