You can bring a caravan from Great Britain to Poland after an export declaration in the UK and import clearance in PUESC: duty 2.7% (0% for UK preferential origin), VAT 23% and no excise. Before registration the caravan must pass a roadworthiness test, and you apply to register it within 30 days of its release for free circulation.
Contents
Importing a caravan from Great Britain to Poland involves customs formalities and often some adaptation of the caravan to Polish technical requirements. Here are the key points to check before registration.
Technical requirements and the pre-registration test
- Regulatory compliance. Caravans used in Poland must meet specific technical standards, including for lighting and the systems used to connect to the towing vehicle. These standards may differ from those in force in Great Britain, especially after Brexit.
- Lighting. A caravan registered in Poland must have working lighting that meets the technical requirements, including position lights, indicators and brake lights. This is checked by the inspector during the roadworthiness test, which is mandatory before first registration in Poland (Article 81(3) of the Polish Road Traffic Law).
- Electrical connectors. The connectors linking the caravan to the towing vehicle can differ: the caravan and the towing car may have 7- or 13-pin sockets. If they do not match, an adapter or a replacement connector is needed.
Before registering a caravan in Poland you will have to visit a vehicle inspection station anyway, and the roadworthiness test will check whether it meets the required technical conditions. Some modifications may turn out to be necessary, especially to the lighting or the electrical connectors. Planning to tow through the EU? Also see our guide to caravan insurance when travelling from the UK to Poland.
Customs formalities and taxes
Export from the UK requires an export declaration, and import into Poland a customs declaration in PUESC. Duty on caravans (CN 8716 10) is 2.7%, or 0% for caravans of UK preferential origin documented under the EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA); import VAT is 23% and no excise duty is payable. You will find the details in our guide to duty, VAT and registration. If you are moving to Poland, the caravan may, under certain conditions, qualify for transfer-of-residence relief — see moving from the UK to Poland. The reverse route is covered in our article on exporting a caravan from the UK to Europe.
Have questions about the documents or the clearance? Contact us.
Need help importing a caravan?
We handle customs clearance of caravans and motorhomes from Great Britain to Poland, including duty and VAT settlement.
Call: +44 333 335 5072 or go to the contact form. Individual quote after you send us the documents.
Customs agency registered with CDS, UK EORI number.
Frequently asked questions
Does every caravan imported from Great Britain have to be registered in Poland?
Yes, a caravan brought into Poland and used on the road there must be registered (Article 71 of the Polish Road Traffic Law). Before first registration it undergoes a roadworthiness test at an SKP station (Article 81(3)). The registration application is filed within 30 days of the caravan's release for free circulation by the Polish customs and tax authority (KAS) (Article 73aa(1)(2)).
How much are duty and VAT on a caravan imported from the UK?
Duty on caravans (CN 8716 10) is 2.7%, or 0% for caravans of UK preferential origin documented under the EU–UK agreement (TCA). Import VAT is 23% and no excise duty is payable.
What are the costs involved in adapting a caravan to Polish standards?
Costs depend on the modifications needed, most often to the lighting and electrical connectors. The roadworthiness test will show the scope of changes, and a workshop will quote for them.
What documents are needed for customs clearance of a caravan?
For the import declaration you will mainly need documents supporting the customs value (an invoice or purchase contract, plus transport and insurance costs to the EU border) and, if you claim the 0% rate, a proof of origin under the EU–UK agreement (a statement on origin or the importer's knowledge). For transfer-of-residence relief, add documents showing the change of residence and how long you have owned the caravan. A UK trailer registration certificate (if the caravan has one) and a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) will be useful for registration in Poland.
Can I use a caravan registered in Great Britain in Poland permanently?
If you live in Poland and plan to use the caravan permanently, it must be released for free circulation (import clearance) and registered in Poland, after a positive roadworthiness test and within 30 days of release for free circulation.
What are the most common problems when importing caravans from Great Britain?
The most common problems are differences in technical specifications, especially lighting and electrical connectors, which need to be adapted to the standards in force in the European Union. Others are difficulty obtaining the full set of documents for the caravan and customs complications caused by incorrect documents.
Related guides
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