The Polish state began in 966 A.D., and has been at the crossroads of history ever since.
During Poland's long existence, it has produced many notable scientists and artists, and one pope. Many of those are recognised worldwide: Nicolaus Copernicus, Marie Curie, Fryderyk Chopin, Joseph Conrad, Samuel Goldwyn, and John Paul II.
However, little known to many is that Poland is also home to the bagel, the world's largest squash club - 33 courts!, and a leaping e-commerce market.
With more than 70% of its population using the internet to shop, and 11-plus billion euros spent in 2019, the Poles have a foot firmly planted in the past and future.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Poland through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Poland. in case you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Poland
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 1, 2023
8:49 am
Wroclaw, WR, PL
Delivered
May 31, 2023
7:18 am
Gdansk, GD, PL
In transit
May 30, 2023
9:03 pm
Warsaw, WA, PL
International Clearance
May 30, 2023
8:14 am
Krakow, KR, PL
In transit
May 30, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
May 29, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Poland before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different
paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
Gift shipments to Poland from Canada are exempt from duty if their value is no more than €45 (about $75 CAD). VAT will be exempt on shipments of €22 or less (about $33 CAD).
A gift parcel may have a maximum of:
1 L of alcohol
50 cigarettes, 25 cigars (each 3 g or less), or 10 other types of cigars
50 mL of perfume or 250 mL toilet water
500 g of coffee; 200 g of coffee extracts and essences
100 g of tea; 40 g of tea extracts and essences
NOTE: Excise duties will apply to shipments of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
Gift shipments are expected to:
Be an infrequent occurrence
Contain items for the use of the recipient and/or his/her family
Be sent without payment for the goods
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
An individual in Canada may ship a gift parcel to an individual in Poland duty-free providing the shipment is no more than €45 (about $75 CAD).
Shipments from Business-to-Business
No information is available at this time regarding gift shipments from a business in Canada to a business in Poland.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
At this time, there is no information regarding gift shipments from a business in Canada to an individual in Poland.
Gift Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time
(see sample)
List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Maria Sklodowska 16 Freta Street 00-227 Warsaw Poland
Phone: +48 22 831 8092
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$79.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
If your shipment contains more than one gift, be sure to wrap and tag each one separately
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Maria Sklodowska 16 Freta Street 00-227 Warsaw Poland
Phone: +48 22 831 8092
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$39.99
1 Each
Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
CA
$49.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Personal effects may be shipped to Poland from Canada exempt from import duties. This is subject to:
The goods being cleared by Polish customs
The effects have been owned by you for at least 6 months before leaving Canada
You have lived outside the EU continuously for a minimum of 12 months
The goods remain in Poland for a minimum of 12 months
The following items are not allowed duty-free entry to Poland:
Alcoholic beverages
Tobacco and tobacco products
Instruments and equipment used for your craft or profession
Moving Temporariy
Students
If you are moving temporarily to Poland to study, you are allowed to ship your personal effects from Canada free from import duties.
Items that qualify for entry include:
Clothing and footwear, new or used
Household linen and furnishings for a student's room, for example, a desk and chair
CObjects and instruments normally used by students for their studies, for example, personal computer, calculator
Non-Students
If you are moving temporarily to Poland, you may ship your personal effects duty-free as long as they leave Poland when you do.
Goods that may be shipped include:
Clothes and footwear
Toiletries
Portable radio and television set
Personal computer
Cameras and musical instruments, and their accessories, providing they are of a reasonable number
NOTE: Commercial quantities of goods and those shipped to be sold, are not allowed under this duty-free provision.
Moving Permanently
If you are moving permanently to Poland, you may ship your personal effects from Canada duty-free.
The conditions of the shipment are:
You have been in possession of the goods for at least 6 months
You have lived outside of the EU continuously for 12 months or more
Once you arrive in Poland, your goods will not be transferred, rented, or lent out to anyone
If your shipment contains any of the following items, they will incur duty charges:
Alcoholic beverages
Tobacco and tobacco products
Instruments and equipment used for your craft or profession
Marriage
Moving to Poland because of marriage? Then you may ship your wedding presents, clothes, and linen resulting from your marriage exempt from duty charges.
The conditions include:
All those that apply to anyone else moving permanently to Poland (see above)
No gift can be valued at more than €1,000 (about $1500 CAD)
The shipment may arrive in Poland no earlier than 2 months before or 4 months after the wedding
Personal Effects Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
A detailed description of each item is provided
If moving due to a marriage, you must provide marital documentation
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Maria Sklodowska 16 Freta Street 00-227 Warsaw Poland
Phone: +48 22 831 8092
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
Machinery and equipment can be shipped to Poland from Canada exempt from import duties under the inward processing procedures of the EU.
Inward processing rules require that:
The importation will be temporary
Permission is applied for by the importer
(Application)
- before importation
A security is provided for customs duty
Items Under Warranty
As Poland and Canada are participants in a free-trade agreement (CETA), repairs under warranty returning to Canada from Poland are duty-free and will not be charged GST.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
If a piece of equipment no longer under warranty was sent to Poland for repair and is returning to Canada, GST will be charged on the value of the repair and any new parts needed to do the repair.
Sending Product for Repair to Poland
Machinery and equipment can be shipped to Poland from Canada exempt from import duties.
Equipment that has been repaired in Canada and is returned to Poland will not incur duty charges under the EU's outward processing rules.
NOTE: This does not apply to cases in which the machinery or equipment has been sent to Canada to improve its technical efficiency
Repair Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return
(see sample)
Include repair contract with shipment
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Poland or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Maria Sklodowska 16 Freta Street 00-227 Warsaw Poland
Phone: +48 22 831 8092
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
Goods can be temporarily imported into Poland from Canada exempt from import duties. They may stay for a maximum of 24 months, but this can be extended up to 10 years with permission from customs authorities.
NOTE: Temporary imports must be applied for to customs authorities and may require the payment of security to cover the duty.
Goods typically imported for temporary purposes include:
Sample items to be displayed and demonstrated at an exhibition or trade fair
Materials used to build and prepare a booth or stand at a trade fair
Musical instruments
Teaching materials
Professional and scientific equipment
Goods, machinery, and samples to be tested
Recording devices for media purposes
Goods imported temporarily must follow these rules:
They are to undergo no changes save for needed maintenance
Their owner resides in Canada
Ownership of them can be provided
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Poland, you can pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires you to complete a commercial invoice. More details are shown below.
Option #
Temporary Import Method
Risk of paying
1
Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided)
High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2
Commercial Invoice
+
ATA Carnet
Very Low
1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only
This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.
NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax free.
Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, FedEx, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties and taxes.
2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet
Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel in and out of the country.
It's also great because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary nature.
NOTE: It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet for items that frequently
travel in and out of the country and especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD
In addition to choosing option 1 or 2, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than 12 months in Poland
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods.
(see sample)
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Maria Sklodowska 16 Freta Street 00-227 Warsaw Poland
Phone: +48 22 831 8092
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Poland. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Poland, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
Polish Customs calculates import duties and taxes using the CIF method, i.e. the sum of the customs value plus insurance plus freight costs.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
Knowing the CIF value of a shipment will allow you to calculate the duty and tax owing by the recipient.
Thresholds
A shipment from Canada to Poland with a CIF value of €150 or less (about $225 CAD) is exempt from duty. This is called the de minimis value. The de minimis value
for VAT is €0.
Shipments containing low value goods sent directly from a third country to a consignee located in the European Union are exempt from import duties, while 'low value goods' means goods whose actual value does not exceed EUR 150 per shipment.
NOTE: Alcoholic beverages, perfumes, and eau de toilette are always subject to VAT, duties, and excise taxes.
Currency
Polish Zloty (PLN)
Duty Exemption
(De minimis Value)
€150 (about $225 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)*
23% (standard)
8% (reduced)
5% (reduced)
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
€0 - effective July 1st, 2021
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
Canada has a free trade agreement with Poland via the EU (CETA). As a result, 98% of all trade goods and services between the 2 countries incur no duties.
Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages incur excise duties. Details may be found
here.
Candy0%
Chocolate0%
Spirits and Wines0%
TobaccoVaries*
BooksVaries*
Documents0%
Video Games & Consoles0%
Computers & Laptops0%
Tablets0%
Mobiles0%
Cameras0%
Accessories for Electronics0%
Coats0%
Beauty Products & Cosmetics0%
Jewellery0%
Shirts & Pants0%
Home Appliances0%
Toys0%
Sports Equipment0%
*More information on duties and taxes for this item can be found
here.
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Shipping to Poland from Canada can take between 2-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform.
More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2 months to complete the delivery.
