Car Shipping to Poland
2026 Guide
Car shipping to Poland is simple when an agent guides you through the steps, costs, and import requirements. Whether you’re moving to Poland, selling a vehicle overseas, or importing a classic car, an experienced international auto transport company can help you comply with Polish and EU regulations and protect your vehicle during the journey overseas.
Why CFR Classic?
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How Our Container Loading System Protects Your Car on the Trip to Poland
R-RakThe R-Rak system replaces traditional wooden ramps with a secure steel racking system, allowing up to five classic vehicles to be safely loaded into a single container while minimizing movement and reducing the risk of damage during transit.
Shipping a Car to Poland – Key Takeaways
Quick SummaryThe most important facts about shipping a car from the US to Poland — before you dive into the detail.
Shipping a Car to Poland – Key Takeaways
Transit time: 4–6 weeks (ocean), 3–10 days (air)
VAT: 23%
Cost: $1,450–$6,500+ (ocean), $15,000+ (air)
Main ports: Gdansk, Gdynia, Szczecin
Import duty: 10% (rate can vary by vehicle category)
Required inspection: Polish technical inspection (badanie techniczne); registration at the local transport office (Wydział Komunikacji)
Car Shipping Process Summary
The ProcessFrom your first quote to keys in hand, here’s the full journey.
Request a Free Quote
Submit your vehicle details online. Our team responds within 24 hours with a personalized cost breakdown and recommended shipping method.
24-hour response
Prepare Your Documentation
Gather your title, bill of sale, and other required paperwork.
Schedule Pick-Up or Vehicle Drop-Off
Have your vehicle picked up from your location and trucked to the port or drop it off at the agreed upon US port terminal.
Ocean Transit to Poland
While your vehicle is in transit, you can track its progress through our customer portal.
Customs Clearance in Poland
Our local broker handles all Polish customs paperwork, the 10% customs duty, 23% VAT and the Akcyza excise tax.
Delivered & Registered in Poland
Your vehicle passes the Polish technical inspection before registration at the local Wydział Komunikacji and release.
Poland Car Shipping Costs, Major Ports & Shipping Methods
PricingShipping a car from the U.S. to Poland starts around USD $1,050, depending on departure port, method (container vs RoRo), vehicle size and destination port. Gdansk is the principal Polish port of entry, with additional service available to Gdynia, Szczecin, Świnoujście and Kolobrzeg. Some clients also route via a Northern European port (Bremerhaven or Rotterdam) and onward to Poland by inland transport. The estimated transit time is 4–6 weeks, but this can vary depending on routing and method.
Route | Roll-On/Roll-Off | Shared Container Load | Full Container Load | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
US East Coast → Gdansk | $1,450 | $1,050 | $4,400 | Contact for Pricing |
US West Coast → Gdansk | $1,650 | $1,800 | $6,500 | Contact for Pricing |
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
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US Departure Ports
LogisticsWe offer multiple departure locations for car shipping services. In addition, we can arrange for pickup from another location and have your vehicle transported to the departure port.
Ports Served in the USA
Los Angeles
New York
Houston
Miami
Savannah
Baltimore
Poland Destination Ports
LogisticsWe can ship your vehicle directly to any of Poland’s main Baltic ports, with onward inland delivery available across the country. Some clients also choose to route via a Northern European port for onward delivery into Poland.
Ports Served in Poland
Gdansk
Gdynia
Szczecin
Świnoujście
Kolobrzeg
Bremerhaven (Germany) – onward delivery
Rotterdam (Netherlands) – onward delivery
Duties, Taxes & Fees
Taxes & FeesIn addition to the costs associated with shipment, you’ll need to prepare for other costs, such as those levied by the Poland government. Some of these fees could include:
Poland Import and Registration Fees
Customs duty (typically 10%, can vary)
VAT at 23%
Excise tax (Akcyza) — 3.1% for engines ≤ 2,000cc; 18.6% for engines > 2,000cc
Annual road tax (podatek drogowy)
Optional marine insurance/shipping protection
Technical inspection (badanie techniczne) fees
Vehicle modification costs (if non-conforming)
Compulsory third-party liability insurance (OC – odpowiedzialność cywilna)
Registration fee (registration certificate, permanent plates, temporary plates)
Your agent can help you navigate these questions. When importing from outside the EU, you can generally expect a 10% customs duty and 23% VAT, both calculated on the customs value (purchase price + shipping + insurance + duty). Poland also charges an Akcyza excise tax before the vehicle can be registered: 3.1% for engines up to 2,000cc and 18.6% for larger engines.
Polish Import Duty and Tax Exemptions
Duties & ExemptionsMost importers pay 19% VAT plus excise — but several categories are fully or partially exempt.
Exemption Type | How to Qualify & Exemption Details |
|---|---|
Transfer of Residence (Permanent Relocation) | If you are moving to Poland permanently and plan to keep your car for at least a year, you may be eligible to import the vehicle free of VAT and customs duty. To qualify, you must have been the registered owner for at least 6 months prior to import, and you must ship the vehicle to Poland within 12 months of relocating. |
Temporary Import (Personal Use) | You may be exempt from VAT and customs duty if you are temporarily importing your car into Poland for personal use, for no more than 6 months in any 12-month period. |
Returning Polish Residents | If you have been living outside Poland and are returning, you may be eligible to import a personal-use vehicle duty-free under the returning-resident rules. |
Classic / Vintage Vehicles | Classic vehicles may be subject to different excise treatment. Eligibility for any classic-vehicle relief should be confirmed with Polish Customs before shipping. |
Students | Students who are temporarily residing in Poland for their studies may be able to import a personal-use vehicle duty-free. |
Shipping Methods
Choose your shipping methodYour vehicle can be shipped via container, via air freight, or on a roll-on/roll-off ship (think of it like a parking lot on a shipping vessel).
The method you choose will impact the cost and timing of your shipment. A quick summary of the benefits of each:
- Cheapest → Ro-Ro
- Balanced → Shared Container Load
- Maximum protection → Full Container Load
- Fastest → Air Freight
Ro-Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) Shipping
Ro-Ro shipping is typically the most affordable option, with the additional benefit that these ships have more frequent departures, meaning your shipment will have a shorter lead time before arrival.
Ro-Ro’s main drawback is that your vehicle will be in the open on the Ro-Ro deck with hundreds of other vehicles, and you will not be able to transport personal items inside the vehicle.
Shared Container Load (SCL)
With shared container load, we’ll use our R-Rak method to safely load your vehicle into a container, along with a few other customers’ vehicles. This allows you to share the cost of a container while benefiting from added security compared to Ro-Ro shipping.
However, it’s generally more expensive than Ro-Ro and takes longer as the container won’t ship until it’s been filled.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full container load offers the benefits of shared container load shipping; however, the container is reserved exclusively for your vehicle or vehicles. This offers the highest level of protection and security, allows you to ship your vehicle with personal goods inside, and departs as soon as it can be loaded onto a vessel – no waiting to fill the container. The primary drawback is that FCL is more expensive than SCL and Ro-Ro.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest method. It’s exactly what it sounds like – we load your vehicle into a plane and then it is transported by air to its destination in Poland.
While significantly more expensive than other options, it’s ideal for time-sensitive shipments, reducing the process to days rather than weeks or months.
Import Eligibility & Documentation Required
ComplianceTo ship a car to Poland, you’ll need to confirm a few details. Your agent can assist you in the process of determining your vehicle’s eligibility for shipment to Poland.
- Your vehicle must meet Polish Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and EU emissions standards. Imported vehicles should comply with the Euro 6 emission standard or later.
- If your vehicle does not conform, you may face penalty fees or be required to make modifications to comply.
- Used vehicles can be imported into Poland, subject to safety and emissions compliance.
- Third-party liability insurance (OC – odpowiedzialność cywilna) is compulsory for all motor vehicles.
- All registered owners and temporary residents staying in Poland for more than 30 days require a PESEL number to complete vehicle registration.
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to Poland:
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to Poland:
Documents for Shipping
Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
showing ownership, date, and vehicle value
US Title or Registration Certificate
confirming ownership transfer
Vehicle Photos
(VIN plate/chassis number, exterior, interior, engine bay) if required by the carrier or Polish authorities
Shipping Contract/Booking Confirmation and Marine Insurance Certificate
Marine insurance recommended but not required
US Export Clearance Documents
and proof of vehicle condition
Upon arrival in Poland, you’ll need the following to complete your import and register your vehicle:
Documents for Import
Customs declaration to Polish Customs (Krajowa Administracja Skarbowa)
Original Car Title Certificate
Vehicle Purchase Invoice (with vehicle details and buyer/seller information)
Vehicle Registration Documents
Passport or Other Identification
Certificate of Conformity (COC) and proof of Akcyza payment
Proof of Polish OC insurance
Polish technical inspection certificate (badanie techniczne)
PESEL number
Customs Clearance Certificate
Vehicle Registration in Poland (Wydział Komunikacji i Transportu Starostwa Powiatowego)
RegistrationAll vehicles shipped to Poland must be registered with the local transport office (Wydział Komunikacji) before they can be legally driven on public roads. The standard sequence is: clear customs and pay the 10% duty and 23% VAT → pay the Akcyza excise tax → pass the Polish technical inspection (badanie techniczne) → arrange OC third-party liability insurance → register the vehicle at the local Wydział Komunikacji using your PESEL number.
To register your imported vehicle in Poland, you’ll pay a registration fee covering the registration card, permanent plates, and (where applicable) temporary plates. Fees are set by the Minister of Infrastructure and typically cover the registration certificate, license plates, and any temporary plates required during the registration process.
If your vehicle requires modifications to meet Polish standards, such as emissions or lighting compliance, these will need to be handled before the technical inspection. Our agent can assist you with finding a homologation specialist mechanic where needed.
If all of this sounds like a lot to process, don’t worry! With agents in Poland, the US, and abroad, the team at CFR Classic can assist with inspections, compliance requirements, and the full registration process.
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Car Overseas Now!
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Polish Car Shipping FAQ
Common QuestionsEverything commonly asked about shipping a car from the US to Poland.
Should I use escrow or a secure payment service when buying a car overseas?
Using a secure payment service is highly recommended. Services like CFR SafePay act as a trusted intermediary—verifying the seller, confirming the vehicle details, and holding funds until everything checks out—helping protect you from fraud.
Are there special considerations for shipping electric vehicles?
Yes. Electric vehicles are classified as hazardous cargo due to their batteries, which means:
- Additional documentation is required
- Shipping costs may be higher
- Some carriers have restrictions or require special containers
- Working with an experienced shipper is essential for EV transport.
Can I ship a new car overseas?
Yes, but you’ll need proper ownership documents, such as:
- Vehicle title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO)
- Notarized bill of sale
- Proof of full payment
- In many cases, it’s easier to ship once the official title is issued.
Is air freight available for car shipping?
Yes. Air freight is the fastest option, delivering vehicles in days instead of weeks. However, it is significantly more expensive than ocean shipping and is typically used for high-value or time-sensitive vehicles.
Do departure and arrival ports affect shipping cost?
Yes. Popular shipping routes are usually more affordable due to higher volume and efficiency. Less common routes can cost more due to limited availability.
Is it cheaper to import a car or buy one locally in Poland?
It depends. Importing can make sense for:
- Classic or specialty vehicles
- Personal vehicles during relocation (often tax-exempt)
However, for standard vehicles, taxes, duties, and modification costs can make local purchasing more economical.
Do I need marine insurance?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Carrier liability is limited (often around $500), which may not cover your vehicle’s value. Marine insurance typically costs about 1–2% of the car’s value and provides full protection during transit.
What is Akcyza?
Akcyza is the Polish excise tax on imported passenger cars, which must be paid before the vehicle can be registered. The rate depends on engine size — 3.1% for engines up to 2,000cc, and 18.6% for engines over 2,000cc.
What is a PESEL number?
PESEL (Powszechny Elektroniczny System Ewidencji Ludności) is Poland’s national identification number, consisting of 11 digits. It’s mandatory for all permanent residents and for temporary residents staying in Poland for more than 30 days. You’ll need a PESEL number to complete vehicle registration.
How long do I have to register my car after arrival?
You should plan to complete customs clearance, Akcyza payment, technical inspection, and registration as soon as practical after arrival. Driving an unregistered foreign-plated vehicle for extended periods in Poland can result in penalties.
Addtional Resources
Explore moreWe’ve rounded up some extra guides, handy tools, and useful links to help you keep rolling. Check them out below.
Joey has spent his entire teen and adult life in cars. Joey’s father owned a Jeep store, and Joey had his own used car lot that he ran himself from age 22 until I was 30. At 30 years old, Joey got “out of” the car business and joined CFR Rinkens. Joey started when there were only 9 people at CFR, but the company grew to over 150 employees during his time there.
When Joey started, CFR Rinkens was shipping about 40 vehicles per week from Los Angeles. Joey established locations in Houston, Miami, and New York and within the first year, CFR went to shipping 150 cars per week. Joey started as a customer service rep and later moved up to sales manager, operations manager, and marketing manager.
Joey then moved to Europe for two years and spent the entire time traveling through Europe meeting with clients. In 2022, Joey and his partners purchased CFR Classic from CFR Rinkens and he returned to California to watch over the operation more closely.