Changing your place of residence to Poland from a country outside the European Union involves specific customs obligations. In many cases, however, it is possible to benefit from duty-free import of removal goods. This procedure allows duty-free import of personal belongings, household equipment and private vehicles – provided that specific legal requirements are met.
Removal goods includes items intended for personal use by the person changing their place of residence and their household. This category includes, among other things, furniture, TV and audio equipment, personal items, bicycles, motorcycles, private cars, trailers and portable equipment used in professional activities. The condition for classifying items as removal goods is their previous use in the country of previous residence.
Duty-free import is available to persons who have lived outside the European Union continuously for at least 12 months and have used imported goods for at least 6 months before moving to Poland. Imported goods must be intended for private use in the new place of residence in Poland. Each case is individually assessed by the appropriate customs authority.
A private car may be eligible for duty-free import as removal goods if it meets the conditions regarding usage period and stay outside the EU. The procedure involves registering the vehicle with the appropriate customs procedure (transit and admission to circulation) and submitting documents confirming eligibility for duty-free import. It should be noted that duty-free import does not automatically mean exemption from VAT and excise duties.
Importing removal goods from a third country requires filing a customs declaration with a Polish customs authority. In case of a car, it must be subject to transit procedures in the first EU customs authority and then completed in an authority responsible for the new place of residence. Declarations are filed electronically in customs systems such as NCTS and AIS/IMPORT.
Duty-free import does not cover alcohol, tobacco products, goods intended for commercial activity or transport means used for commercial purposes. Within 12 months of being admitted to circulation, removal goods may not be sold, rented or transferred without informing the customs authorities.
Customs procedures related to removal goods require detailed knowledge of regulations and proper preparation of documentation. Our customs agency provides comprehensive service – from legal situation analysis, through document preparation, to representation before the customs authority. We minimize error risks, accelerate the process and ensure formal safety throughout the operation.
Do you have questions about importing removal goods? Contact us for a consultation!
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