Importing cars from the USA, especially from auctions like Copart and IAAI, is a process that requires proper planning and knowledge of procedures. The entire procedure includes several key stages – from selecting the car, through bidding, to transport to Poland and registration. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide to help you successfully complete the entire process.
Signing an agreement with a broker is one of the key steps in the process of importing a car from the USA. A broker, or a licensed auction intermediary, represents the client during the auction and throughout the logistics process. The agreement outlines the scope of services, responsibilities of both parties, payment terms, and the broker's commission. Typically, the broker provides access to auction platforms, handles transactions, organizes transport, and offers customs support. Signing the agreement is a formality that grants the client the right to use the broker's services and ensures a secure cooperation.
The second step in the process of importing a car from the USA is selecting the vehicle. Your actions at this stage depend on whether you are searching for the car using auction platforms yourself or if you have delegated this task to a broker.
In any case, you need to:
Once you have selected the right vehicle, the next step is to enter the bidding process or delegate it to a broker. Online auctions have two stages:
It is important to know the maximum price you are willing to pay for the car, considering all additional fees (auction, transport, customs duties). After winning the auction, you will have a limited time to make the payment.
After the auction ends, you need to pay for the car within the specified time:
Once the car is paid for, you will receive purchase confirmation documents and can begin organizing transportation.
After paying for the car, you need to organize or commission the transport from the USA to the EU, which involves several key stages:
Land Transport to the Port in the USA – once the car is paid for, it will be transported to a port in the USA, from where it will begin its journey to Europe. The cost of land transport to the port in the USA usually ranges from $500 to $1000, depending on the distance.
Sea Transport – the car is loaded onto a ship and transported to a port in Europe. The sea transport typically takes between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the specific port in the USA and the destination port in Europe.
It is important to note that transport time depends on the specific port chosen in the USA and the destination port in the EU.
After the car arrives in Europe, it must go through the customs clearance procedure. To do this, you need to:
Remember that customs clearance may involve additional costs, such as storage fees if the car is not collected in a timely manner.
After customs clearance, the car is transported to its final destination in Poland. Depending on the distance from the port, transport may take several days. The cost of transport from the port in Europe to Poland depends on the location, but it usually ranges from 2000 to 2500 PLN.
The car repair stage after importing from the USA is highly individualized – it depends on the type and extent of the damage. Therefore, it is difficult to provide specific information, as each case is different. However, a mandatory step after repair is the technical inspection. The car must meet European standards, which often requires certain adaptations — front headlights, rear amber turn signals, rear fog light, speedometer, and a kilometer counter. Only after completing these modifications and passing the technical inspection can the car move forward to registration.
The final step is registering the car in Poland. To do this, you need to:
Pay the excise tax. This is a tax based on the vehicle's value, engine capacity, and type, which must be paid before registering the car. The excise tax rate depends on the engine capacity:
The excise tax is calculated based on the market value of the vehicle (not the purchase price), so it is advisable to have documents that confirm its technical condition and damages — these can lower the vehicle’s valuation and the final tax amount. The payment is made online through the e-Tax Office system, and proof of payment is required for further registration formalities.
Prepare the documents. After paying the excise tax, the next step is preparing the necessary documents for vehicle registration in Poland. Key documents include the American title of ownership, customs clearance document, proof of excise tax payment, technical inspection certificate, and sworn translations of all documents into Polish. It is also helpful to have the purchase invoice or sales agreement, as well as proof of the vehicle owner’s identity. Once you have all the documents, you need to go to the office to obtain the registration number and registration certificate.
Car registration is the final step to legally use the vehicle in Poland. The entire registration process usually takes a few working days, but for accident-damaged vehicles, it may take slightly longer due to the need for additional technical inspections.