Importing a Caravan from the UK to Poland — Duty, Taxes and Registration Step by Step

Bringing a used caravan from the United Kingdom can be attractive on price, but it requires meeting customs and tax obligations. Skipping them results in the goods being held at the border or being unable to register the vehicle in Poland. A guide for private individuals and businesses importing a caravan from the UK after Brexit.

Why the UK is a third country

Since 1 January 2021 the UK has been a third country for the EU. Importing a caravan is subject to the full customs procedure: a declaration in CDS/PUESC, duty and VAT, and clearance. Clearance can take place at the border crossing or — once the T1 transit is closed — at the office nearest the place of residence.

CN code and duty rate

Caravans are classified under CN 8716 10 ("Trailers and semi-trailers for housing or camping"):

Note: code 8716 39 covers cargo trailers — do not confuse it with caravans.

MFN duty rate (third country, e.g. the UK): industry sources put it at 6.5% of the customs value, but check the exact rate on the day of clearance in TARIC or the ISZTAR4 browser. Customs value = transaction price + transport and insurance to the EU border (CIF). Import VAT is added on top of the duty.

Import VAT — 23%

The import is subject to 23% VAT. The base is: customs value + duty. Private individuals pay VAT at clearance; businesses registered as VAT payers can settle it in their return (Article 33a of the VAT Act) — check the conditions at podatki.gov.pl or with KAS/PUESC.

Excise duty — does not apply to caravans

A caravan is not a motor vehicle, so it is not subject to excise duty. Excise duty applies to passenger cars (including motorhomes built on a motor vehicle chassis), not to unpowered trailers. If in doubt, check with KAS or at podatki.gov.pl.

Customs procedure step by step

T1: required when the caravan travels through the EU from the UK (e.g. France/Germany/Netherlands). Drawn up in NCTS (UK — NCTS Phase 5 from 1 July 2024; PL/EU — NCTS Phase 5/6). The T1 must be closed at the office of destination before the import clearance.

Registering the caravan in Poland

In the UK, caravans are not registered by any authority. Instead of a registration document, an appropriate statement is submitted.

• Registration application + statement of no UK registration
• Invoice/contract (sworn translation, if required)
• Roadworthiness test certificate (SKP)
• Customs clearance confirmation
• Proof of duty and VAT payment
• Third-party liability insurance policy

Registration deadline: 30 days from the date of import into Poland (Article 73 of the Road Traffic Law).

Technical requirements

Caravans from the UK may differ from EU standards: indicator lights (UK integrated amber; EU separate), electrical sockets (UK 7-pin; PL 13-pin ISO 11446). The SKP station will assess the scope of modifications needed — cost from a few hundred to a few thousand złoty.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do I need an EORI number as a private individual? Individuals making a one-off import for personal use may be able to clear customs without an EORI number, but office practice can vary — check with an agency. Businesses importing regularly must have an EORI number.

How long does the procedure take? With smooth clearance (1–3 days) and the SKP test, it usually takes 1–3 weeks from purchase to registration.

Does relocation relief exempt me from duty? A caravan may qualify for an exemption if the conditions are met (including owning the goods for at least 6 months before the change of residence and moving your residence to the EU/Poland). Check the details with KAS/PUESC or with a customs agency before importing.

Do I need a CoC for clearance? A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) makes registration easier, but not having one does not block clearance — without a CoC, registration requires an individual SKP inspection.

Risk of buying without checking the VIN? In the UK, HPI Check is available (vehicle history: outstanding finance, theft). Check the VIN before buying — a caravan with outstanding finance can be repossessed.

How we help

agencjacelna.uk specialises in clearing goods from the UK to the EU. We handle caravan imports end to end: costing duty and tax, filing the declaration in CDS/PUESC, handling T1 transit, and advising on the documentation needed for registration. Contact us before you buy — we will quote the clearance cost free of charge.

Sources

• TARIC — EU customs tariff
• ISZTAR4 browser — Polish Ministry of Finance
• PUESC
• Road Traffic Law Act (Article 73)

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Importing a caravan from the UK?

We help with customs clearance of caravans and motorhomes brought from the United Kingdom to Poland — full documentation and settlement of customs duties.

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.