Poland Import Restrictions

by countryaah · Published June 2, 2019 · Updated February 13, 2025

In order to enter Poland, certain goods are subject to specific controls and, regardless of their value and quantity, they require the consent of Poland government, preferably, license must be obtained prior to passage through the customs, preventing the goods from being retained. On this page, you will see what kinds of items are prohibited from entering the Poland, and which items need special documentation before exporting to Poland.

Poland, located in Central Europe, is one of the most developed economies in the European Union and plays a vital role in regional and international trade. As an EU member state, Poland adheres to the EU’s single market regulations, which govern the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people. However, Poland, like other EU member countries, also enforces certain import restrictions to protect public health, safety, the environment, and national security. These regulations aim to ensure that imported goods meet EU standards and do not pose risks to the population or the environment.

The Polish Customs Service, under the Ministry of Finance, oversees the enforcement of import laws and regulations in Poland. Other governmental bodies, such as the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the General Directorate for Environmental Protection, also play key roles in regulating specific types of imports, including food products, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. Businesses and individuals looking to engage in trade with Poland must ensure that they comply with these regulations to avoid penalties, delays, or confiscation of goods. This guide outlines the prohibited items for import into Poland and products that require an import license.

Prohibited Items for Import into Poland

Poland has established a number of import prohibitions to protect the safety, health, and environment of its citizens. These restrictions prevent goods from entering the country that could potentially harm the population or the environment, violate EU laws, or contravene international trade agreements.

Products Harmful to Public Health and Safety

One of the main focuses of Poland’s import regulations is to safeguard public health and safety. The country enforces strict laws that prohibit the importation of goods that pose significant risks to health.

Illicit Drugs and Narcotics: Poland enforces rigorous laws to prevent the importation of illegal drugs and narcotics. The National Bureau for Drug Prevention and Polish Customs work closely together to monitor and control the entry of controlled substances, including heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, and synthetic drugs. These drugs are classified as dangerous under both Polish law and EU regulations, and their importation is strictly prohibited. Poland, being part of the EU and a signatory to various international drug control conventions, follows the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and the EU Drug Control Program. Importers attempting to bring illegal drugs into Poland face severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, fines, and confiscation of goods. The country’s zero-tolerance approach to narcotics is designed to prevent drug abuse and drug trafficking within its borders.
Counterfeit Medicines and Medical Devices: The Office for Registration of Medicinal Products and the Polish Medicines Agency (PPA) regulate the importation of pharmaceuticals and medical devices to ensure that they meet EU safety and efficacy standards. Counterfeit medicines, which may be ineffective or harmful, pose a serious risk to public health and are banned from entering Poland. Similarly, medical devices that do not comply with EU standards for safety and quality are prohibited. The importation of these goods requires authorization from the relevant regulatory authorities, and companies must provide proof of certification from recognized international organizations such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Goods that do not meet these standards are rejected, and violators may face legal action. This regulation aims to protect consumers from substandard or potentially dangerous medical products.

Environmentally Harmful Goods

Poland is committed to environmental protection, and the government has put in place stringent measures to prevent the importation of goods that could damage the environment. These restrictions cover products that may contribute to pollution or threaten the country’s biodiversity.

Hazardous Waste and E-Waste: Poland, as a member of the Basel Convention on the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes, has regulations in place to prevent the importation of hazardous waste, including electronic waste (e-waste), industrial waste, and medical waste. E-waste contains harmful substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can severely impact the environment if not disposed of properly. The General Directorate for Environmental Protection (GDEP) is responsible for regulating the importation of these materials and ensuring that they are handled and disposed of in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. The import of hazardous waste is prohibited, and violators face heavy fines and the destruction of goods. Poland’s strict enforcement of these regulations helps protect its ecosystems and ensures compliance with EU environmental laws.
Products Derived from Endangered Species: In accordance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Poland has imposed restrictions on the importation of products derived from endangered species. This includes items such as ivory, exotic animal skins, and certain plants that are at risk of extinction due to overexploitation. The Ministry of Environment and Polish Customs are responsible for regulating wildlife products to ensure that they do not contribute to the illegal wildlife trade. Poland enforces strict monitoring and customs checks to prevent the entry of such goods, and violators face confiscation of the products, fines, and potential legal prosecution. These regulations are aimed at protecting biodiversity and preventing the exploitation of endangered species.

Products Requiring Import Licenses

While many goods can be freely imported into Poland, there are certain categories of products that require an import license. These items are subject to additional scrutiny to ensure that they meet health, safety, and environmental standards before being allowed entry into the country.

Goods Subject to Import Licensing

Several categories of products require an import license to ensure that they comply with Polish and EU regulations. These goods may pose risks to public health, safety, or the environment, or they may be subject to quotas and other controls to protect local industries and the economy.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices: The Polish Medicines Agency (PPA) is responsible for regulating the importation of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. To ensure that these products meet safety and efficacy standards, importers must obtain an import license before bringing these goods into the country. This process includes the submission of documentation such as proof of regulatory approval from European Medicines Agency (EMA) or other recognized international authorities. Pharmaceuticals, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and vaccines, must be thoroughly tested for safety, efficacy, and quality before being allowed to enter Poland. Similarly, medical devices, ranging from diagnostic equipment to surgical instruments, must comply with the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) set by the European Union. Importers must provide certifications, clinical trial data, and safety documentation to secure an import license. The goal is to protect public health and ensure that only safe, effective products are available in the market.
Agricultural Products and Livestock: The importation of agricultural products, including livestock, fruits, vegetables, grains, and seeds, is subject to licensing by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. These goods are regulated to protect local agriculture from diseases and pests, and to ensure that imported products do not pose a risk to food security or public health. Livestock must meet stringent veterinary health standards and be free from diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and avian influenza. Similarly, plant products, such as seeds and fruits, must be certified as pest-free and compliant with phytosanitary standards. The Ministry of Agriculture also monitors the importation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to ensure that they meet EU safety standards before being introduced into the market. Importers must provide health and safety certificates and comply with quarantine procedures to secure an import license for these products.

Environmentally Sensitive Goods

In line with its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection, Poland regulates the importation of goods that could harm the environment. These products require an import license to ensure they comply with national and EU regulations aimed at minimizing environmental impact.

Chemicals and Hazardous Materials: The importation of chemicals and hazardous substances, including industrial chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers, is regulated by the Ministry of Environment and the State Sanitary Inspectorate. These materials can have significant effects on the environment and public health if not properly handled. Importers must obtain a license for hazardous chemicals, providing documentation about their composition, intended use, and safety measures for storage, handling, and disposal. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) oversees the regulation of chemicals in the EU, and Poland follows these regulations closely. Importers are required to submit safety data sheets (SDS), toxicity reports, and environmental impact assessments to demonstrate compliance with EU safety standards. The Ministry of Environment evaluates the potential environmental risks of chemicals before granting an import license. This ensures that hazardous substances are managed in a way that minimizes their negative impact on the environment.
Plastic and Packaging Materials: As part of the European Union’s push toward reducing plastic waste and promoting circular economy practices, Poland has regulations governing the importation of plastic products and packaging materials. The Ministry of Environment and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulate plastics to ensure that they meet local recycling standards and contribute to sustainability goals. Importers of non-recyclable plastics or single-use plastic products must demonstrate that their goods comply with the EU’s Plastic Waste Directive and recycling laws. The importation of plastic products that do not meet the required environmental standards is subject to additional restrictions, higher tariffs, or outright rejection. The government encourages the importation of eco-friendly materials such as biodegradable plastics or recyclable packaging. Import licenses are required for goods that fall under these categories, and importers must provide documentation that proves their products meet these stringent environmental guidelines.

Regulated Consumer Goods

In addition to health, safety, and environmental products, certain consumer goods are regulated under Poland’s import licensing system. These goods must meet local safety standards and are subject to specific import controls before being allowed entry into the country.

Motor Vehicles and Spare Parts: The Ministry of Infrastructure and Polish Customs regulate the importation of motor vehicles, including used vehicles, and spare parts. Vehicles must comply with EU road safety standards and emissions regulations before they can be legally imported and registered in Poland. Used vehicles are subject to additional scrutiny, including inspections to ensure they meet the required standards for safety and environmental performance. Importers must submit documentation proving that their vehicles are compliant with these regulations, including emissions certifications and roadworthiness certificates. Similarly, spare parts must meet safety standards to ensure that they are compatible with local vehicles and infrastructure. The Ministry of Infrastructure oversees these imports to ensure that vehicles do not contribute to air pollution and comply with the EU’s Euro 6 emissions standard.
Electronics and Household Appliances: The Polish Standards Committee (PKN) regulates the importation of electronics and household appliances, ensuring that these products meet EU electrical safety standards. Electronics such as refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners must undergo rigorous testing to ensure they do not pose electrical hazards. Additionally, these products must meet energy efficiency standards to help reduce electricity consumption. The Energy Efficiency Directive of the European Union outlines the requirements for energy-efficient products, and the Polish government enforces these standards. Importers must provide documentation showing that their products have been tested and comply with these safety and energy efficiency guidelines. Products that do not meet these standards may face delays at customs, additional fees, or rejection at the border.