Import from Poland to the UK
According to recent statistics, the UK is Poland’s third-largest trading partner. The two countries have a long history of bilateral relations, with some historians tracing their mutual diplomacy back to medieval times.
However, trade turnover grew significantly in the 1990s. Following Poland’s acceptance into the EU in 2004, the two nations began using their common vision for the economic agenda to bolster UK-Polish cooperation. Import from Poland, and you could benefit massively from their state-of-the-art mechanical sector, agricultural produce and furniture.
However, trade turnover grew significantly in the 1990s. Following Poland’s acceptance into the EU in 2004, the two nations began using their common vision for the economic agenda to bolster UK-Polish cooperation. Import from Poland, and you could benefit massively from their state-of-the-art mechanical sector, agricultural produce and furniture.
Why import from Poland to the UK?
Strong manufacturing
Based on sales figures provided by Eurostat, Poland is the fifth-largest manufacturing country within the EU!
The main imports from Poland to the UK include rubber and plastic, chemical products, electronics and tobacco. The Polish main statistics office cited that exports to the UK increased by 3.9% in January 2025.
Competitive pricing
Import from Poland, and you could get competitive prices on a wide range of high-quality goods. The International Trade Administration advises that importers work with their Polish representatives to keep costs, particularly import costs, as low as possible.
High-quality goods
The Polish luxury goods market is expanding. Changes in consumer generations mean that key segments (like clothing and precious jewellery) are showing substantial increases.
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What products are commonly imported from Poland?
UK government statistics show that Poland was the UK’s 13th largest trading partner. The total trade in goods between the two countries, including imports and exports, totalled £30 billion.
Shipping from Poland to the UK increased by 2.8% in February 2025, with the top 5 goods being the most commonly imported:
Any imports from Poland to the UK must pass through the Polish Customs Department, managed by the Ministry of Finance. Once approved, they can then be processed via UK customs.
Shipping from Poland to the UK increased by 2.8% in February 2025, with the top 5 goods being the most commonly imported:
- Meat & meat preparations (£1.2 billion)
- Road vehicles other than cars (£733.1 million)
- Office machinery (£711.9 million)
- Electrical machinery (£669.6 million)
- Furniture (£656.6 million)
Any imports from Poland to the UK must pass through the Polish Customs Department, managed by the Ministry of Finance. Once approved, they can then be processed via UK customs.
How to prepare for customs declarations
Shipping from Poland to the UK can be complex, particularly if you have never prepared the necessary paperwork. Importers can hire a customs agent or freight forwarder to help them with this.
Marking and labelling
Product labelling laws in the UK are stringent. For example, food and drink, footwear, children’s goods and precious metals imported from Poland must meet regulations before being marketed to UK customers.
Inspection (if necessary)
Some imports travelling from Poland to the UK may require an import licence, including (but not limited to):
- Controlled drugs
- Hazardous chemicals
- Guns, knives, swords and other weapons
- High-risk food
- Veterinary medicines
Pay duty & VAT
Duty, VAT, and import charges from Poland to the UK vary based on the type of product you're importing and its declared value. These expenses must be paid before the items are cleared through customs.
EORI number
All imports must have an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number. It allows UK authorities to track products as they travel across borders.
Commodity code
A commodity code influences customs duties, VAT, and import restrictions. It consists of 10 numbers that are unique to each shipment and allows customs to classify goods.
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How do I ship goods from Poland to the UK?
You can import from Poland via air or sea freight, with air travel being the fastest method and sea freight the cheapest.
Air freight
Do you need to source a high-quality, time-sensitive shipment? Air freight shipping from Poland to the UK can take anywhere between 1–3 days. You may even be able to source next-day shipping with express delivery services.
Sea freight
Generally, the transit time for sea freight from Poland takes 3–7 days. However, factors like the ports used for loading and unloading, weather conditions and the cargo being transported can increase this estimate.
Does the UK have a free trade agreement with Poland?
No, the UK does not have a specific free trade agreement with Poland alone.
However, the UK and Poland are bound by the broader EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), which provides for zero tariffs and zero quotas on trade between the EU and the UK.
However, the UK and Poland are bound by the broader EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), which provides for zero tariffs and zero quotas on trade between the EU and the UK.
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