Importing windows: how to import them from Poland to the USA?

From our warehouse in Oleśnica to New York it is 4166 miles in a straight line. Hence, if we wanted to embark on an unforgettable trip to America today, we would spend more than 10 hours on a plane. On top of that, taking into account all the commuting, checking in at the airport, it would give us two days in a seated position.

Does it make sense to import windows and doors from Poland to New York, Chicago or any other area of the United States? Let’s find out.

Is it worth buying windows in Poland and importing them to the US?

Of course, it’s worth it! It’s as convenient and easy as buying a plane ticket, argues Wojciech Stanowski, owner of debesto.com.

How to save money on imports from Poland to the US?

The only factor that affects the benefits of having Polish windows in the US is the price of transportation. For small orders and uPVC windows – let’s be real – the profitability of importing from Poland will often be questionable.

How much does a container of windows and doors from Poland to the US cost?

The estimated price of a container of windows to the USA (that measures 40 feet) is around 7,500 USD, and with “labor” and preparation of crates, etc., you have to add approximately 1,500 USD to the overall cost. With debesto.com’s promotional offer, you can save up to 4 times on shipping. Check our price list to know the current delivery prices.

The first, quite obvious, is to order a full container (a 40-foot container is able to fit about 100 windows with dimensions of 6 ft 6.74 in x 6 ft 6.74 in), which will be preferable to groupage transport.

The second way concerns the type of imported goods. If you want to order more expensive aluminum windows from Poland, the shipping price will be a smaller percentage of the total order than for cheaper uPVC windows. In other words, the higher the value of the windows you order, the less important the transportation price is. Thus, it’s worth noting that you’ll pay a similar price for exclusive wood or aluminum windows and doors as you would for uPVC windows in the US, hence you’ll save money and get better quality.

What’s the amount of the tax when importing windows to the USA?

When buying goods from Poland and exporting them outside the European Union, we are entitled to a 0% VAT rate.

The document that justify preferential VAT rate is: 

• IE 599 – issued as electronic message by ECS (Export Control System), it is a confirmation of the export of goods outside the EU. We receive them within 14 days of the goods leaving the last European Union port.

Additionally:

• IE 529 MRN – this is a confirmation of the beginning of the exportation procedure. We get this document in a Polish port, at the time of the customs clearance. The MRN number is a unique number assigned to a particular submission. It is used to identify a specific shipment in the ECS system.

How to prepare for customs clearance?

To organize customs clearance, the following are required:

• commercial invoice (with English translation)
• packing list (list of goods with their net and gross weight)
• registration documents of the exporter’s company (NIP, REGON, EORI number)

CIF Incoterms

CIF means that the seller, e.g. debesto.com, will do the export customs clearance for you (in Poland). It’s equally important that you insure your shipment for the duration of sea transport up to the port you specify.

DAP Incoterms

In DAP however, you are responsible for import customs clearance and all applicable duties and taxes once the cargo arrives at its destination, and the seller arranges transportation, handles export clearance and delivers the goods ready for unloading to the place you specify, while bearing all costs associated with this delivery.

What should you keep in mind when collecting the goods?

• Decide whether you want to use an agent recommended by debesto.com or another one (arranged on your own).
• Take care of the information you need to give to the agent.
• On site, check whether the quantity and quality of the packages match
• Take photos of the products in the packages and after opening them in case of possible damage.
• Remember, whether you choose the CIF or DAP option, it is up to you to unload the goods. A forklift and manpower will probably prove essential.

It’s a good idea to find out the dimensions of the goods in advance so you can arrange for the right car to drive up. You also need to choose the vehicle based on the destination to ensure it delivers the windows to the site efficiently.

In addition, you need to organize the right tools for unloading, such as a forklift, and in the case of large structures, such as frameless sliding windows, even a crane can be helpful — adds Jacek Lyczewski, a logistician at debesto.com.

Delivery to a US port – customer responsibilities

Now the most important thing! Since the windows are already in the US, you will be in charge of the next steps. Which ones? That depends on the form of delivery.

In the case of CIF, you have to:

• pay customs duties and the cost of import clearance
• pay tax sales
• pay for port handling and fees for any holdings
• arrange and pay for transportation from the port to your destination
• arrange unloading of the cargo

In the case of DAP:

• pay customs duties and the cost of import clearance
• pay tax sales
• arrange unloading of the cargo

In conclusion

— It may seem complex and the amount of documents probably scares you, but there is nothing to be afraid of. It’s definitely simpler than you think! — reassures Wojciech Stanowski of debesto.com, whose containerized windows have already arrived safely in e.g. New Jersey and Seychelles.