Shipping and Removals in Poland

Shipping goods to Poland can be a daunting task at first, but can be made simpler by planning well. Most expats find it best to split their household goods into two different shipments based on need. 

Items that will be needed immediately should be sent by air – a quick but expensive shipping method. Larger, heavier items such as furniture should be sent by sea. This can take several weeks, but is much more affordable, so it's best to send the shipment off as soon as possible.

Costs vary depending on the size of the container booked, and it’s recommended that you request quotes from several different service providers to find the best deal. Many expats find that comparing at least three quotes yields substantial savings.

Customs clearance for Poland

Customs clearance for Poland follows EU regulations, as Poland is part of a greater customs union. This means that goods and items shipped to Poland by EU citizens and residents are duty-free. Most used and personal items are also duty-free. If you are using more than one shipping medium (i.e. air and sea), 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. Customs processing typically takes one to three weeks, although packages selected for inspection may be detained longer.

Shipping household goods to Poland

When shipping household goods to Poland, you’ll need to provide a detailed inventory of all items with approximate values. If you’re relocating from within the EU, your used household goods can be imported duty-free. For non-EU citizens, your shipment should be free of import duties as long as the items are for personal use.

It’s highly recommended to purchase comprehensive all-risk cargo insurance for your household shipments.

Shipping pets to Poland

Shipping pets to Poland is straightforward. Your animals must have an ISO-compliant microchip, and dogs and cats must have the appropriate vaccinations, with rabies being the most critical. The vaccine must be administered at least 21 days old prior to travel.

A veterinarian must issue an EU Health Certificate no more than four months before your travel date, and an International Health Certificate must be issued within 10 days of departure. For EU pet owners returning from outside the EU, you’ll need an export health certificate in addition to the EU Pet Passport.

No quarantine is required for pets arriving from most countries. Poland has breed-specific legislation restricting certain aggressive dog breeds, including American Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, and Tosa Inu. Your pets must also travel in airline-approved crates that meet IATA specifications.