Doing Business in Poland

Customs procedures
Importers must pay duties at the Customs Office supervising entry, or directly into the bank account of that Office. Property of the exporting country may serve as collateral if there is a reasonable doubt that payment of duties will actually occur. The form used for customs clearance by importers and exporters is the Single Administrative Document (SAD), which serves to simplify and regulate customs procedures at all customs posts. Customs authorities have the authority to retain or seize dutiable goods until payment of taxes and duties owed. Retention or seizure of dutiable goods is legal regardless of the rights of third parties with priority over burdens and privileges. When an imported good is re-exported, the import tax collected on the original import is deductible from the total tax obligation. For such deduction, an importer must be in possession of the following : (1) a customs document reporting the original import and receipt for payment of the tax, and (2) confirmation of export, issued by the relevant Customs Office.

Payment System Poland is still a cash economy. Banks are increasing issuance of credit cards but their use is extremely limited. Checks are almost unheard of. Most payments for regular transactions are made by wire transfer, if not by cash. Cash machine networks are growing.

For imports, L/C's are still seen as expensive and they are either avoided or used only with first-contact details. Once a trade relationship is established, it is expected that terms of payment become more favourable. Big Ticket Trade is more frequently carried out on open account terms. Promissory Notes are becoming common. For exports cash payments are requested and L/Cs are also limited.

Certification and Standardization
The Polish Committee for Standardisation is the only standards body in Poland operating on the national level. As provided for by the Law on Testing and Certification, the Polish Centre for Testing and Certification (PCBC) combines the function of accrediting the testing laboratories and certification bodies with the function of quality systems certification and auditors certification. The PCBC also carriers out product testing and certification. Poland lacks a uniform product and service conformity assessment system. On Metrology, the Central Office of Measures is a central organ of the state administration competent which is subdivided into 35 specialist laboratories and which supervises 9 regional verification offices, 63 local verification offices, 2 regional assay offices and 6 local assay offices.

Cultural Considerations
According to the weather. In a business setting, people in Poland dress rather formally. The unwritten rule when visiting someone whether for business or privately, it is the way you are dressed that shows how respectful you are of the person you are visiting. English is a common language used for business talks. German is the second most commonly used foreign language. However, one must make sure whether an interpreter is needed or not. Inviting business contacts to lunch or dinner is common, and normal western etiquette is all that is required.

Poles may be quite formal during first meetings. One should not appear to be in a rush since this shows a lack of respect. An appointment may take between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Punctuality is appreciated, although being up to 15 minutes late is considered normal. Conducting business in Poland requires a considerable amount of personal contacts. Doing business over the phone is not common.

Banking/Financial Services

The Polish zloty has been internally convertible since 1990. Since January 1995 the convertibility of the zloty has been extended to all current account transactions in Poland's international trade.

Some Useful Sources of Information

Markets and Sectors
http://www.tradeport.org/ts/countries/poland/sectors.html

Market Access
http://www.tradeport.org/ts/countries/poland/market.html

Investment climate
http://www.polishworld.com/polemb/english/business/
http://www.tradeport.org/ts/countries/poland/climate.html
http://www.kenpubs.co.uk/investguide/index.html
http://www.paiz.gov.pl/

Market Access Sectoral and Trade Barriers
http://mkaccdb.eu.int
http://www.tradeport.org/ts/countries/poland/regs.html
http://www.tradeport.org/ts/countries/poland/ftbar.html

Other Sources of information

BoNET: Links about the Polish community on the Internet, a business guide to Poland and more.
http://www.bonet-int.com

Business Polska: Investor's guide, Polish companies on the web, facts & figures, news and organizations

http://www.polska.net

Export Poland: Guide, Information, Directories, and Services
http://www.masterpage.com.pl/export.html

Official Website of Poland: Information about Poland
http://poland.pl/

Pol-Net - Index: Resources for companies and organizations, news, business opportunities, finances, and culture.
http://www.pol-net.com/indexeng.html

Poland Master Page: Business, tourist and cultural information.
http://www.wonet.com.pl/

Poland Now: Information on business and tourism
http://www.sarnow.com/poland/

Poland Now ! Business: Online magazine for those considering or doing
business in Poland
http://sarnow.com/poland/BUSINESS/