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

Importing windows from Poland to the US will allow you to buy fenestration products not only at a more favorable price, but also of the highest quality. After all, Poland is a European basin of window and door manufacturers.

From this article, you will learn:

  • how to save money by importing windows from Poland
  • how to arrange import from Poland to the US
  • what is the difference between DAP and CIF Incoterms
  • how to prepare for customs clearance
  • how to ensure a 0% vat rate
  • what sea transport from Poland to the USA looks like
importing windows from poland to the usa time and distance

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 PVC 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 $7500, and with “labor” and preparation of crates, etc., you have to add approximately $1500 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.

importing windows from poland to the usa how to save money

To make your order the most cost-effective, there are two things that can be done:

how to save money on transport while importing windows from poland

The first, quite obvious, is to order a full container (a 40-foot container is able to fit about 100 windows with dimensions of 200 × 200 cm), 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 PVC 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 joinery as you would for PVC 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.
importing windows from poland to the usa 0% vat necessary document IE 599

How to arrange the shipping?

It is known that shipping products abroad always involves certain responsibilities, dedicated time and paperwork. In the case of importing windows from Poland to the US it is no different, but there is no need to worry! debesto will make sure to help you as much as we can.

Below you will find all the (detailed) rules and essential things about importing to avoid any doubts and stress associated with this relatively tricky task.

required documents when importing windows from poland to the usa

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)

Sea transport of windows from Poland to the USA – what does it look like?

At debesto.com, ocean freight forwarding to the US is carried out according to Incoterms (International Commercial Terms), that is, International Trade Rules. These rules are widely accepted around the world and divide responsibility between buyer and seller.

Rules of sea freight forwarding to the USA at debesto.com

Normally, we ship containers from Poland to the US on a CIF basis – Cost, Insurance and Freight (to named destination port) and DAP (Delivered at Place).

CIF Incoterms

CIF means that the seller, e.g. debesto.com, will do the export customs clearance for you (in Poland). It is equally important that your shipment will be insured for the duration of sea transport up to the port indicated by you.

cif rules incoterms

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.

DAP Incoterms Rules

What is the collection process for windows shipped to the USA?

The windows, secured for transport, have already been placed on board the ship. What’s next? Consider working with a customs agency.

— If you choose a customs agent, they will guide you through local customs duties and state-specific tax. They will also determine how to take the goods once they arrive at the port, explains Jacek Łyczewski, a logistics specialist at debesto.com.

Once the goods have sailed from the port, you will be contacted by an agent on the US side who will handle all the paperwork and documents for you. You can pick up the goods in person or ask to arrange delivery to a specific place.

What should you keep in mind when collecting the goods

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 is a good idea to find out in advance the dimension of the goods to be delivered so that the right car will drive up. This one also needs to be selected in terms of the destination, so that it can get 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
customer's responsibilities with CIF Incoterms

In the case of DAP:

  • pay customs duties and the cost of import clearance
  • pay tax sales
  • arrange unloading of the cargo
customer's responsibilities with DAP Incoterms
Remember!
Omitting any point can result in high fees, for example, detention of the cargo at the port for a day can reach up to several hundred dollars. It is definitely worth keeping an eye on deadlines.

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.

about author

Voytech Stanowski

Founder and owner of debesto.com, company from Poland that specializes in the export of windows and doors in the B2B segment.
As a joinery distributor, debesto.com supplies windows to Germany, the Benelux countries, France, England and the British Isles, among others, but also to the USA or the Seychelles.

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faq

debesto.com – who are we and what do we do?

At debesto.com, we are experts in providing customized window solutions, including patio doors, blinds, entry, and garage doors, tailored to building professionals: developers, general contractors, architects, and construction project managers.


With over a decade of expertise in European windows, we specialize in assisting construction companies to import windows efficiently and profitably.


With debesto, you gain comprehensive, consultative partnerships designed to enhance your project’s success and minimize your business risk. Our customers appreciate most:

  • - cost-effectiveness
  • - deep business understanding
  • - secure on-site delivery
  • - timeliness
  • - exceptional communication and support
  • - incredibly smooth process


Need more info?

Check how to verify debesto

Read what happens after booking a consultation

Delivery time

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 that you can choose from debesto delivery price list.

Add to this the production time of the windows (from 2 to 8 weeks).

The maximum expected production time can be found on the pro forma invoice. We deliver 97% of all orders shipped worldwide according to the deadline we declare on the pro forma invoice. If we are late, we give you a 2% discount.

More questions about the delivery? Check Frequently Asked Questions about importing windows to the US

Warranty and safety

Do the products come with an international warranty?

Yes, products are covered by the debesto worldwide warranty, provided they are installed according to the professional standards and applicable regulations in the country of installation.



Are the windows insured during shipment?

Yes, all products are fully insured during transportation, covering the entire value of the products.

Any concerns about potential issues with windows from Poland? Discover 5 main reasons for complaints and ways to solve them

Want to know how much your business can gain by importing joinery from Poland?