International Freight Transport from Poland: Essential Insights (2025)

Poland’s Role in Global Logistics

Poland is a vital logistics hub, connecting Western Europe with Eastern Europe and Asia. Its exports – including automotive, electronics, and food – are shipped globally via efficient road, rail, sea, and air networks.

Key routes:

• Road: A2 to Germany, A4 to Czech Republic/Slovakia.
• Rail: Intermodal hubs in Łódź and Małaszewicze serve Europe and China.
• Sea: Gdańsk and Gdynia ports handle container and bulk cargo.
• Air: Warsaw and Katowice airports manage high-value goods.

Customs and Documentation

For non-EU exports, required documents include:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• CMR Waybill
• Export Declaration (ECS)
• EORI Number (mandatory for customs)

Exports outside the EU are zero-rated for VAT, provided documentation is in order.

SENT Compliance in 2025

Poland’s SENT system tracks sensitive goods (fuel, alcohol, chemicals). From 2025, all carriers – including foreign – must register such shipments in SENT before entering Poland.

Penalties for non-compliance:
Up to 12,000 PLN (~€2,800) per violation.

Carriers must ensure proper registration and real-time GPS tracking.

Optimizing Freight Operations

• Freight Forwarders: Handle customs, permits, and multimodal transport.
• Digital Platforms: Use Trans.eu, TimoCom for booking and tracking.
• Transit Times:
  • Germany: 1–2 days (road)
  • UK/France: 2–4 days
  • China: 12–18 days (rail)

Trends in 2025

• Sustainability: Low-emission vehicles and CO₂ tracking gain importance.
• Digitalization: Real-time visibility and ETA forecasts are industry standards.
• Trade Shifts: Be aware of EU-UK changes and sanctions impacting logistics.

Conclusion

In 2025, international freight from Poland is efficient but requires strict compliance with SENT and customs rules. Leveraging experienced partners and digital tools ensures smooth operations and cost savings.

Need expert support with exports from Poland? Contact us for tailored logistics solutions.