Shipping and Removals in Poland
Set around the heart of the Baltic Sea, it would seem that expats shipping to Poland should be able to do so efficiently and cost-effectively. The major ports of Gdansk and Gdynia, however, are poorly connected to many of the major urban cities in the centre, and to the south of the country.
As a result, shipping can often take more time than expected.
Still, whether shipping a container to Poland or a car, it generally takes three to four weeks for goods to arrive.
Costs vary depending on the size of the container booked, and it's recommended that expats procure quotes from a number of different service providers in order to find the best deal.
In many cases, expats may even have the option of renting serviced apartments in Poland, or semi-furnished and furnished homes. Choose what goods you'd like to bring across carefully; it may be cheaper to simply store items until your return.
As a member of the EU, Poland is part of a greater customs union; which means goods and items shipped to Poland from within the EU by citizens of the EU are duty-free. Used and personal items are also duty-free, for the most part.
If expats are using more than one medium of shipping (ie. air and surface), all goods must be declared at the initial point of entry.
The paperwork required for customs clearance in Poland can be complicated, but shipping agents generally facilitate this process.
The following documents are required:
Shipping pets to Poland is a straight-forward process. Animals must have a microchip that complies with ISO standards, and dogs and cats must have the appropriate vaccinations.
As a result, shipping can often take more time than expected.Still, whether shipping a container to Poland or a car, it generally takes three to four weeks for goods to arrive.
Costs vary depending on the size of the container booked, and it's recommended that expats procure quotes from a number of different service providers in order to find the best deal.
In many cases, expats may even have the option of renting serviced apartments in Poland, or semi-furnished and furnished homes. Choose what goods you'd like to bring across carefully; it may be cheaper to simply store items until your return.
Customs clearance for Poland
As a member of the EU, Poland is part of a greater customs union; which means goods and items shipped to Poland from within the EU by citizens of the EU are duty-free. Used and personal items are also duty-free, for the most part.
If expats are using more than one medium of shipping (ie. air and surface), all goods must be declared at the initial point of entry.
The paperwork required for customs clearance in Poland can be complicated, but shipping agents generally facilitate this process.
The following documents are required:
- Passport (copy with relevant pages, including most recent entry-stamp for customs clearance of personal effects as unaccompanied luggage by air; or including working visa, for customs clearance of household goods by air or surface)
- Work permit (original)
- Work certificate in Polish, from the employer in Poland, outlining the position from beginning to end of employment. Also must confirm the legal status of the shipper
- Copy of companies registration documents (updated and notarised)
- Three copies of the inventory (descriptive, showing contents of cartons, PBO - "Packed by Owner" - not acceptable)
- A numbered and "valued inventory", in Polish. If customer prepared a valued insurance inventory, this should also be faxed in advance
- Inventory must detail all electrical items with brand name and serial number. Pre-1945 items and any artwork must be clearly marked on inventory and photos of those items must be supplied in duplicate for Customs processing
- Above items need to be loaded close to container doors for easy access
- A statement must accompany the inventory indicating that all items are the property of the Customer and all of them were used during stay abroad. Inventory must be signed by owner
- A Bank Guarantee as the security for duty and VAT, as calculated on the declared value of the possessions
- Certificate of residence in Poland (Zameldowanie)
- Customs clearance power of attorney in Polish, in the name of the destination agent, signed by the customer (air shipment). In case of surface shipment, the power of attorney must be notarised (in Poland).
- Firearms, weapons, and ammunition are prohibited
- Hunting weapons require a permit obtained through membership of hunting lodges in Poland. For details contact the Polish Consulate at origin
- Explosives are prohibited
- Narcotics, drugs
- Drugs in reasonable amounts for personal use are free of duty/tax. For prescription drugs, the owner is required to produce current prescription from doctor at origin
- Alcohol and tobacco products
- Pornographic material
Shipping pets to Poland
Shipping pets to Poland is a straight-forward process. Animals must have a microchip that complies with ISO standards, and dogs and cats must have the appropriate vaccinations.- Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Leptospirosis, (DHLPP) and Rabies within the last 12 months or a minimum of 4 weeks before arrival.
- Cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP), and Rabies within the last 12 months or a minimum of 4 weeks before arrival.
