Type Approval for a Car Imported from the UK — Do You Need It and How to Get It?

When Individual Type Approval Is Required — and When It Is Not

The primary criterion is whether your car has a valid COC (Certificate of Conformity). A COC is issued by the manufacturer and confirms that the vehicle meets the requirements of the EU framework directive (2007/46/EC or Regulation EU 2018/858). If the car left the factory with a COC covering the EU market — as most European-class cars do — licensing offices accept this document without a separate type approval procedure. A problem arises when the COC is missing, when the vehicle was registered as a special vehicle in the UK, when substantial modifications have been made to the structure, or when the car originates from outside the European market (e.g. a Japanese import via the UK, so-called grey market). In these cases individual type approval carried out by TDT or PIMOT is required.

Cases where a COC is sufficient for registration

<p>If your car has a valid COC (Certificate of Conformity) issued by the manufacturer or importer for the EU/EEA market, you simply submit it together with the registration application to the licensing office. The document must be the original or a certified copy. A sworn translation of the COC into Polish is technically optional, but many offices require it — check locally before your visit.</p><p>The COC confirms compliance with the relevant type approval (e.g. e1, e11, e4 — country of approval codes). If the document shows an EU or EEA country code and the vehicle has not been modified, registration follows the standard path without any additional technical inspections beyond the usual MOT equivalent.</p><p>Many cars imported from the UK have a COC — particularly Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes, Toyota models from European plants. If the seller does not have a COC, you can order a duplicate directly from the manufacturer (a paid service, typically £50–150 or EUR).</p>

When individual type approval at TDT or PIMOT is required

<p>Individual type approval is required when: (1) the vehicle does not have a COC and one cannot be obtained from the manufacturer; (2) the car has been substantially modified (e.g. engine, suspension, or body changes) after leaving the factory; (3) the vehicle comes from outside the European market (e.g. Japan spec or US spec imported via the UK); (4) the car has classic/historic status (pre-1995) and is not subject to standard type approval.</p><p>The individual type approval procedure is conducted by the Technical Supervision Authority (TDT) under the Road Traffic Act. For specialist vehicles, or when TDT refers the matter to experts, testing is carried out by PIMOT (Motor Transport Institute). Procedure details and application forms are available on the Ministry of Infrastructure website (gov.pl).</p><p>Waiting time for a TDT decision is typically 30–60 working days, though for unmodified cars it may be shorter. The fee for individual type approval is several hundred PLN — the current schedule is set by TDT and published on gov.pl.</p>

How to Obtain a COC for a UK Car — Step by Step

Before committing to the type approval procedure, make sure the COC truly does not exist. Many cars imported by dealers or from UK auctions actually have a COC — it is just missing from the sale documentation. The correct COC can be ordered from the manufacturer or authorised importer. Below is a step-by-step path — from VIN verification, through ordering a duplicate COC, to translation and document submission at the office.

Step 1 — VIN verification and COC availability with the manufacturer

<p>The first step is to check the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and establish whether the manufacturer can issue a duplicate COC. Most European manufacturers offer this service through their dealer network or online. Examples: Volkswagen Group — COC portal for VW/Audi/SEAT/Skoda; BMW — service via authorised dealer; Mercedes-Benz — COC online form on the manufacturer’s website. Provide the VIN and proof of ownership — the V5C (British registration document) is usually sufficient. The cost of a duplicate COC ranges from £30 to £150 depending on the manufacturer.</p><p>If the manufacturer confirms that a COC exists, order it before importing the car or immediately after purchase — you will avoid a costly type approval procedure. If the car originates from outside the European market or the manufacturer cannot issue a COC for the VIN in question, you must go through TDT.</p>

Step 2 — COC translation and documents for the licensing office

<p>A COC in English is not automatically rejected by Polish licensing offices, but most offices require a sworn translation into Polish. Translation cost is typically 150–400 PLN depending on document length and the translator. Search for a sworn English translator registered on the Ministry of Justice list (search tool on the MJ website).</p><p>In addition to the COC, the registration application requires: purchase invoice or bill of sale, proof of customs clearance and payment of duty and VAT (SAD document or confirmation from the AIS/PUESC system), V5C (British log book) or equivalent, insurance policy (OC), identity document or power of attorney. Check the local document list — licensing offices may have additional requirements.</p>

Step 3 — Technical inspection before first registration

<p>Every car imported from abroad must pass a technical inspection before its first registration in Poland — regardless of whether it has a COC. The inspection is carried out by a Vehicle Inspection Station (SKP). The scope is extended compared to a standard MOT: checking VIN and engine numbers for consistency with documents, inspecting lighting (UK has right-hand traffic — headlights may need adjustment or lens replacement), emissions test, braking efficiency test, and a general roadworthiness check.</p><p>If the headlights are asymmetric (designed for left-hand traffic), the SKP will not pass the vehicle without replacement or modification. This is a frequent and costly mistake when importing cars from the UK — check the headlight type before purchase. The cost of replacing lenses or headlights is 500–2,500 PLN depending on the model.</p>

Duty, VAT and the Role of the Customs Broker When Importing a Car from the UK

Type approval is an administrative procedure handled by technical and licensing authorities — the customs broker does not carry it out and does not liaise with TDT or PIMOT. However, before the car reaches the licensing office, you must settle customs duty and import VAT — and this is where we can help. Customs clearance for a car imported from the UK requires submitting a declaration in the CDS system (UK side) or the AIS system (Polish side), depending on the import procedure. Below we explain what falls within the scope of the customs broker’s service and what you must arrange yourself.

What documents you need for customs clearance of a UK car

<p>For customs clearance of a passenger car imported from the UK to Poland you need: purchase invoice or bill of sale with the price in GBP or EUR, V5C (British registration document — confirms year of manufacture and identification data), vehicle technical specification (may be part of the COC or manufacturer’s data sheet), VIN number, your own EORI number or PESEL number (for individuals — small imports may be possible without EORI).</p><p>On the basis of these documents the customs broker prepares the import declaration and calculates the customs duties. The duty rate for passenger cars (HS 8703) is standardly 6.5% of the vehicle’s value. The basis is the customs value (purchase price + transport cost to the EU border). Import VAT of 23% is added on the basis calculated from the customs value plus duty.</p><p>Customs clearance cost: from £45 to £150. <em>Prices are indicative — exact pricing after documentation is submitted.</em></p>

How Easy Clearance helps with importing a car — and what is out of scope

<p>Easy Clearance handles: preparing and submitting the import customs declaration in the AIS system (Polish side) or CDS (UK side), calculating duty and import VAT, obtaining the clearance confirmation document (SAD or IE-599 message / MRN), and advising on customs procedures (e.g. ATA suspensive procedure, temporary admission).</p><p>Outside the scope of the customs broker: obtaining a COC or liaising with TDT/PIMOT, document translation, vehicle registration at the licensing office, technical inspection at SKP, insurance advice. For these steps you need a sworn translator, a vehicle inspection station, and the licensing office.</p><p>If you have questions about duty or want a preliminary cost estimate, message us on WhatsApp. We respond within minutes — no charge, no commitment. Contact Easy Clearance: <a href="https://wa.me/447404091503?text=Question+about+customs+clearance+UK+car&utm_source=easyclearance.pl&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=homologacja-auta-z-uk-polska-procedura-2026">WhatsApp +44 7404 091503</a>.</p>

What the current rules say

A UK car requires individual type approval in Poland only when a valid COC is missing or the vehicle has been substantially modified — the procedure is carried out by TDT or PIMOT, not by the customs broker. If you have a COC, a sworn translation and a standard technical inspection at SKP before registration are sufficient. Duty (standardly 6.5% of value, HS 8703) and import VAT (23%) on a UK car import are a separate matter — and Easy Clearance can help you handle them quickly and without complications. The competent authority for type approval matters is the Technical Supervision Authority (TDT). Changes in domestic and EU regulations may affect specific technical requirements — always check the current position on gov.pl.

FAQ — frequently asked questions

Does every UK car require type approval in Poland?

No. If the vehicle has a valid COC (Certificate of Conformity) compliant with the EU or UNECE standard, the licensing office will accept it without a separate type approval procedure. Individual type approval via TDT or PIMOT is only required when the COC is missing or the vehicle has been substantially modified.

How do I obtain a COC for a UK car?

A COC is ordered from the manufacturer or authorised importer by providing the VIN number. Most European brands offer a duplicate COC for a fee of £30–150. If the manufacturer cannot issue a COC (e.g. for cars from outside the European market), individual type approval at TDT is required.

How much does individual type approval at TDT cost?

TDT fees are set by TDT and published on gov.pl. Total cost depends on vehicle type and scope of testing — typically several hundred PLN. Additionally, a technical inspection at SKP and document translation must be factored in.

What is the duty on a car from the UK?

The standard duty rate on passenger cars (HS 8703) is 6.5% of the customs value (purchase price + transport cost to the EU border). Import VAT of 23% is added. Easy Clearance customs clearance cost: from £45 to £150. Prices are indicative — exact pricing after documentation is submitted.

Does a customs broker handle vehicle type approval?

No. The customs broker handles duty and import VAT — preparing and submitting the customs declaration and settling the charges. Type approval is an administrative procedure handled by TDT or PIMOT, and registration is handled by the licensing office. Easy Clearance assists with customs clearance, not type approval.

Do I need to replace the headlights on a UK car?

Yes, if the headlights are asymmetric — designed for left-hand traffic (UK). The vehicle inspection station will reject the vehicle if the headlights illuminate the right-hand verge instead of the left. Replacing or adjusting headlight lenses is a condition for passing the technical inspection before registration.

Official sources

• Type approval of a vehicle imported from abroad — Ministry of Infrastructure — gov.pl
• Vehicle Approval — UK type approval overview — GOV.UK
• EU Regulation 2018/858 — approval of motor vehicles — EUR-Lex
• UK Trade Tariff — HS 8703 (passenger motor vehicles) — HMRC
• Duty and taxes — import of goods from the UK — Ministry of Finance Poland