Import Regulations for Poland and the EU: Alcohol, Cash Limits, and Allowance of 20 kg of Fish

Guidelines for Bringing Goods into Poland and the European Union

According to Radiotrek — Світ: Published on November 13, 2026, this article details the current rules for importing items into Poland and the broader European Union. It highlights permitted and prohibited goods, alcohol and tobacco import limits, and cash declaration requirements. Notably, travelers are now allowed to bring in up to 20 kilograms of fish, a surprising update that has caught carriers off guard.

Restrictions and Prohibitions

According to the latest regulations, importing animal and plant-derived products from non-EU countries is forbidden. This ban includes:

• raw meat
• processed meat products
• items containing meat
• milk and dairy products
• fresh fruits and vegetables

However, fresh bananas, durians, coconuts, pineapples, and dates can be brought in without phytosanitary restrictions. Additionally, dried, frozen, or otherwise processed fruits and vegetables are exempt from these phytosanitary rules.

Since January 1, 2021, the United Kingdom is classified as a non-EU country, with the exception of Northern Ireland. Adults aged 17 and older may import alcohol within these limits:

• 4 liters of still grape wine
• 16 liters of beer
• 1 liter of spirits over 22% alcohol
• 2 liters of alcoholic beverages up to 22%

For tobacco products, those over 17 years old can bring in:

• 40 cigarettes
• 20 cigarillos (up to 3 grams each)
• 10 cigars
• 50 grams of smokable tobacco
• 15 ml of e-liquid
• 25 grams of smokeless tobacco
• 40 disposable products of a new tobacco category
• 15 ml of liquid for new category products
• 400 heated tobacco products

Goods worth up to 300 euros can be imported duty-free, increasing to 430 euros if arriving by air. Passengers under 15 years old are allowed duty-free imports up to 150 euros. Cash can be carried into the EU in any amount, but amounts exceeding 10,000 euros must be declared either in writing or electronically at customs.

An experienced carrier remarked, “You can bring in 20 kilograms of fish, but a simple apple or tomato is strictly prohibited.”

These updated import rules significantly impact transport businesses, requiring carriers to adjust to the new restrictions. The ban on many animal and plant products from non-EU countries threatens the delivery of certain goods, potentially affecting market availability and prices. Staying informed about these customs changes is crucial for carriers to effectively modify their operations and comply with regulations.

As regulations evolve, understanding the specifics of what can be brought across borders becomes essential for travelers. For instance, just as the new guidelines for importing goods into Poland highlight various restrictions, similar rules apply for those crossing from Ukraine to the EU. To learn more about what items like lard, medicines, and cigarettes can be transported, check out this detailed overview on transporting goods from Ukraine to the EU.