Import

Importing a passenger car from the USA to Poland

US cars tempt with price — well-equipped premium models cost a fraction of Polish prices at American auctions. But the auction price is only the start: auction fees, transport, duty, excise, VAT and adaptation are added. Below is the whole process step by step, real costs and timelines — and how to check whether importing pays off in your case.

How the import works — step by step

1. Choosing the car and bidding at auction (Copart, IAAI) — usually via an importer, since auction access needs a dealer licence; you pay ~10% deposit before bidding.
2. US inland transport from the auction to the port.
3. Ocean freight to an EU port (usually Bremerhaven, Rotterdam or Gdynia).
4. Customs clearance — 10% duty and 23% VAT on a SAD declaration (prepared by a customs agency).
5. Transport to Poland (if cleared in DE/NL).
6. Excise — AKC-U/S declaration via PUESC (14 days), payment within 30 days.
7. Adaptation — lights to EU standard, odometer to km, sometimes the radio (FM band).
8. Inspection and registration — after adaptation the car gets Polish plates.

How long it takes

The whole process usually takes 6–12 weeks from purchase to pickup in Poland. Ocean freight alone is 2–4 weeks; the rest depends on documents, the port and clearance speed. Don’t book transport without written confirmation of the ship loading date.

Where you buy the car

Most often at the Copart and IAAI auctions (many accident cars — „salvage title"), less often from dealers or Manheim. Auction access is for dealer-licence holders, so you buy via an importer/broker. Note: most cheap „bargains" are damaged cars needing repair — budget for it.

What the fees are

On top of the auction price:

• Auction fee (buyer's fee): ~400–1,800 USD depending on price,
• US transport: ~190–1,200 USD; ocean freight: ~790–1,400 USD,
• Duty 10% on the CIF customs value (price + fees + transport to the EU border),
• Excise: 3.1% (engine up to 2000 cm³) or 18.6% (above) on CIF+duty; electric and hydrogen 0%, PHEV hybrids up to 2000 cm³ exempt,
• VAT 23% on CIF+duty+excise (taxes cascade),
• Customs agency ~400–800 zł, adaptation + inspection + registration from ~900 zł, plus any repair.

Classics 30+ years: 0% duty, 8% VAT, no excise. Exact figures in the import calculator (general non-EU import — in the import calculator).

Which transport

RoRo (the car drives onto the ship) is cheaper and fine for running cars. A container costs more but better protects expensive, damaged or classic cars. Destination ports are usually Bremerhaven, Rotterdam or Gdynia.

Who organizes it all

In practice an importer/broker: bids on your behalf, arranges US and ocean transport, handles customs clearance and paperwork, and often delivers the car to your door. DIY import is possible but needs auction access and knowledge of the AIS system and customs procedures — mistakes are costly.

How vartocar.pl helps

VARTOCAR is not an importer — it is the information-and-valuation layer that helps you decide well:

• US import calculator — estimate the total cost (CIF, duty, excise, VAT, Polish fees) before you bid,
• Valuation report (49 zł) — compare the landed cost with the real Polish price of such a car and check whether importing actually pays,
• VIN decoder — verify the auction car (make, year, country),
• articles on buying safely and registration.

Need to finance the purchase? Compare loans and accounts: Finumero →

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How long does importing a car from the USA to Poland take? Usually 6–12 weeks from purchase to pickup. Ocean freight alone is 2–4 weeks; the rest depends on documents, the port and clearance.

Do I pay PCC when importing from the USA? No. Import is subject to VAT, so PCC does not arise. The 2% PCC only applies to a private sale contract signed in Poland.

What are duty and excise calculated on? On the CIF customs value (car price + auction fees + transport to the EU border). Duty 10% on CIF, excise on CIF+duty, VAT on CIF+duty+excise.

Are electric or hybrid cars cheaper to import? Yes — electric and hydrogen cars are excise-exempt, and PHEV hybrids up to 2000 cm³ too. That genuinely lowers the total import cost.