Premium import from outside the EU

Importing a premium car from the USA or Dubai in 2026: is it worth it

The US and Middle East markets tempt premium-segment buyers: sports models, powerful SUVs and luxury saloons can be noticeably cheaper to buy there than in Europe, with a wider choice of rare versions. But the listing price is only the start of the bill. Customs duty, 23% VAT, excise and differences in market spec can turn a “bargain” into a calculation that breaks even — or still pays, if you know what you’re counting. Below: the full bill and when such an import makes sense.

In short: when importing premium from outside the EU (USA, Dubai), on top of the car’s price come: customs duty (usually ~10% of value with transport), 23% VAT (on value + duty + transport) and 18.6% excise for large engines. That can add tens of percent. The import pays when the purchase-price gap exceeds the full import cost and the spec risk — and that needs a concrete calculation.

The full non-EU import bill

When importing an expensive car from outside the Union, the cost is made up of successive layers, calculated cumulatively:

Customs duty — usually about 10% of the car’s value including transport.
23% VAT — charged on the sum: car value + duty + transport (not the purchase price alone).
Excise — 3.1% or 18.6% depending on engine size; premium cars almost always fall into 18.6%.
Trans-ocean transport and cargo insurance — a real, non-trivial cost on a car from the USA/Dubai.
Formalities — customs clearance, translations, homologation/adaptation, a technical test, registration.

The upshot: you often have to add tens of percent to the listing price. So “20% cheaper” in the US market doesn’t automatically mean “cheaper once imported”.

The spec trap — a car from another market isn’t the same car

This is the most underrated risk. A car from the US or Middle East market is often prepared to a different spec: lighting, units of measurement, infotainment, climate (Gulf cars have “hot-climate” versions), and sometimes different standards and equipment. Adapting to Poland’s registration requirements can be possible but costs money — and with some items is troublesome. On top comes the question of history and mileage, harder to verify on a car from across the ocean. That’s a separate risk, independent of taxes.

When a non-EU premium import really pays

When the purchase-price gap is large — enough to exceed the full import cost and a margin for adaptation.
When you’re after a specific, rare version unavailable or much more expensive in Europe.
When the car has collector status — then no duty or excise and 8% VAT radically change the maths (see the separate CN 9705 piece).
When you’re certain about the example — verified history, condition and real market value.

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Before you wire a deposit across the ocean

A non-EU premium import can pay off, but it’s the terrain with the most variables: taxes, logistics, spec and harder verification. Before you decide, it’s worth calculating the full cost to registration in Poland, assessing the cost and feasibility of spec adaptation, and verifying the example’s history and real value — ideally before you send money abroad, where recovering it can be hard. At sums in this segment, that isn’t excess caution but the standard.

This material is informational and is not tax or legal advice. Rates are as of 2026 and are indicative — before deciding, confirm current duty, VAT and excise in an official source or with an adviser, taking your individual situation into account.

Financing an expensive car import? Compare a loan and a lease: Finumero →

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it worth importing a premium car from the USA or Dubai in 2026? It can pay if the purchase-price gap exceeds the full import cost. On top of the price come customs duty (usually ~10%), 23% VAT on value with duty and transport, and 18.6% excise for large engines — together often tens of percent. Run a concrete calculation for the specific car.

What taxes and charges apply when importing a car from outside the EU? Customs duty (usually about 10% of value with transport), 23% VAT on the sum of value, duty and transport, and excise of 3.1% or 18.6% depending on engine size. On top come trans-ocean transport, cargo insurance and registration formalities.

What is the spec risk with a car from the USA or Dubai? A car from another market may be prepared to different standards: lighting, units, infotainment, climate versions. Adapting it to registration in Poland can be possible but costs money and with some items is troublesome. On top, the history and mileage of a car from across the ocean are harder to verify.

Is a collector car from the USA more tax-efficient? Yes, if it gets collector status (code CN 9705): then there’s no duty or excise, and VAT is 8% instead of 23%, which radically changes the maths. It requires correct classification and documentation, though, and the office can challenge it — a separate, important issue.