In 2023, Poland imported around 200 000 motor vehicles, valued at roughly €3 billion, and demand is rising as Poles upgrade aging fleets.
U.S. exporters entering this market have boosted profit margins by up to 20 percent within a year. This guide explains how to navigate EU and Polish import rules, calculate landed costs, and optimize shipping for maximum returns.
Key Takeaways
- Market Size: Poland imported approximately 200,000 vehicles in 2023, valued at around €3 billion, reflecting an 8% year-over-year growth.
- Compliance Requirements: All imported vehicles must comply with Euro 6 emissions standards. Vehicles older than five years require EU type-approval certification.
- Shipping Logistics: Poland’s primary ports for vehicle imports are Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Świnoujście.
- Payment and Financing: Letters of Credit are recommended for transactions with new clients or large shipments due to their low risk. Open accounts are suitable for established, trusted buyers, while escrow services offer a balanced approach by ensuring delivery before payment release.
Understanding the Polish Market
Total vehicle imports (all types) reached an estimated 180 000–210 000 units, valued at €2.8–€3.2 billion in 2023. Passenger‑car specifics aren’t itemized publicly; request the “Transport and Automotive” annex from Statistics Poland for exact figures.
| Metric | Figure |
| Vehicles Imported (all types) | 180 000–210 000 units |
| Market Value | €2.8–€3.2 billion |
| Year‑over‑Year Growth | ~8 percent |
Regulations and Compliance
As an EU member, Poland applies the Common External Tariff: 10 percent duty on CIF plus 23 percent VAT. Imports must meet Euro 6 emissions and safety standards. Vehicles older than five years require EU type‑approval certification.
| Document | Purpose | Required For |
| Commercial Invoice | Declares transaction value | All imports |
| Bill of Lading | Verifies shipment | Sea‑borne imports |
| Import Declaration | Calculates duty and VAT | All imports |
| Certificate of Conformity | Confirms Euro 6 compliance | All imports |
Source: Polish Customs Service
Building Your Landed‑Cost Model
Calculate landed cost on a €20 000 vehicle:
| Cost Item | Rate | Calculation |
| CIF Cost | — | €20 000 |
| Import Duty | 10 percent | €2 000 |
| VAT | 23 percent | (20 000 + 2 000) × 0.23 = 5 060 |
| Miscellaneous Fees | ~2 percent | €20 000 × 0.02 = €400 |
| Total Landed | — | €27 460 |
Source: Polish Customs Service
Add your target margin (e.g., 15 percent) to determine your sale price.
Logistics and Shipping Routes
Poland’s primary ports for vehicle imports are Gdańsk, Gdynia, and the twin ports of Szczecin-Świnoujście. These ports have experienced record-breaking transshipment volumes, underscoring their critical role in facilitating international trade.
For instance, the Port of Gdańsk has become the fastest-growing European port over the past decade, with a 167% increase in container handling.
Such developments enhance the efficiency and capacity of Poland’s logistics infrastructure for vehicle imports.
| Route | Transit Time | Notes |
| U.S. East Coast → Gdańsk | 15–18 days | Direct container services |
| U.S. Gulf Coast → Gdynia | 18–22 days | Breakbulk available |
| U.S. West Coast → Świnoujście | 25–30 days | Via Suez Canal |
Source: Maersk
Financing and Payment Security
In Poland, Letters of Credit (LCs) are commonly used to secure international trade transactions, offering a guarantee of payment upon fulfillment of specified conditions. This method is particularly recommended for new clients or large shipments due to its low risk.
Open accounts are typically reserved for established, trusted buyers, while escrow services provide a balanced approach by ensuring delivery before payment release. These payment methods help mitigate risks and build trust between trading partners.
| Method | Risk Level | Best Use |
| Letter of Credit | Low | New clients; large shipments |
| Open Account | High | Established, trusted buyers |
| Escrow | Medium | Guarantees delivery before payment |
Source: U.S. Export‑Import Bank
Hedge EUR/USD exposure with forward contracts via major banks.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Underestimating VAT or duty erodes profits
- Failing to secure type‑approval for older vehicles causes delays
- Incomplete import declarations trigger fines
Use the Polish Customs pre‑shipment checklist to verify compliance.
Source: Polish Customs Service
Why Auctions Are a Smart Choice for Car Purchases
Auctions can be an excellent source for late-model vehicles with clear chains of title and affordable pricing. Twin Cities Auctions, based in Minnesota, is one such reputable auction house that offers a wide range of vehicles at competitive prices.
Key Benefits of Buying from Auctions:
- Wide Selection: Auctions like Twin Cities Auctions offer a variety of vehicles, from low-budget cars to high-end models.
- Competitive Pricing: Auctions often offer vehicles at prices below retail value, enabling dealers to maximize their profit margins.
- Transparency: Auctions provide full vehicle history reports, so you know exactly what you’re buying.
- Convenient Bidding: Many auctions offer online bidding for your convenience, making it easier to source vehicles without being physically present.
Twin Cities Auctions: A Smart Vehicle Sourcing Choice
For those in the automotive industry, Twin Cities Auctions offers an excellent platform for sourcing quality vehicles at competitive prices.
Whether you are just starting or expanding your business, this auction house provides transparency, competitive pricing, and a broad selection.
| Feature | Description |
| Inventory Variety | Wide range of cars, trucks, and SUVs available |
| Competitive Pricing | Below-market pricing allows for higher profit margins |
| Vehicle History Reports | Detailed history reports for every vehicle |
| Online Bidding | Convenient online bidding options for dealers |
| Financing Options | Financing available to help with inventory purchases |
Conclusion
Poland’s growing appetite for reliable used vehicles presents a lucrative market for U.S. exporters. By mastering cost calculations, ensuring EU compliance, optimizing logistics, and sourcing wisely, you can secure strong profit margins and sustainable growth.
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FAQ
What are Poland’s auto import duties?
Duty is 10 percent of CIF; VAT is 23 percent.
Can I export used cars to Poland?
Yes—vehicles must meet Euro 6 and, if older than five years, have EU type‑approval.
How long does customs clearance take?
Typically 3–5 business days with full documentation.
Are emissions tests mandatory?
Yes—Euro 6 compliance must be certified.
What documents are required?
Commercial invoice, bill of lading, import declaration, and Certificate of Conformity.