Duties and Taxes

What is Duty and Tax? 

Customs Duty is a tax charged on all products shipped from outside of the EU. Controlled by Polish Customs, the purpose of Duty is to bring the cost of imported goods up to the same cost as those produced within the EU to keep competition fair.

Who has to pay? 

The person or business receiving the shipment is legally obliged to pay Duty unless the "Bill Sender Duties and Taxes" or "Bill Third Party Duties and Taxes" box is marked on the (Air) Waybill and a valid FedEx Account Number is indicated on the (Air) Waybill.

What is the clearance administration charge? 

FedEx pays the Duty and Tax charges on your behalf to ensure we can deliver your shipment as quickly as possible. This incurs an administration fee of 2.50% of duties & taxes with a minimum of 48 PLN, whichever is greater.

Why didn’t FedEx Express advise me of this at the time of delivery? 

Where possible, we will contact you in advance with an estimated cost of Duties and Taxes prior to your shipment being assessed by Polish Customs. However, this is not always possible and we are often not aware of the charges levied until after we have delivered your package.

I paid Tax when I purchased this item 

Goods purchased from outside of Poland may be subject to tax charges from the originating country and the shipper may charge you for this. If this is the case, Polish Customs import charges will still be levied when the goods enter Poland, as this is a separate charge.

I pre-paid Duty and Tax charges before delivery 

At the time of import, you may be charged an estimated figure. This is calculated prior to an assessment of your shipment by Polish Customs. If the estimate is lower than the final charge you will be required to pay the difference, and if it is higher we will refund the difference.

If the amount of your invoice is different to the amount you pre-paid, please get in touch with FedEx Customer Service.

I believe the shipper paid for all charges relating to this shipment

Duty and Tax charges are not assessed until the shipment enters Poland. If your shipper has advised they have paid FedEx for these charges, this usually relates to the payment they have made for transportation charges and not Duty or Tax.

I am a temporary visitor to Poland 

You will need to pay the import charges but may be entitled to claim the charges back when you leave Poland. This depends on the individual circumstances of your package. Please contact Customer Service on for further information.  

I purchased my goods online 

The prices advertised on websites outside of the EU often do not include Polish Duty. This can make products appear cheaper when compared to Polish prices. For more information and advice visit the PolishCustoms dedicated website

The shipment is a gift 

Items up to 45.00 € in value that meet the following Polish Customs criteria are not liable for import charges:

• The shipment must be sent directly from person to person.
• The sender must be a private individual and the consignee must take delivery at a private address.
• The gift must be sent free of charge and be of an "occasional nature".
• The word "gift" must be marked on the Air Waybill and commercial invoice.
• All items must be itemised with their own full description and value.

Please note that items containing alcohol and tobacco will incur Excise Duty. Items containing food may need to have additional documentation and be subject to further checks which could result with additional charges.

The shipment contains samples 

Samples can be imported to Poland without Duty or Tax charges as long as they meet the following Polish Customs conditions:

Can only be used as samples.

Are of a negligible value and quantity.

Intended to obtain orders for the type of goods represented.

The commercial invoice and any other paperwork provided with the shipment must declare this information. This will enable Polish Customs to make the appropriate entry.

My goods are second hand

Polish Customs assess Duty and Tax liability regardless of age or previous ownership. If you purchase antiques or original artwork there is a reduced rate of VAT where goods meet the correct criteria.

How do I reject the shipment? 

To be classed as a rejected import, your shipment must comply with the following Polish Customs criteria: the goods are defective, were damaged before clearing Polish Customs or do not comply with the suppliers terms and conditions of contract.

• All claims must be made before the goods are returned or destroyed.
• All claims must be made within 12 months of the original entry to Polish Customs.

You will need to pay any Duties and Taxes to FedEx, and process a claim directly with Polish Customs to reject your shipment.

More information about Duties and Taxes 

For more information relating to Duties and Taxes, please refer to Polish Customs Office: 

Email: info.sluzbacelna@kat.mofnet.gov.pl

Landline: 801 055 055

Mobile: (22) 330 03 30

If you're calling from abroad: +48 (22) 330 03 30