How to Import Steel Doors from Poland to the USA: A Comprehensive Guide
You’ve heard that Polish steel doors are renowned for their high quality and competitive pricing, and you’ve decided to import them for your project in the USA. While making the decision to buy is an exciting step, the logistics of getting the goods from Poland to the USA may seem complex without professional guidance. Fortunately, Icon Loft Steel Doors simplifies the process. In this article, we’ll break down the essential steps and key considerations when importing European steel doors to the USA.
Why Polish Steel Doors Are Worth Buying
Polish steel doors offer an exceptional combination of high quality and affordable pricing. The superior quality comes from European cold-rolled steel profiles, such as Jansen and RP Technik, along with expert craftsmanship including CNC processing and TIG welding. These doors are a cut above the rest compared to many Asian alternatives, which often use inferior materials and less advanced manufacturing techniques.
One of the best ways to secure top-quality European steel doors is to purchase directly from manufacturers in Poland, then ship them to your desired U.S. port.
Can Individuals Import European Steel Doors?
While it’s typically more profitable for companies to import large quantities of steel doors, individual customers can also take advantage of the high quality offered by European manufacturers. If you are planning a home renovation or construction project, let your contractor know about Icon Loft Steel Doors, which can help with sourcing and shipping steel doors from Poland to the U.S.
The Cost of Importing Steel Doors from Poland to the USA
1. Packing in Poland
Once you’ve chosen your steel doors and placed your order, the manufacturer will take between one and eight weeks to prepare them, depending on the complexity and volume of the order. The doors are then securely packed for their long journey to ensure they arrive in pristine condition. This involves using durable crates or stands that protect the steel doors from moisture, shocks, and other external factors.
If your order is relatively small, it can be shipped as general cargo, packed into smaller boxes and loaded into a container. This option reduces costs as you don’t have to pay for a full container.
2. Port in Poland
After the doors are packed, the next step is transporting the container to the port by road or rail. The shipping company will inform you about the approximate departure date, which depends on ship availability and free space. Once the ship’s departure date is set, your steel doors are loaded and ready for their ocean voyage.
3. Shipping to the USA
Shipping steel doors from Europe to the U.S. (e.g., New York City) typically takes around 21 days by sea. However, this is just the cruise time. You should add another two to three weeks for pre-shipment organization and customs procedures.
There are two main shipping methods:
- CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): This option means the seller (e.g., Icon Loft Steel Doors) arranges export customs clearance and insures the shipment for maritime transport, delivering it to the U.S. port of your choice.
- DAP (Delivered at Place): This option covers not only shipping to the port but also delivery to your specified location (e.g., your construction site).
4. Arrival at the U.S. Port
Once the container arrives at a U.S. port, the shipping company or your customs broker will contact you. At this stage, you need to quickly arrange to pick up the container or have it delivered to your construction site to avoid hefty storage fees.
Your customs broker can help you organize delivery from the port and handle any additional paperwork, taxes, and fees required by U.S. customs. It’s important to move swiftly to avoid paying additional charges if the goods remain in the port beyond the allotted time.
5. Delivery to Your Site
After the steel doors clear customs, the final step is delivering them to your construction site. You can either handle this yourself or have it organized by the Polish side. Be aware that arranging your own transport may reduce costs, but Icon Loft Steel Doors also offers a convenient delivery option for an additional fee (e.g., $2,000 for delivery within 186 miles of the port).
Shipping Formalities: Taxes and Customs Clearance
Taxes
When importing steel doors from Poland to the USA, you benefit from a 0% VAT rate on exported goods from Poland. The following documents are necessary for confirming the export:
- IE 529 MRN: Proof of the start of the exportation process, issued at the Polish port during customs clearance.
- IE 599: Confirmation of the export outside the EU, typically received 14 days after the doors leave the last EU port.
Customs Clearance
To smoothly clear customs for your imported steel doors, you will need the following documents:
- A commercial invoice (preferably in English)
- A packing list detailing the goods and their net/gross weight
- Your company’s registration documents
- Authorization for the customs agency to act on your behalf
Tips for Handling Steel Doors Upon Arrival in the USA
After your steel doors reach the U.S. port, an agent or customs broker will guide you through the remaining steps. They will assist with all local payments and taxes specific to your state and help organize transport from the port to your site. The key responsibilities on your end include:
- Collecting the goods from the port within 48–72 hours of arrival to avoid extra storage fees.
- Paying the necessary U.S. customs duties.
- Arranging transport from the port to your construction site or warehouse.
For LCL (Less than Container Load), you can expect port service fees of around $3–6 per cubic foot of goods. For FCL (Full Container Load), the costs will depend on your specific agreement with the shipping company.
How to Cut Import Costs
Importing small quantities of steel doors can be expensive due to the numerous fees and transport costs. To minimize these expenses, consider ordering a full container. For example, a 40-foot container can hold about 100 steel doors, making it more cost-effective than shipping less than a container load.
Conclusion
Importing steel doors from Poland to the USA involves several logistical steps, but with the right guidance and preparation, it can be a smooth process. Icon Loft Steel Doors simplifies the process by assisting with everything from packing and shipping to customs clearance and final delivery. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your high-quality steel doors arrive at your U.S. destination in excellent condition and on time.