Complete Guide to Car Customs Clearance from the EU
Step 1: Preparing Documents
The first and most crucial step is preparing the necessary documents. Ensure all documents comply with Polish laws and requirements and are translated into Polish. Translations must be official and notarized.
Step 2: Paying the Excise Duty on the Car
The next step is paying the excise duty on the vehicle at the Polish Customs Service (Urząd Celny). The cost depends on various factors, such as engine power, fuel type, vehicle age, and other technical specifications. You need to complete, submit, and pay the AKC-U/S declaration on the official website. Owners of electric vehicles are eligible for benefits, including exemption from the excise duty.
Step 3: Paying the VAT Tax
The final stage is paying the Value Added Tax (VAT) at a rate of 23% at the Polish Customs Service (Urząd Celny).
Expected Costs for Customs Clearance of a Car from the EU
Excise Duty:
- For passenger cars with an engine capacity up to 2,000 cm³ – 3.1%.
- Over 2,000 cm³ – 18.6%.
- For plug-in hybrid vehicles with an engine capacity from 2,000 cm³ to 3,500 cm³ – 9.3%.
- For non-plug-in hybrid vehicles with an engine capacity up to 2,000 cm³ – 1.55%.
- For hybrid vehicles with an engine capacity over 3,500 cm³ – 18.6%.
- Electric and hydrogen vehicles are exempt from the excise duty.
VAT Tax:
- Vehicles less than 6 months old with mileage under 6,000 km – 23%.
- Used vehicles purchased abroad by an individual – VAT is not applicable.
- Used vehicles purchased abroad by a legal entity at a net price – 23%.
Customs Clearance of a Car Purchased in Another Country
Customs clearance of a vehicle purchased outside Poland remains a relevant topic. Many residents of the country import cars from various countries, such as Georgia and the USA. It is also common for people moving to Poland with a residence permit from CIS countries to prefer bringing their own vehicles.
Documents for Customs Clearance
The documents required for customs clearance of a car purchased in another country do not significantly differ from those needed for cars from EU countries. However, the main difference lies in the amounts to be paid. Customs Service (Urząd Celny) officials consider several fees:
- Customs Duty – 10% of the vehicle’s value.
- Excise Duty – conditions are similar to those for EU cars.
- VAT Tax – 23% of the vehicle’s value.
If you purchased a car and decided to drive it yourself, ensure you have transit plates and insurance (Green Card). When transporting a car via a car carrier, transit plates are not required, but such vehicles must be delivered to the technical inspection on the carrier.
Summary
Now you know how to clear a car through customs in Poland. However, before you can fully enjoy driving your new vehicle, there is one final step – registering your car in Poland. To learn how to quickly and easily register a vehicle in Poland, read our article.
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