Ship vehicles from China to Poland via the New Silk Road or sea to Gdańsk with full EU duty estimates and registration support.

Total taxes typically range from 32% to 55% of CIF value depending on fuel type, engine size, and whether the vehicle has an EU COC. The full stack includes: EU Customs Duty at 10% of CIF (fixed for HS 8703 passenger vehicles); Excise Duty (Akcyza) at 3.1% ≤2000cc or 18.6% >2000cc for ICE vehicles, with reduced rates for hybrids (1.55%/9.3%) and 0% for BEVs; and VAT at 23% on CIF + customs duty + excise duty. For a typical petrol SUV with a >2000cc engine and CIF of €25,000: customs duty = €2,500, excise = €4,650 (18.6%), VAT = €7,395 (23% of €32,150), total tax = €14,545 (~58% of CIF). For a BEV with the same CIF: customs duty = €2,500, excise = €0, VAT = €6,325 (23% of €27,500), total tax = €8,825 (~35% of CIF).

Yes, for straightforward registration a vehicle needs an EU Certificate of Conformity (COC) issued by the manufacturer. Several Chinese manufacturers now hold EU whole-vehicle type approval: BYD, NIO, MG (SAIC), and certain models from Chery and Geely have received EU COC for export to the European market. If the specific model does not have an EU COC, you will need an EU Individual Vehicle Approval (EU-IVA) conducted by Transportowy Dozór Techniczny (TDT) or an authorised technical service such as Bosmal, TÜV SUD Polska, or SKP. The individual approval process involves: application with an information document, technical inspection and testing of the vehicle (lighting, brakes, emissions, noise, safety systems, electromagnetic compatibility), and issuance of the approval certificate. The cost ranges from 3,000 to 8,000+ PLN and takes 2–6 weeks. Modifications such as headlight adjustment, amber turn signals, rear fog light, and km/h speedometer are typically required for Chinese domestic market vehicles.

No. Poland drives on the right-hand side of the road and RHD vehicles cannot be registered for normal use. RHD vehicles from the UK, Japan, or other RHD markets are strictly prohibited from registration in Poland since 2015, with no option for LHD conversion. All Chinese domestic market vehicles are LHD, so this is generally not an issue when importing from China. However, if you are sourcing from Japan or the UK you must verify LHD configuration before purchase. The only exception is for classic/vintage vehicles (over 30 years old) imported for collection purposes, which may receive special consideration on a case-by-case basis. Non-EU LHD vehicles may need modifications: headlights must meet EU asymmetric low-beam pattern, turn signals must be amber (not red), rear fog light is mandatory, and the speedometer must display km/h.

Excise duty (podatek akcyzowy) is a one-time tax payable before first registration in Poland. It is calculated on the higher of the purchase price or the average market value (catalogue value) as determined by the Polish tax office. This prevents under-invoicing. The rates for 2026 are: petrol/diesel ≤2000cc: 3.1%; petrol/diesel >2000cc: 18.6%; hybrid (HEV) non-plug-in ≤2000cc: 1.55%; hybrid non-plug-in >2000cc: 9.3%; plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ≤2000cc: 3.1%; PHEV >2000cc: 9.3%; electric (BEV): 0% (exempt). Mild hybrids (MHEV) with 48V systems qualify for the reduced hybrid rates as confirmed by the Polish Ministry of Finance in 2025. The excise is paid via an AKC-U/S declaration filed through the PUESC platform and must be completed before the registration application. You will receive a potwierdzenie zapłaty akcyzy (confirmation of excise payment) which is required by the Wydział Komunikacji.

NaszEauto is Poland's national electric vehicle subsidy programme launched in February 2025. It offers up to PLN 40,000 (~€9,400) for the purchase of new BEVs (M1 passenger cars) with a net list price under PLN 225,000. The base subsidy is PLN 18,750, with a Large Family Card (KDR) or sole proprietor bonus of up to PLN 30,000, and a scrappage bonus of PLN 10,000 for trading in an old ICE vehicle. The programme also covers N1 vans (up to PLN 70,000), M2 minibuses (up to PLN 600,000), and zero-emission trucks (up to PLN 750,000). By January 2026, the original PLN 1.6 billion budget was over 100% utilised, but an additional PLN 1.1 billion was added in October 2025. Applications are accepted conditionally through April 2026. The subsidy is available to individuals, sole proprietors, and businesses. Application is through the NFOŚiGW (National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management) portal. The vehicle must be new (0 km, first registration) and remain registered in Poland for at least 2 years.

The timeline depends on your chosen route. By rail (fastest): Day 1–3 — vehicle selection and deposit; Day 4–10 — vehicle procurement and inspection; Day 11–18 — documentation preparation (COC verification, individual homologation if needed, commercial invoice, CO, export declaration); Day 19 — container loading at Chinese rail terminal; Day 20–31 — rail transit to Małaszewicze (12–16 days) plus customs clearance; Day 32–38 — technical inspection, excise duty payment via PUESC, sworn translations; Day 39–45 — registration at Wydział Komunikacji (5–7 business days). Total rail timeline: approximately 6–7 weeks. By sea (cost-effective): sea transit takes 25–31 days, adding approximately 2 weeks to the total timeline, bringing it to 8–9 weeks. Direct rail from Xi'an to Warsaw via Małaszewicze is the fastest option. Using a customs broker for SAD filing and PUESC processing can reduce clearance time significantly.

All foreign-language documents submitted to the Wydział Komunikacji must be accompanied by a sworn translation (tłumaczenie przysięgłe) into Polish by a translator registered with the Polish Ministry of Justice. Documents requiring translation include: the foreign registration certificate or title from the country of origin; the purchase contract or commercial invoice; the Certificate of Origin (CO); any technical documentation or test reports (especially for individual homologation); and any supporting document from the Chinese exporter. EU-format registration certificates (with standard EU codes) are partially exempt from translation. Certificates of Conformity issued in EU format are also accepted directly. The cost of sworn translation is typically 50–150 PLN per standard car document, and translation takes approximately 1 business day. We can recommend sworn translators in Warsaw, Gdańsk, and Poznań who are familiar with Chinese vehicle documentation.

There is no formal age restriction for importing used vehicles to Poland. A 30-year-old classic car and a 2-year-old used car are both eligible for import. However, there are practical limitations: vehicles must pass the mandatory technical inspection at an authorised Vehicle Inspection Station (Stacja Kontroli Pojazdów), which requires compliance with Euro 6 emissions standards for petrol vehicles and applicable standards for diesel. Older vehicles that fail emissions testing cannot be registered. In practice, vehicles over 10–15 years old from non-EU markets often struggle to meet Euro 6 requirements without significant modifications. Vehicles over 30 years old qualify as zabytkowe (classic/vintage) status, which brings benefits: exempt from excise duty, lower registration fees, and relaxed technical requirements. Used vehicles over 6 months old with over 6,000 km on the odometer are classified as "used" for customs purposes, which affects VAT treatment in intra-EU trade.

BYD is the leading Chinese brand in Poland, with the Atto 3 (Yuan Plus) and Seal models dominating the EV segment thanks to EU type approval, strong range, and aggressive pricing against European competitors. MG (SAIC) is the best-selling Chinese brand in Europe overall, with the MG4 Electric being particularly popular in Poland as an affordable compact EV. Chery is expanding through its Omoda sub-brand, positioning as a premium Chinese SUV option. NIO is entering the premium segment with the ET5 and ET7, offering battery-swapping technology. Across all brands, Polish buyers prioritise: electric drivetrains (Poland has one of the EU's fastest-growing EV markets); WLTP range above 350 km; 5-star Euro NCAP safety ratings; comprehensive warranty packages (typically 5–7 years from Chinese brands); and growing dealer and service networks in major Polish cities. Chinese brands captured approximately 8% of the Polish EV market in 2025, with projections of 15%+ by 2027.

Yes, an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is mandatory for all entities importing goods into the European Union, including individuals and companies importing vehicles to Poland. The Polish EORI number format is PL followed by 14 digits (e.g., PL12345678901234). You can apply through the PUESC (Platforma Usług Elektronicznych Służby Celnej) online portal using a trusted profile (profil zaufany) or qualified electronic signature. The application is free and typically processed within 1–3 business days. For non-EU companies importing to Poland, you must register for EORI in the first EU country where you make a customs declaration — in this case, Poland. Non-EU companies typically use a Polish customs representative or broker who can assist with the EORI application. The EORI number is required before the first SAD (Single Administrative Document) can be filed. We recommend applying for EORI at least 2 weeks before the vehicle arrives at the EU border.

Chinese domestic market vehicles often require modifications to meet EU technical standards. The most common changes needed: headlights — Chinese vehicles typically have symmetrical beam patterns; they must be adjusted to EU asymmetric low-beam pattern which prevents glare for oncoming traffic. Rear turn signals — Chinese vehicles often have red rear turn signals (following US/China practice); EU law requires amber/yellow rear turn signals. Rear fog light — mandatory in the EU but often absent from Chinese domestic market vehicles. Speedometer — must display km/h; Chinese domestic vehicles show km/h but sometimes combined with mph; this is usually acceptable if km/h is primary. Tyres — must carry E-mark certification; Chinese domestic tyres may need replacement with EU-approved equivalents. Radio frequencies — Chinese infotainment systems may operate on frequencies not approved in the EU; R&TTE compliance may require module replacement. Emissions — Chinese China 6 standard is similar to Euro 6 but specific calibrations may differ; an emissions retest at homologation may be needed. We coordinate these modifications through our partner workshops in Poland before the technical inspection.

Absolutely. Our offices are located in Beijing and Guizhou — two of China's largest used car markets. Buyers are welcome to visit either location. Polish buyers are welcome to visit, inspect vehicles in person, and witness the container loading process. We can assist with visa invitation letters and transportation from Beijing Capital Airport. Many Warsaw-based dealers visit before placing orders — particularly to verify EU COC availability and confirm that vehicle specifications (Euro 6 compliance, LHD configuration, km/h speedometer) meet Polish requirements without costly modifications. Virtual inspections via video call are also available if travel is not feasible. We also offer third-party inspection services through TÜV Rheinland, SGS, or Bureau Veritas in China for buyers who cannot travel — this is particularly useful for verifying EU compliance before shipment.

New vehicles sourced from manufacturer-authorised Chinese dealers carry the full factory warranty, which must be honoured in the EU for brands with European type approval. BYD, MG, and NIO offer standard 5–7 year warranties that are valid at their authorised service centres in Poland. Chery's Omoda brand offers a 7-year/150,000 km warranty on new vehicles. For used vehicles and parallel imports, we offer a 30-day mechanical warranty covering engine, transmission, and major systems. Extended warranty options are available through our partner network at additional cost. All warranty terms are documented in the sales agreement before payment. EU consumer protection laws (2-year legal warranty for new vehicles) apply to all vehicles sold through our Polish partners. For Polish buyers, we recommend verifying warranty transferability with the brand's Polish distributor before purchase — particularly for EV batteries, which have separate warranty terms.

All vehicles are fully insured during transit from the moment they leave our facilities in Beijing and Guizhou until arrival at the Polish destination — whether by rail to Małaszewicze/Warsaw or by sea to Gdańsk/Gdynia. The policy covers rail or sea transit, port/terminal handling at both ends, and any overland transport within Poland. In the rare event of damage, you file a claim with our logistics team and we handle the insurance process on your behalf. We have maintained a 96% damage-free delivery rate on the Poland route. Our container loading standards — wheel chocks, frame strapping, and protective wrapping — exceed standard industry practice. For rail shipments, containers are secured on specialised flatcars with proper lashing for the gauge-change process at the China-Kazakhstan and Kazakhstan-Russia borders. Photographs and video are taken before loading to document condition, and these are shared with you as part of the handover record. EU rail and maritime liability frameworks provide strong consumer protection for transit damage.