Shipping a Car from the UK to Poland as Relocation Goods

Moving abroad often means bringing your own car with you. This process requires proper preparation, gathering the necessary documents, and understanding the customs and registration rules in force in the destination country. Below you'll find comprehensive information to help you get through this process without any problems.

Documents needed to ship a car as relocation goods

To legally transport and register a car as relocation goods, you will need the following documents:

• Proof of ownership: The original registration certificate or the vehicle purchase invoice.
• Proof of the owner's identity: A passport or other valid identity document.
• Certificate of residence abroad: Proof that the vehicle's owner lived outside the country for at least 12 months before the move.
• Certificate of no outstanding finance: Confirmation that the vehicle has no loans, leases or other financial charges against it.

The customs process when importing a car as relocation goods

The key stages of the customs process when importing a car are:

• Customs declaration: The vehicle must be declared at the relevant customs office, presenting all the required documents.
• Inspection: The vehicle may be inspected to confirm its condition and compliance with local road regulations.
• Customs release: If all conditions are met, the car can be released free of customs charges.

Registering the vehicle as relocation goods

Once the customs procedures have been completed successfully, the next step is to register the car in the new country:

• Technical inspection: The car must pass a mandatory technical inspection to confirm it meets safety and emissions standards.
• Insurance: Mandatory vehicle insurance must be taken out before registration.
• Registration at the vehicle registration office: You need to submit a registration application, attach the required documentation and pay the applicable registration fees.

Legal rules on importing a car as relocation goods

European Union

Under Council Regulation (EC) No 1186/2009 of 16 November 2009 setting up a Community system of reliefs from customs duty, relocation goods, including cars, may be relieved of customs duty provided that:

• The car was used by the owner outside the EU for at least 6 months before the move.
• The owner lived outside the EU for at least 12 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I register a car as relocation goods without proof of residence abroad?

No, proof of residence abroad for a minimum of 12 months is required for a vehicle to qualify as relocation goods.

What are the consequences of not declaring the car to customs?

Failing to declare the vehicle may result in heavy financial penalties and the obligation to pay customs duty and tax in full.

Does the car need to have been owned by me for a certain period before the move?

Yes, the car is usually required to have been owned and used by you for at least 6 months before the move.

Can I sell the car immediately after registering it as relocation goods?

Selling the car shortly after registering it may require prior notification to the customs office and may involve having to pay duty that was originally waived.

Transporting a car as relocation goods is a process that requires careful planning and preparation. Following the steps above will help ensure the process runs smoothly and the car is legally registered at your new place of residence.

Watch the video too

If this topic concerns a car as part of your relocation goods, this video shows how the case works in practice and the key stages of the process.

See also related guides

• Registering a car as relocation goods step by step
• Documents for relocation-goods clearance
• Conditions for duty and VAT relief when moving
• The T1 document when transporting a vehicle from the UK

If you need an individual quote or a list of documents, get in touch with us.