Customs clearance of a car from the CIS countries

Customs clearance of a car from the CIS countries in Poland

Importing vehicles from territories outside the EU is significantly different from the intra-European process. Customs clearance of a car from the CIS countries in Poland involves passing a full customs control, paying customs duties, excise tax and VAT. In 2026, the Polish customs service pays special attention to environmental standards and the authenticity of technical documentation, as each car must meet strict safety standards adopted in Europe.

Customs clearance of a car from the CIS countries for foreigners in Poland

For citizens of Ukraine and those who have come to Poland from other countries for permanent residence, there is a special procedure known as «mienie przesiedleńcze» (property of a resettler). This allows customs clearance of a car without paying duties and taxes, provided that a number of legislative requirements are met.

What you need to know about the main conditions for obtaining a resettler’s benefit:

• Period of ownership — the owner must use the car in his country for at least six months before moving.
• Permanent residence — a foreigner must provide documentary evidence of residence outside the EU for the last 12 months.
• Prohibition on sale — a car registered under this benefit cannot be sold, leased or transferred to other persons within a year after registration.
• Deadline for submission — an application for tax exemption must be submitted no later than 12 months from the date of establishing permanent residence in Poland.

This procedure is ideal for those who want to keep their own vehicle during relocation. However, the slightest error in dates or the absence of a single document can lead to a refusal. Therefore, customs clearance of a car delivered from the CIS countries to Poland under this scheme requires professional legal support. These are the services provided by the specialists of the USPI Work company.

Technical requirements and compliance with EU standards

After the customs formalities are completed, the vehicle must undergo a thorough inspection at the technical inspection station (Okręgowa Stacja Kontroli Pojazdów). Cars from Eastern markets often have technical differences from European versions. This can be a serious obstacle to registration. Polish diagnosticians pay special attention not only to safety, but also to environmental compliance. Without a special certificate of conformity (CoC) or a similar expert opinion, it is impossible to obtain a positive result.

What to pay attention to when preparing the car:

• Optics and light. Headlights must be set for right-hand traffic, and the color of the turn signals must be exclusively orange (yellow).
• Environmental class and exhaust. Checking the content of harmful substances in exhaust gases for compliance with Euro 5 or Euro 6 standards.
• Dashboard. Speedometer markings in kilometers per hour are mandatory. Graduations only in miles are not suitable.
• Fog lights. A red rear fog light is mandatory, which is turned on separately from the main lights.
• Noise characteristics. The sound level of the exhaust system must not exceed the established standards (usually up to 93-96 dB for passenger cars).
• Glass and tinting. The front and front side windows must have a transparency of at least 70-75%. Film that does not meet these standards must be removed before entering the diagnostic line.

Documentation and translations

The key point in the legalization process is the preparation of documents that will be understood and accepted by Polish civil servants. Customs clearance of a car from the CIS is impossible without the participation of a sworn translator licensed by the Ministry of Justice of Poland.

The mandatory list of documents for translation includes:

• Technical passport of the vehicle.
• Sales contract, invoice or statement of account.
• Customs declaration issued at the border.
• Documents confirming the deregistration of the car in the country of origin.

Tax risks and value control

The Polish customs service uses modern databases to check the real value of vehicles. Attempts to artificially lower the price in the contract to reduce the tax base often lead to additional checks and the imposition of fines. If the price indicated is significantly lower than the market price, the customs have the right to conduct their own assessment based on the condition of the car and its equipment.

Proper customs clearance of a car imported from a CIS country involves preparing proof of payment and, if possible, an independent expert’s opinion. This is especially important if the car has significant damage that justifies the low price. Transparency in relations with customs authorities — is the key to successful legalization and peaceful use of the car in the future. After all, correctly filed taxes exempt the owner from any legal claims within the entire European Union.