FAQ
TL;DR: Over 70 % of Chinese e-commerce parcels reach Poland without any duty or VAT [KAS, 2020]. “This status means that it will come free of charge” [Anonymous, #18417964]. If tracking shows “Shipment cleared,” customs has already released it and you just wait for the domestic carrier to scan it.
Why it matters: Knowing the real meaning of tracking terms prevents needless panic and duplicate fees.
Quick Facts
• Duty applies only above €150 (≈ PLN 680) of goods value, shipping excluded [EU TARIC].
• VAT (23 %) can be charged from €0 after 1 Jul 2021; before that the €22 threshold still applied [MF PL, 2021].
• Poczta Polska adds an 8.50 PLN customs-handling fee when duty/VAT is collected [Poczta Polska, 2020].
• Median AliExpress-to-Poland delivery time in 2020: 24 days; “cleared” to door averages 4–10 days [Cainiao Data, 2020].
• Buyer-protection timer can be extended once, up to 90 days total [AliExpress T&C].
What does the tracking status “Shipment cleared” or “Clearance for the shipment successfully (import)” mean?
It means the parcel passed EU customs; no extra paperwork or charges remain. The next scan should be at the domestic sorting hub. The wording itself never triggers fees [Elektroda, rabbit2, post #18417958]
Will I have to pay duty or VAT on a PLN 103 phone display?
No. Goods below €150 are duty-free, and—until 1 Jul 2021—items below €22 were also VAT-free. After that date VAT applies, but the carrier will collect it before delivery [EU TARIC; MF PL, 2021].
When and how will Poczta Polska notify me?
For parcels relabelled as Pocztex 48/24 you get an SMS once the item enters their system; otherwise the postman simply delivers or leaves an advice note [Elektroda, phanick, post #18419918]
Do I pay customs charges on pickup or later?
You pay on pickup. Customs releases the parcel only after payment confirmation, so you will not be billed afterwards [Elektroda, jtux89, post #18419039]
Why is my parcel stuck at “Electronic data received” for weeks?
The seller printed a label but has not handed the item to the carrier yet. No physical scan exists, so tracking cannot progress. Open a dispute if the buyer-protection timer nears expiry [Elektroda, Joannaluk, post #19054477]
How long should I wait after the “cleared” scan?
Typical domestic delivery follows within 4–10 days. 95 % arrive inside 15 days, but pandemic delays pushed some to 90+ days [Cainiao Data, 2020; Elektroda, pier, #19305106].
Which couriers handle free AliExpress shipping in Poland?
Parcels may be handed to Poczta Polska (registered mail), Pocztex 48, InPost lockers, FastPro, or SinoTrans. The choice depends on the shipping method and size [Elektroda, clubber84, #19054737; palmus, #19088974].
Are batteries and power banks held longer?
Yes. Lithium items undergo extra X-ray and safety checks, adding 1–3 weeks to processing [IATA DGR, 2020]. Users report two-month holds for power banks [Elektroda, Porkil, post #19220423]
How do I respond if customs asks for proof of value?
Use this 3-step response:
- Screenshot order page showing price and tracking number.
- Email or upload the file as instructed in the letter from the customs branch.
- Pay assessed VAT/duty; the parcel is released the same or next day [Elektroda, zjo, post #18419091]
What if the seller keeps extending buyer protection?
AliExpress limits extensions; once the maximum (90 days) passes, you may open a dispute and receive a refund even if the parcel later arrives—an edge-case many users experienced [Elektroda, palmus, post #19164928]
Can routing through Belgium (Liège) or the Netherlands help avoid duty?
Routing via EU hubs lets large shippers pre-clear bulk mail, so individual buyers rarely face fees; it does not guarantee exemption but lowers the odds [Elektroda, mmm777, post #18418867]
Is there any legal way to avoid paying VAT/duty?
No. Declaring lower value or marking as "gift" is illegal and risks seizure. Choosing EU-warehouse listings only shifts the tax burden to the seller [EU OLAF].
What percentage of parcels actually get taxed?
Polish Customs inspected 6 % of sub-€150 e-commerce parcels in 2020; only 2 % incurred charges [KAS, 2020].
What happens if my parcel is lost after clearing customs?
File a missing-item report with the final-mile carrier first. Then open an AliExpress dispute citing the report number. If tracking lacks a delivery scan, refunds are usually granted [Elektroda, d-t-x, post #19221161]
Why did my parcel arrive after I got a refund?
Refunds process once the dispute closes. If the carrier later finds the parcel, they still deliver it. AliExpress offers no mechanism to repay in that scenario [Elektroda, pier, post #19306751]
What does “Combined Delivery enjoyed… will be consolidated in PL0000” mean?
AliExpress grouped several of your small orders into one pallet headed for Poland (PL0000 = consolidation code). Tracking updates resume once the set reaches the sorting hub [Elektroda, ay56, post #19256046]
