Essentials
Importing Cars from the USA — The BasicsAdvantages of Importing Cars from the USARisks Associated with Importing Cars from the USAStep-by-Step Guide to Importing a Car from the USAMost Popular Online Car Auctions in the USAAuction Platforms as an Alternative to Traditional BrokersAuction Rules on Copart and IAAICalculating the Final “All-In” CostCars Worth Importing from the USASafety Rules When Importing Cars from the USAImporting Cars from the USA and EU/Polish RegulationsBenefits of Working with an Importer (Broker)
Car search
Ways to Search for Cars from the USARules for Finding Good Cars at US AuctionsTypes of Vehicle Damage at US AuctionsChecking Vehicle Features Using the Window StickerDifference Between Insurance and Non-Insurance SellersVehicle History Reports in the USA — CARFAX and AutoCheck
Bidding process
Bidding on Copart and IAAI — Step by StepAuction Stages and Types on Copart and IAAI — In DetailPayments and Penalties on Copart and IAAI Auctions
Transport to the EU
Ground Transportation to the Port of Departure in the USAOcean Freight from the USA to the EU
Customs clearance
Unloading at the Port, Customs Duties, and VAT — Step-by-StepCustoms Clearance When Importing a Car from the USAVAT When Importing a Car from the USAGround Transportation to Poland
Excise duty and registration
Car Registration of a US Vehicle in Poland — Step by StepExcise Duty for Importing a Car from the USA and Expert’s Report (rzeczoznawca)Required Documents for Registering a Car from the USA in Poland

Importing Cars from the USA — The Basics

Importing a car from the USA is a multi-step process that includes buying the vehicle at an American auction, organizing sea and land transport, customs clearance, paying taxes and duties, and finally registering the car in Poland. Although it may seem complicated, more and more people are choosing to import cars from the USA because it offers real financial benefits and access to better-equipped vehicles.

Where to Buy a Car from the USA? Copart and IAAI Auctions

The vast majority of imported vehicles come from online salvage car auctions in the USA, such as Copart and IAAI. These platforms list vehicles damaged in collisions, floods, or with mechanical issues, often with low starting bids. Buyers can bid online without needing to be physically present.

Thanks to the wide variety of models, years, and trim levels, Copart and IAAI auctions are the best places to find a car tailored to your expectations – in terms of both budget and intended use.

More → Ways to Find Cars from the USA

Checking Vehicle History – CARFAX and AutoCheck

When buying a car from the United States, you can’t inspect it in person, so verifying its history is crucial. The most common tools for this are CARFAX and AutoCheck reports, which include data on:

  • vehicle mileage,
  • total loss records,
  • previous accidents and repairs,
  • number of previous owners,
  • inspections and service history.

These reports offer much greater transparency than listings on European car websites.

More → US Vehicle History Reports — CARFAX and AutoCheck

Is It Worth Importing a Car from the USA?

Absolutely. Even after including all costs – such as shipping, customs duties, VAT, excise tax, and bodywork – buying a car in the USA can be 20–40% cheaper than its European equivalent. In addition, American cars are usually better equipped – often featuring automatic transmissions, leather seats, panoramic roofs, advanced safety systems, premium audio, and other features that are paid extras in Europe.

More → Cars Worth Importing from the USA

Importing Cars from the USA as a Business Idea

Importing cars from the USA isn’t just an option for private buyers. Many people turn this model into a profitable business. The idea is to buy a damaged vehicle, repair it in Poland (often much cheaper than in the US), and then sell it with a margin. Thanks to lower purchase and repair costs, it’s possible to offer the end customer a very competitive price.

More → Why Is Importing Cars from the USA Worth It?

Formalities and Challenges in Importing Cars from the US

When importing a car from the USA, you also need to handle several formalities:

  • correct calculation of customs duties, VAT, and excise tax,
  • arranging transport from the USA to Poland (usually by ship to ports in Germany, the Netherlands, or Belgium),
  • customs clearance and document preparation,
  • adapting the vehicle to European standards, including EU-compliant lighting, speedometer in km/h, etc.

Many people use companies that manage the entire process – from bidding to vehicle registration in Poland.

More → What Are the Risks of Importing Cars from the USA?

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