Transport from the UK to Poland needs a customs declaration in Poland, EORI numbers for the exporter and importer, an ENS and a full set of commercial documents. Since 1.07.2026 there is no duty exemption for consignments up to EUR 150, and 0% duty needs preferential origin.
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Transporting goods from the United Kingdom to Poland is not just carriage but also customs formalities: since 1 January 2021 the UK is a third country for the EU, so goods need a customs declaration in Poland, payment of what is due and a full set of documents. Below is a plan for preparing a shipment.
Modes of transport
Goods travel by road (a lorry through the Channel Tunnel or by ferry), sea, air or rail. The choice depends on the type and value of the goods, the delivery date and cost. For road transport the driver crosses the UK border with a GMR, and on the EU side the carrier files an ENS in ICS2.
Formalities step by step
- EORI numbers - the UK exporter needs a GB EORI number and the importer in Poland a Polish EORI number; see how to get an EORI number.
- Export declaration in the UK - filed in CDS by the exporter or its representative.
- ENS for the EU - a safety and security declaration before the goods reach the EU (ICS2; for road transport it has applied since 1.04.2025, with full operation from 1.09.2025). Details: ICS2 Release 3 and road transport.
- Import declaration in Poland - a customs declaration releasing the goods for free circulation, with the commodity code, customs value and proof of origin if you claim a preference.
- Payment of duty and VAT - import VAT in Poland is, as a rule, 23%; how to account for it is explained in how to settle VAT on import.
The full import process is on the page import from the UK to Poland, and you can estimate what is due with how to calculate duty and VAT when importing from the UK.
Required documents
- Commercial invoice - details of the parties, description and value of the goods, terms of delivery (Incoterms).
- Packing list - contents and number of packages.
- Transport document - CMR, bill of lading (B/L) or air waybill (AWB).
- HS (CN) code of each item, matching the tariff.
- Proof of origin - the exporter's statement on origin (or the importer's knowledge), if you want to claim 0% duty. Buying in the UK does not make goods UK-origin; EUR.1 is not used in EU-UK trade.
- Licences, certificates or permits - for regulated goods (such as food, plants, chemicals).
- EORI numbers of the exporter and importer, and details of the carrier and means of transport.
Customs reliefs
On import into the EU you can use reliefs provided in EU law, for example for relocation goods, inherited property or goods for scientific purposes. Remember that since 1.07.2026 the customs duty exemption for consignments up to EUR 150 no longer applies (Council Regulation (EU) 2026/382) - see the end of the EUR 150 exemption. If you are moving home, check relocation goods from the UK to Poland.
Transporting vehicles
For a vehicle import you need the purchase invoice or contract (make, model, year, value), V5 registration documents, carrier details and EORI numbers. For costs and registration see car customs clearance from the UK to Poland and registering a car from the UK in Poland.
Transport costs
The cost of carriage depends on the mode of transport, distance, weight and dimensions, and extra charges for customs handling and transhipment. A quote is quicker when you supply complete data - see what data to send to a customs agency. How Easy Clearance quotes is explained on how much UK customs clearance costs.
How to move goods safely
- choose a mode of transport suited to the goods and the deadline,
- protect the goods against damage and insure the shipment,
- assemble the documents before collecting the goods,
- monitor the shipment and clearance status at every stage.
Planning transport from the UK to Poland? Get in touch - Easy Clearance is a customs agency registered in CDS, with a UK EORI number.
Frequently asked questions
What documents are needed to import goods from the UK to Poland?
A commercial invoice, packing list, transport document (CMR, B/L or AWB), the HS code, EORI numbers of the exporter and importer, and proof of origin if you claim a preference. For regulated goods, licences or certificates are added.
Do I need an EORI number to import from the UK to Poland?
Yes. The exporter in the UK needs a GB EORI number and the importer in Poland needs a Polish EORI number.
Is importing from the UK to Poland free of duty?
Not automatically. 0% duty applies to goods of preferential origin under the EU-UK trade agreement, confirmed by the exporter's statement on origin or the importer's knowledge. Buying goods in the UK does not decide their origin.
What VAT will I pay on import from the UK?
Import VAT is charged in Poland, as a rule at 23%. Since 1.07.2026 there is also no customs duty exemption for consignments up to EUR 150.
How do I avoid customs clearance problems when transporting from the UK?
Check that the data on the invoice and transport document match, the commodity code is right, the EORI numbers are valid and that you know who files the ENS for the EU. If in doubt, consult a customs agency before dispatch.
What customs reliefs apply on import into the EU?
EU law provides reliefs in specific cases, including relocation goods, inherited property and goods for scientific purposes. The conditions must be met and documented.
Related guides
Have a similar case? Ask a customs agency
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