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 National Trade Estimate Report 2023 published by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (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 (in Polish).

• Parliament postponed provisions under the 2006 Feed Act (OJ 2006 No. 144, item 1045) banning the use of genetically engineered (GE) feed and feed ingredients until December 31, 2023. Enforcement of these provisions under the 2006 Feed Act has been postponed three times due to strong opposition from Poland’s livestock industry. Polish poultry and swine producers can continue to use various feed ingredients, including imported soybean meal, in livestock rations through 2023. 

To report existing or new trade barriers and get assistance in removing them, contact either the Office of Trade Agreements Negotiation and Compliance  or the U.S. Mission to the European Union.