Poland - Trade Barriers Poland - Trade Barriers
All business entities operating in Poland (including foreign companies) have equal access to international trade. However, this access is subject to trade policy measures introduced by the EU, which Poland is obliged to observe.
There are certain licensing requirements, not related to commercial policy, for trading in dual-use (i.e. both civil and military use) goods and technologies, in certain chemicals, particularly narcotic drugs and psychotropics, or in cultural goods. Separate arrangements are applied to trade in certain agricultural products under the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), including export/import licensing, quantitative restrictions, export refunds or preferential tariff arrangements. The Minister of Economic Development issues licenses and permits for trading in goods when required. The National Support Center for Agriculture issues licenses and permits in the case of agricultural products.
A range of products is prohibited for reasons relating to the protection of the natural environment, national security, public order, human, plant and animal health.
Customs authorities may detain goods when they suspect infringement of intellectual property, based on supporting documents submitted by the rights holder to the Central Customs Board.
For information on existing trade barriers, please see the 2017 National Trade Estimate Report (NTE) and Technical Barriers published by USTR.
Information on agricultural trade barriers is published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Poland’s National Support Center for Agriculture also provides useful information on agricultural goods and trade.
On January 1, 2019, the ban on use of feeds enhanced through biotechnology in animal feeding is scheduled to enter into force. Originally this ban was to apply in 2008 but was delayed first until 2013 then again until January 1, 2019 due to strong opposition from Poland’s livestock industry. Currently Poland continues to use feeds enhanced through biotechnology in animal feeding. Industry sources indicate that introduction of the ban will be further delayed after January 1, 2019.
To report existing or new trade barriers and get assistance in removing them, contact either the Trade Compliance Center or the U.S. Mission to the European Union.
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.