Importing a Car from the USA to Poland – Practical 2025 Guide
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Dreaming of owning a Mustang in Warsaw, but the paperwork and tax talk scares you off? You’re not alone! Plenty of people give up after reading the first official requirement. But honestly, if you take it step by step, you’ll make it – and I’ve helped dozens do just that. Here’s your real-world, no-nonsense walkthrough, written for everyday buyers – not car dealers, not lawyers.
1. Finding Your Car in the US
Where to look?– Car auctions (like Copart, IAAI) are packed with deals, especially on salvage cars. Just double-check what you’re actually bidding on – “minor damage” often isn’t so minor.– US dealers and classifieds can be safer, especially if you want a clean title and some buyer protection.– Private sales: sometimes great, but you have to really trust the seller and be careful with paperwork.
Tip: Always get the original Title and a proper Bill of Sale. If either is missing or has a typo, you could be stuck for weeks at customs in Poland.
2. Car Shipping: What to Choose & What It Costs
Two main options:
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RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off): Cheaper, but your car is exposed during transit. Best for cheaper or not-so-rare models.
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Container: Safer, especially for expensive or unique cars, and often used for classic cars or high-end vehicles. Usually a bit pricier.
Average shipping cost:
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East Coast US to Poland: around $1,100–$2,000 (RoRo), $1,500–$2,500 (container).
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West Coast: add a few hundred dollars more and an extra week or two.
How long does it take?Usually 4–6 weeks port-to-port. Always ask your shipping company for real tracking and a customs agent on the Polish side.
3. The Essential US Documents
Don’t even think about shipping before you have:
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Original Title (US registration document)
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Bill of Sale (invoice or sales agreement)
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Export paperwork (often handled by your shipper)
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Proof of de-registration if required
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Copy of your passport
Any mismatch, missing signature, or wrong VIN will delay you at customs. Double-check everything!
4. Customs Clearance in Poland: Duty, VAT, Excise
This is where the costs can surprise you:
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Import duty: 10% of the car’s value (a bit more for trucks).
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VAT: 23% calculated on value + shipping + duty.
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Excise tax:– Up to 2.0L engine: 3.1%– Over 2.0L: 18.6%– Hybrids and electric cars? Usually exempt or much lower excise until 2029.
Important: You have 14 days after your car lands in Poland to pay the excise. Miss it, and you risk big fines.
5. Technical Inspection & Modifications
US cars almost always need a few tweaks before Polish registration:
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Headlights and rear indicators often must be replaced or modified.
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The car needs a full technical check (homologation) at a certified station.
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Average cost: 300–800 PLN, more if you need new lights or extra paperwork.
6. Registration in Poland – Step by Step
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Go to your local vehicle office (Wydział Komunikacji):
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Bring customs paperwork, proof of tax payments, Title, Bill of Sale, translations, your ID, and proof of address.
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Get a technical inspection if not already done.
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Pay registration fees and plates: Around 300–600 PLN.
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Buy insurance (OC) – it’s required before you drive off!
7. Common Pitfalls & Surprises
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Shipping damage: Take photos the moment your car arrives. If anything’s wrong, make a claim immediately.
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Paperwork mistakes: Even a minor typo can add weeks to your process. Get all docs translated by a certified translator.
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Storage fees: If you’re delayed at customs, you might pay 50–100 PLN per day for storage.
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Excise valuation disputes: For damaged or very cheap cars, the tax office may not accept your invoice and will order their own valuation – which can mean higher taxes.
8. Lifehack: Let the Pros Handle the Paperwork
If the paperwork or taxes start making your head spin, it’s completely normal. Many people end up wasting weeks (and money) just trying to figure out customs or excise forms. My real advice? Use a company like akcyzawarszawa.pl. They help both Poles and foreigners handle all the tax, customs, and registration headaches – and they offer full English support. It’s not an ad, it’s just the most practical tip I can give after seeing too many “DIY” disasters.
9. Quick Checklist: What You’ll Need
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US Title & Bill of Sale
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Shipping contract + insurance
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Export paperwork
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All customs and excise payments made
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Technical inspection in Poland
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Official translations
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Registration fee
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Insurance policy
10. FAQ: Most Common Questions
How long does the whole process take?Usually 5–9 weeks from buying to Polish plates, if nothing goes wrong.
How do I pay excise tax?Either online (PUESC) or at the customs office. Proof of payment is required for registration.
Can I import a damaged or salvage car?Yes – but use a valuation expert, because customs might not accept a low invoice price.
What about electric or hybrid cars?Good news: Excise is often zero until 2029, and VAT rules are the same.
Can I skip VAT or duty if I’m moving to Poland?If you’ve owned the car at least 6 months and are relocating, you might get exemptions – but it’s a paperwork marathon.
What’s cheaper: RoRo or container shipping?RoRo is cheaper, container is safer. Choose based on car value and your risk tolerance.
11. Real Example: Mustang from the US
A client bought a 2017 Mustang in Florida for $20,000.
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Shipping (container): $1,700
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Duty: 10% ($2,000)
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VAT: 23% (about $5,000)
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Excise (5.0L): 18.6% (almost $3,800)
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Homologation & mods: 1,500 PLN
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Registration: 600 PLNAll in, it cost him about $33,000 (roughly 130,000 PLN). It took about two months, a couple paperwork headaches, and some nerves – but the car was worth it!
Final Thoughts
Is importing a car from the USA to Poland worth it? If you’re looking for something unique or just love a challenge, definitely. Just don’t underestimate the paperwork or taxes, and use help if you get stuck – it’ll save you time, money, and stress.
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