Frequently Asked Questions – Importing windows to the USA

Table of content:

Installation and technology of European windows
Warranty, complaint and safety
Payments
Transport from Poland to the US
About debesto

Installation and technology of European windows

Can I install windows from Poland “the American way”?

Yes – the offer from debesto includes window profiles with nailing fins. This allows you to install European windows according to American standards. These profiles include, for example, Aluprof MB-79N, Aluprof MB-86N, Aliplast Imperial, Aliplast Superial (aluminum), Aliplast Max Light, and Aluplast Ideal 4000 (uPVC).

How to install European windows?

You don’t have to worry about installation when you order European windows. We can help you with installation instructions. We can also put you in touch with a customer in the US, who will share his/her experience installing windows from Poland. You can find instructions and tips articles on debesto.com and on our YouTube account. An alternative is to order windows with nailing fins.

Do European windows have the certifications required in the U.S.?

European windows are known for their high quality. At debesto, we offer windows that meet NFRC standards. It is worthwhile to approach each investment individually and check what standards apply in your state. Please consult with us to confirm the compliance of the window parameters with the requirements.

Will you help me if complications arise with my windows due to inadequate installation by my team?

Correct installation is a prerequisite for the windows to be covered by the guarantee. Our technicians will help you as much as possible by providing you with installation instructions and answering your questions. However, the responsibility for correct installation lies with you.

Will the offer I receive include dimensions in imperial (US) units instead of European units?

Our quotations are generated with European units, but we can prepare a version with imperial units on request.

Are windows from Poland suitable for regions with high hurricane intensity?

We offer systems with high water and wind resistance. Some system providers test their systems for increased resistance to hurricane conditions.

Will European drive designs (e.g. wiring for an intercom or drive in a slide) fit under US voltage?

Drives/wiring for some systems can be adapted to US voltage.

Will the ordered windows have turn-restrictors fitted?

We can add turn-restrictors to ordered windows on request.

Will the door I am ordering have an insert with a knob on the inside (key entry only from the outside)?

On request, we can add an insert with a knob from the inside to the door instead of a key entry.

How do I convert the European Uw parameter to U-Factor?

To calculate the U-Value (U-Factor), divide Uw by 5.678. E.g. Uw=1.2 is U-Value=0.21 (1.2/ 5.678=0.21). You can use our converter to do it in 3 seconds. You can read more about European and imperial window performance here.

Warranty, complaint, safety

How can I assure that my order will arrive?

Trust is of great importance for us, therefore, we ensure each customer is fully satisfied. You can do your own due diligence and see how our reputation speaks trough itself. You can try our products and service by ordering a sample. Also, check out our customer case studies. If you would like, your debesto business consultant can put you in touch with our US based clientele. Read the instructions below about verifying a company from Poland and checking the official registries for information about debesto.

How to verify the credibility of a company in Poland?

There are several ways to do it. Visit the website, to check the contact and company data tab. You should find the NIP, REGON, or KRS number there, which in Poland allows you to identify the company. You can find a legally operating company by searching CEiDG, Tax Office, KRS, or REGON.
Also, check if the company displayes in Google Moja Firma and how it responds to customer reviews. Does it have Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube accounts, for example, and does social media show the company’s life “from the inside”?
You also have the option to call the company or arrange a video meeting to verify the consistency of the information provided by the company online with reality. You can then check whether the company’s employees maintain a professional reputation. It is the customer’s right to request the official certificate of no arrears and taxes from the authorities.
If you want to confirm the legitimacy of the company’s bank account number, use the Polish Ministry of Finance search engine.

What is the warranty period for the windows?

debesto offers a 30-month worldwide warranty on windows and all their components, and up to a 42-month warranty for an additional charge. Check the warranty terms and conditions here.

What should I do if, upon receipt of the goods, I find that the windows are damaged or do not conform to the order?

Our windows are safely packaged. Our analysis shows that 98.7% of our deliveries arrive without damage or mistakes. However, if an unwanted situation happens, you can quickly and easily file a complaint with us online. Remember to check the goods directly upon receipt. To streamline and speed up the complaint-handling process, prepare photo documentation immediately.

What is the complaint procedure? Do you send a service in case of a complaint?

We are a broker that takes care of your best interest. You send us a simple online form, and we – if the complaint is valid – solve your case as quickly as possible. The duration depends on the complexity of the request, but we give priority to fixing the error, immediately sending the missing items, for example. As we do not have mobile service technicians, we give you remote support, while the service work is 100% your duty.

Can I see your windows ‘in person’ before purchasing?

To get an idea of the quality of our products, you can order samples of selected profiles on our website. We have customers in different areas of the US, so you can also make an appointment at the site of your chosen project and see our windows live. Your business consultant at debesto will provide you with all the necessary information.

Payments

How to account for the import of windows from Poland (European Union)?

After payment of the pro forma invoice, you will receive an advance invoice from us with the payment date to your account or payment platform. You will receive a final invoice after the delivery of your order. The invoice will state the material, e.g. uPVC, which will help you determine the duty rate. It is up to you to verify and pay the duty. If you have chosen the CIF delivery option with us – you are also affected by port charges.

What are the forms of payment?

Our preferred form of payment is an online bank transfer. You can make it in dollars. Payment via the secure PayPal platform is also available. You will receive your transfer details on your pro forma invoice. You can pay 100% in advance or min. 50% down payment. You will receive a final invoice upon receipt of the goods in the USA. We do not offer cash on delivery.

Can I get a discount?

Yes, by pre-paying 100% of the invoice amount you will receive a discount from us (you can check this in the offer and on the pro forma invoice).

What are the exact transport costs?

You can check the transport costs in our price list. Once you have paid the invoice, you will not be surprised by any additional or hidden costs on our part. Please note, however, that customs duties, import and port charges will be your responsibility once the goods have arrived in the USA.

How to reduce the cost of transportation?

The most advantageous form of transporting windows from Europe to the USA is shipping by sea. It is best to complete the entire 40′ HC container. It usually has dimensions of 3 ft 11.24 in x 7 ft 8.52 in x 8 ft 5.97 in. You can add a friend’s order to the container to share the transportation costs. In this case, we recommend invoicing everything to one company/person to minimize expenses and paperwork.

Transport

Do I need to register my company before importing goods from Poland?

It is not a requirement because Poland is part of the European Union, therefore, working with us is easy. All you need is a company that is currently in operations in the US and have an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

What is the procedure of unloading cargo at the port?

There are three ways to deliver windows from debesto: CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) port delivery, in which you arrange your transportation from the port to the construction site, DAP (Delivered at Place) – more convenient, with delivery to the construction site and DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) – recommended by us, in this option we do almost everything for you. Your only responsibilities are: unloading and paying the tax as required by the state. Customs duty and any import fees are paid by us. For details, you can check the price list for window delivery to the USA.
In either case, the shipowner/shipper will inform you when the ship arrives at the port, and you will arrange the day of unloading at the construction site. The time to return the container to dock in the case of DAP is a few hours, and in the case of CIF a few days.
Once the container is delivered to the place of destination, you will need the required personel and equipment such as a forklift or ramp for unloading.

How will my cargo arrive to the construction side?

Can debesto take photos/videos of the products at the end of their production?

Yes, we can send you such photos. Remember to formulate your request at the stage of preparing the pro forma invoice.

What is the lead time of an average order?

The total time from manufacture to delivery of the windows to the US port is on average 7-10 weeks depending on the destination port and delivery method (CIF Cost, Insurance and Freight or DAP Delivered at Place). Add to this the production time of the windows (several weeks). The maximum expected production time can be found on the pro forma invoice.

What are the maximum dimensions of a window that can be delivered in its entirety?

For shipping, we have 2 container sizes available: 20′ and 40′, which allows us to transport large windows. Safety of your goods is our priority. Thus, whenever possible we send massive constructions in parts in one container.

Is it possible to ship goods by air transport?

We usually choose air transport for the shipment of samples. It is also possible to ship small windows this way. However, air transport has additional restrictions and a higher price than sea transport, so we usually recommend shipping by sea.

What happens to the goods if I don’t manage to collect them on the agreed date?

Pay a special attention to the applicable deadlines for collecting the goods from the harbour. If the container exceeds the free time at the port, then the port will charge according to its price list.

Are shipments insured?

Yes, your shipment is 100% secure. We only work with certified forwarders who have third-party insurance for the goods being transported. During sea transport, all goods are insured. In case of damage to the goods, we will take care of the damage so that you receive your order as soon as possible.

How are the goods packed in the container? Will you send me pictures?

We take care to pack your order securely. The goods in the container can be packed on racks or loose. If you wish to receive the photos of the packed products in the container, please let us know. Please, make sure to make the request before the pro forma invoice is issued.

Who takes care of import clearance?

debesto takes care of export clearance in Europe. Import clearance in the USA is your responsibility. You can take care of it yourself or hire a customs agency that will take care of customs fees and tax, as well as arranging how the goods will be collected once they arrive at the harbour.

What is ISF (Importer Security Filing)?

A regulation from US Customs and Border Protection requires you to inform Customs of what goods you will be transporting to the US by sea. You or your customs agent should send in the ISF notification at least 24 hours before the vessel departs. You will receive the necessary data from us so that you can enter the declaration into the US system.

Are there any duties to be paid and which ones? By what date and how much will I pay?

The amount of customs duties depends on the currently applicable rate for the material in question. You can check the rates and deadlines at the relevant customs office in your state. You can also check the approximate cost on the Harmonised Tariff Schedule page.

About debesto

What do I gain by choosing windows from debesto?

debesto will enable you to buy joinery quickly, easily and optimally. You will gain your ambassador in Poland. With us, you will increase the profitability of your business, save time and money and gain the support of our experts. We’ll help you tailor your window selection to each and every project you undertake. By ordering high quality European windows, you will save min. 30% over the US window market and you won’t waste hours searching for the right deal.

How big of a company am I dealing with?

We are an online joinery broker present in the market for over 10 years. We gather 190,000 users annually on debesto.com, which has allowed us to import windows to customers from 31 countries around the world. We outsource the production of around 15,000 windows per year to selected manufacturers (we have selected 38 out of 3000 present in Poland). You can check out more formal information about us here.

Can I read testimonials from other clients?

Yes, you can check the reviews about us in Google My Company and case studies on our website.

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