FAQ
TL;DR: Thinking of parting out a UK ‘Englishman’ in Poland? Budget about 100,000 PLN to go fully legal. "To legally scrape and cut cars, invest about PLN 100,000." Plan paperwork and waste before buying. [Elektroda, Strumien swiadomosci swia, #17317115]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps buyers in Poland who want to strip UK cars and sell parts on Allegro/OLX/Facebook, clarifying legality, paperwork, taxes, and waste.
Quick Facts
- Legal disassembly requires a registered dismantling station and permits; home breaking is not compliant. [Elektroda, melas, post #17312913]
- Typical legal setup budget: approx. 100,000 PLN to get compliant. [Elektroda, Strumien swiadomosci swia, #17317115]
- Bulky automotive waste may be collected twice a year by municipalities; small bags go out monthly. [Elektroda, janek1815, post #17314471]
- Parts can sit unsold for 3+ years; plan storage and cash flow. [Elektroda, k124l, post #17314392]
- Treat it as a business: cash register, purchase invoices, and receipts/invoices for sales. [Elektroda, melas, post #17312913]
Is it legal to dismantle a UK car at home in Poland?
No. "Demolition by yourself without having the appropriate permits is illegal." Authorities have acted against home breakers, as reported in the thread. To operate legally, use a registered dismantling station. Home stripping risks fines and inspections that can jeopardize your project. Keep activities within permitted facilities to avoid legal exposure. [Elektroda, Inkwizycja, post #17315550]
Do sellers actually pay excise on parts-only imports?
Many small sellers report skipping excise when they won’t register the car. As one member put it, "Nobody is playing any excise duties because what is the point? You will not register it." That reflects practice, not legal advice. If you want zero-risk compliance, consult tax authorities before buying. Expect slower sales and cash tied in stock. [Elektroda, Machetereal, post #17313007]
What paperwork should I get when buying a car “for parts”?
Get a written sale agreement listing the body with VIN, engine number, and major parts. "Write it down: I buy a body with VIN number..., engine with number..., and what else." Keep copies for both sides; the contract stays with you. How-To: 1) List VIN/engine and big parts. 2) Add seller/buyer details and date. 3) Sign each page, exchange copies. This helps if authorities check provenance. [Elektroda, sanfran, post #17313278]
The seller wants cash, no contract—safe?
Avoid no-paper deals. Insist on a parts-only bill of sale listing VIN and engine numbers. "When the tiger brigade comes in... you have at least some point of support." A clear contract protects you if there’s a theft inquiry or chop-shop suspicion. Walk away if the seller refuses basic paperwork. [Elektroda, sanfran, post #17313278]
What does “without the right to register” usually mean?
It often means the car was scrapped and bought back from a breaker. In that state, registration isn’t possible, so treat it as parts only. "Without registration, it means that it has been scrapped and bought back from the scrap yard owner." Use a parts-only contract and do not attempt registration steps. [Elektroda, sanfran, post #17313013]
Will I actually make money parting out one car?
It depends on the model and demand. Sales can be slow. One member noted parts still unsold after 3 years, which strains storage and cash flow. Plan for a long tail and price competitively on Allegro/OLX. Avoid overpaying for the donor; profit comes from patience and selective buying. [Elektroda, k124l, post #17314392]
How should I handle leftover plastics, trim, and soundproofing?
Plan disposal before buying. Some municipalities take bulky waste for free twice a year, and small items can go out in bags monthly. This reduces the temptation to dump and keeps costs predictable. Check your local schedule and limits for dimensions and volumes. [Elektroda, janek1815, post #17314471]
What hazardous materials should I watch out for during teardown?
Used engine oil is harmful and regulated. As one member emphasized, “any oil used from engine oil is one of those.” This is a key reason DIY dismantling draws scrutiny. Store and hand over fluids to authorized collectors to avoid environmental violations. [Elektroda, ociz, post #17315700]
Do I need to open a business and use a cash register to sell parts?
If you run it as a business, yes. "Business is the basis, cash register in your shop, purchase invoices and further invoices or sales receipts." You must record revenue and pay taxes on profit. Keep purchase and sales documentation organized for audits. [Elektroda, melas, post #17312913]
Where should I sell parts—what platforms work best?
Sellers use Facebook groups, Allegro, and OLX. Expect a time‑consuming, long sales cycle. "People simply dismantle and sell these parts on portals... it can be profitable." Use clear photos, OEM numbers, and honest condition notes to build trust and turnover. [Elektroda, Machetereal, post #17313007]
Will authorities actually enforce against small sellers?
Enforcement often follows complaints. "They caught one because he was probably annoyed by a customer or neighbor who denounced." Many still operate, but risk is real. Keep paperwork and avoid on-site dismantling to reduce exposure. Assume inspections can happen anytime. [Elektroda, xray81, post #17316929]
How much does it cost to get fully legal as a dismantler?
Budget roughly 100,000 PLN for a compliant setup, per member experience. "To legally scrape and cut cars, invest about PLN 100,000." Costs cover site, permits, and processes. Legal operations can pay off if you handle volume and inventory well. [Elektroda, Strumien swiadomosci swia, #17317115]
Is 100,000 PLN really enough to start?
Not if you’re building a full junkyard from scratch. "100,000 is not enough for you to go to the junkyard as if you were to start from scratch." If you already have a site and storage, a small scale may work. Edge case: underbudgeting stalls permitting and operations. [Elektroda, xray81, post #17318081]
Can I remove wheels, bumpers, or seats for my own car from a parts-only purchase?
Yes, if you bought them as parts. Protect yourself with a contract listing the body VIN, engine number, and major parts removed. Keep copies for both sides. This shows lawful origin if questioned later. Avoid touching VIN‑stamped structures beyond what your contract specifies. [Elektroda, sanfran, post #17313278]
