Comprehensive calculation of duties when importing a car from outside the EU.
Provide the vehicle type, purchase price, currency, and engine capacity. For electric vehicles, select the EV option — excise rules differ.
Enter the shipping cost to the EU port, insurance, and any port handling fees. These are factored into the customs value (CIF).
The calculator applies the EU customs duty (10% for cars from third countries), the applicable excise tax rate, and import VAT to produce a full cost breakdown.
You receive an itemised summary showing customs duty, excise tax, VAT, port fees, and the total amount you will pay to get the vehicle road-registered in the EU.
In Poland, excise tax jumps from 3.1% (engines up to 2,000 cc) to 18.6% (above 2,000 cc). This single threshold can add thousands of euros to your import cost. Consider it carefully when choosing a vehicle.
Customs may challenge your declared value if it is significantly below the market price for that make, model, and year. Having a professional valuation or dealer invoice helps defend your declared value.
Vehicles imported from outside the EU typically need individual type-approval (IVA) or proof of EU type-approval. This is a separate process and cost that is not included in customs charges.
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping is generally cheaper for single vehicles, while container shipping offers more protection. The transport cost forms part of the CIF value and affects duty calculations.
You import a 2022 Ford Mustang GT (5.0L V8, 5,038 cc) from the USA. Purchase price: $38,000. Shipping to Gdynia: $1,200. Insurance: $380.
| Purchase price | $38,000.00 |
| Shipping | $1,200.00 |
| Insurance | $380.00 |
| CIF value | $39,580.00 |
| CIF in EUR (rate 1.08) | €36,648.15 |
| Customs duty (10%) | €3,664.82 |
| Excise base | €40,312.97 |
| Excise tax (18.6% — engine > 2,000 cc) | €7,498.21 |
| VAT base | €47,811.18 |
| Import VAT (23%) | €10,996.57 |
| Total import cost | €58,807.75 |
EU customs duty on motor vehicles for the transport of persons (heading 8703) is 10% for third-country imports. This rate is uniform across all EU member states.
Sets excise rates for vehicles: 3.1% for combustion engines up to 2,000 cc and 18.6% above 2,000 cc. Fully electric (BEV) and hydrogen (FCEV) vehicles are fully exempt from excise duty (Art. 109a). Plug-in hybrids (PHEV) with engines up to 2,000 cc are exempt until 31.12.2029 (Art. 163a). Mild/full hybrids (HEV/MHEV) up to 2,000 cc: 1.55%.
Import VAT is due when goods are released for free circulation. The taxable amount includes the customs value, customs duty, and excise duty.
Imported vehicles must meet EU safety and emissions standards. Individual vehicle approval (IVA) may be required for cars not originally type-approved for the EU market.