Importing wood pellets to the EU – what you need to know

Importing wood pellets to the EU – what you need to know

Importing wood pellets into the European Union can be a profitable choice, but it requires a good understanding of customs procedures. Before starting the process, it is important to know the current situation on the EU market and the formalities required when importing pellets into Poland.

Customs formalities when importing wood pellets

Importing wood pellets to the EU involves several obligations, such as registering the import in the customs system and submitting the goods to the relevant authorities. In Poland, an import declaration must be filed, and depending on the origin, phytosanitary requirements may also apply. This is particularly important for goods coming from non-EU countries such as Ukraine or Turkey.

The importer must provide all required documents, including the commercial invoice, certificate of origin and, where applicable, a phytosanitary certificate.

Customs duty on wood pellets

Wood pellets classified under HS Code 44013100 are subject to 0% customs duty when imported from non-EU countries. This applies to imports into both the EU and Poland. As a result, businesses importing pellets from Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania or Turkey do not pay customs duty on this product.

Phytosanitary requirements and documentation

Despite the zero customs duty rate, phytosanitary rules still apply. Goods originating from third countries may require a phytosanitary certificate confirming that the pellets meet EU standards and are free from harmful organisms.

In Poland, phytosanitary controls are carried out in accordance with EU regulations. Missing or incorrect documentation may result in delays or the shipment being held at the border, so working with a customs agency helps ensure smooth clearance.

The role of a customs agency in importing pellets

A customs agency plays a key role in the import process. It prepares all the necessary documents, handles customs clearance and verifies whether additional certificates are required. This significantly reduces the risk of delays, penalties or shipment rejection.

Organisations with an extensive network of offices and round-the-clock availability — such as PKS International CARGO S.A. with 22 customs branches across Poland, including border points operating 24/7 and offering currency exchange — ensure efficient and reliable service at every stage of the import.

Benefits of importing wood pellets to Poland

Importing pellets allows companies to access competitively priced renewable fuel. With rising demand for biomass and a zero customs duty rate, bringing pellets from Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia or Turkey remains an attractive option for many businesses.

Summary

The import of wood pellets to Poland is a straightforward process, especially given the 0% customs duty on this product. Using a customs agency ensures that all formalities — including customs declarations and phytosanitary documentation — are handled correctly and efficiently. This allows importers to focus on their operations with the confidence that their shipments will be cleared without unnecessary delays.

Q&A

Do wood pellets always require a phytosanitary certificate?

Not always. A phytosanitary certificate is required for imports from third countries, such as Ukraine or Turkey. For intra-EU trade (e.g., Lithuania, Latvia), the certificate is not required, but the goods must still comply with EU quality standards.

Can a shipment of pellets be held at the border?

Yes. This may happen if the documentation is incomplete or if there are doubts about classification or compliance. Proper preparation of documents helps prevent such situations.

How long does customs clearance take?

The timeframe depends on documentation completeness and type of controls. With simplified procedures and support from an experienced customs agency, clearance may take from several minutes to a few hours. If phytosanitary inspection is required, several days may be needed.

Are pellets from Ukraine subject to customs duty or VAT?

Customs duty on pellets (HS 44013100) from Ukraine is 0%. Import VAT (23%) still applies unless the importer uses procedure 42/4200, provided all legal conditions for this procedure are met.