Exporting Vehicles from the United Kingdom to Poland via Germany for Customs Clearance

Exporting cars from the United Kingdom to the EU, especially via Germany for registration in Poland, requires a thorough understanding of the applicable import duties, value added tax (VAT) and excise duty.

Import Duties Cars exported from the United Kingdom to the EU are subject to import duties. The rate depends on the EU's Common Customs Tariff. The duty rate on cars can vary, but generally sits around 10%.

EU VAT General rule: When a car is imported from the United Kingdom into an EU country such as Germany, EU VAT must be paid.

VAT rate: The standard VAT rate in Germany is 19%.

Excise Duty Depending on Engine Size Excise duty in Germany: Germany generally does not levy excise duty on cars; however, a road tax applies, which depends on engine size and CO2 emissions.

Excise duty in Poland: Poland, on the other hand, has an excise duty that varies depending on engine size. Generally, the larger the engine, the higher the excise duty.

Registration in Poland Registration process: After customs clearance in Germany, the car must be transported to Poland for registration. Documentation: The necessary documents are the purchase invoice, proof of ownership, and proof of payment of VAT and duty. Technical Inspection: In Poland, the vehicle may need to undergo a technical inspection to make sure it meets local standards.

Additional Considerations

Emissions Standards: EU countries have strict emissions standards (Euro 6 standards). Vehicles that don't meet these standards may incur additional charges or may not be allowed to be registered.