Most frequently asked questions
Thinking about importing a car from the USA or Canada but still have questions about costs, paperwork, or the entire process? We gathered the most common questions to help you understand what the journey looks like step by step.
Help / FAQ
Yes. The American market offers a vast selection of vehicles at lower prices than in Poland and Europe. You can buy a car from the USA with minimal mileage and minor damages. The savings can be substantial, typically ranging from 15% to 45%, depending on the auction, brand, and model.
No. You can also buy undamaged, vintage, or restored cars in the USA. Even when factoring in all costs—purchase, shipping, customs clearance, and repairs—a used car from the USA often remains more affordable than a comparable vehicle in Europe.
The final cost is calculated based on the auction purchase price, transportation to Europe, and customs clearance in the chosen country.
No. Transporting an undamaged vehicle is usually less cost-effective since it sells for a higher auction price than a damaged one, resulting in increased customs duties. Importing undamaged vehicles becomes profitable only when the USD exchange rate falls below 3.50 PLN.
You may decline to pick up a car after winning an auction, but only if permitted by the auction’s terms. On Copart and IAAI auctions, there is a penalty of 10% of the vehicle's value for not picking it up. This penalty can only be paid if the auction house allows it and the car has not yet been paid for by the buyer. If the vehicle has already been paid for, cancellation is not possible. The request for cancellation must be submitted within 24 hours of purchase.
Auctions impose financial penalties for non-payment or delayed payment of a purchased vehicle. The deposit serves as security for the company in case the client fails to make a timely payment for the vehicle. It covers the company's costs in such cases.
The deposit is refunded if the client decides not to buy the car before the auction starts or if the company fails to win the vehicle within the agreed budget. The client may also use the deposit for another car purchase.
Delivery to Europe typically takes around 40 days, depending on the vehicle's location in the USA and the selected shipping port. Another factor affecting delivery time is the availability of all necessary documents in the USA. Cars from Canada usually have a shorter delivery time of around 30 days.
Yes, you will receive regular updates about your vehicle. Customers receive all information via email, including the latest photos from the U.S. port before loading, the container number, and the shipping line details for tracking.
The customs duty for importing a car from the USA is 10% of the car’s value, plus the auction commission and transport to the customs clearance point. The basic rate for passenger cars is 10%. Additionally, an excise tax applies:
For cars with an engine capacity over 2000 cm³ – 18.6%.
For cars with an engine capacity under 2000 cm³ – 3.1%.
The excise tax declaration must be submitted within 14 days of crossing the Polish border (the taxpayer declares the border crossing date). The tax must be paid within 30 days of submitting the declaration.
The following vehicles are exempt from excise tax: electric cars, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and plug-in hybrids with an engine capacity below 2000 cm³. This exemption is valid until December 31, 2029. Additionally, trucks and vintage vehicles are also exempt
A vehicle qualifies as vintage if it is at least 25 years old and has been out of production for at least 15 years. It must also retain at least 75% of its original parts.
Collectible and vintage cars are exempt from excise tax. If imported from outside the USA or Canada, customs duties are also not applicable, and the VAT is only 8%.
Copart and IAAI auctions frequently list vehicles without specifying a sale date. Such listings are marked as "Upcoming LOT" or "TBD." The auction date will be assigned within a few weeks once all formal issues with the vehicle are resolved.
No, bids at the auction are binding and cannot be canceled. Once a bid is placed, the buyer must pay the winning amount (plus all additional fees) if the seller accepts the bid.
No, only the seller can cancel or approve the final bid for the vehicle.
Yes, you can bid live at the auction. The highest bid wins. A single vehicle's live auction usually lasts about 30-60 seconds.
Example: If the live auction starts at 4:00 PM and your vehicle is listed as B/50, it will likely be auctioned on lane "B" around 4:50 PM
You will need:
A personal identification document.
A purchase agreement or an invoice for the car.
Proof of excise tax payment from the tax office.
For hybrid cars (up to 2.0L) and electric vehicles, an excise tax exemption certificate is required.
The registration certificate (title). A list of accepted titles for registration can be found here (insert link to title list).
Documents confirming customs duties and VAT payment.
A technical inspection certificate (for accident-damaged cars, the cost is 192 PLN). A list of accepted titles for registration can be found here.
Cars from the USA and Canada
Dreaming of a unique car that stands out with style, equipment, and power? With us it’s possible! For years we’ve specialized in importing vehicles from the USA and Canada.