SENT in Poland: monitored goods and registration responsibilities
SENT is Poland’s electronic system for monitoring specified movements of goods and trade in heating fuels. For a cargo owner, the key issue is whether the actual consignment falls within the current goods list, threshold and transport scenario. Foreign vehicle registration or dangerous-goods classification under ADR does not answer that question by itself.
The separate RMPD registration of international road operations also uses Polish electronic-service infrastructure but has different legal triggers. Both obligations can apply to the same journey. This article concerns goods monitoring under SENT, as reviewed on 29 October 2026.
Assess the code, quantity and operation together
Establish the CN code, precise composition and use, gross weight or volume in the required unit, packaging and the journey’s starting and finishing points. Waste also requires the relevant waste code. Then check the current list and exemptions in the official SENT section of PUESC.
The scope includes specified fuels, oils, alcohol-containing products, other chemicals, waste and other product groups. There is no universal “all goods over 500 kg” rule. A check for transport through Poland must cover the actual code and legal basis of the operation.
Clothing, footwear and selected waste changes
Since 20 June 2026, the relevant goods under CN 61, CN 62 and CN 6309 00 00 have a threshold exceeding 31.5 kg gross. For CN 64, the threshold is more than 64 individual items of footwear, equivalent to more than 32 pairs when packed conventionally. Relevant exclusions apply to parts under CN 6117 90 00, 6212 90 00, 6217 90 00 and heading 6406. Mixed consignments from the specified groups have a separate gross-weight rule exceeding 31.5 kg.
Monitoring remains applicable to the relevant imports, intra-EU acquisitions and transit operations, alongside exemptions for specified domestic supplies, exports, humanitarian aid and certain AEO or postal arrangements. Intra-EU supplies immediately following customs procedure 42 00 require particular attention. Crossing a quantity threshold does not replace checking the complete conditions.
From 28 October 2026, a new exemption removes registration for specified metal-waste codes. It does not exempt all waste. Journeys started but not completed before that date remain subject to the previous rules.
The change taking effect on 31 October 2026
From that date, monitoring extends to the relevant CN 1518 goods above 500 kg or 500 litres, including specified non-food fats and oils. Exemptions include designated customs procedures, movements under excise-duty suspension and individual packages within the respective 26 kg or 26 litre limits. At the review date, this change has not yet taken effect.
Do not apply one product group’s exemption to every SENT commodity. For goods under a customs transit procedure, check the specific list provision covering those goods.
Allocate the notification duties
Scenario where SENT applies | Main responsibilities |
|---|---|
Movement starts in Poland | The sender files before transport starts and passes on the reference number; the carrier adds the transport data |
Movement starts abroad and ends in Poland | The recipient files before the Polish leg begins; the carrier completes its data before that leg |
Movement starts and ends outside Poland | The carrier files the transit notification before transport begins on Polish territory |
The carrier must transmit geolocation data where required. The driver must have the necessary reference or valid substitute document and comply with locator requirements. Vehicle, route and other declared-data changes must be handled through the update rules, and receipt must be confirmed where required. Asking an intermediary to submit the form does not remove the legally responsible party’s obligations.
Selected statutory penalties
These are examples from the legislation, not an exhaustive list or an automatic calculation for every irregularity.
Breach | Statutory penalty |
|---|---|
Sender or recipient fails to notify under Article 5(1) or 6(1) | 46% of the gross value of the goods subject to notification, at least PLN 20,000 |
Carrier fails to submit a required notification | PLN 20,000 |
Carrier fails to add the required transport data | PLN 10,000 |
Carrier fails to meet the geolocation obligation | PLN 10,000, subject to statutory exceptions |
Driver starts carriage without the required reference or document | PLN 5,000–7,500 |
The classification of a breach, specific exceptions and grounds for waiving a penalty depend on the facts and legislation. Gross value must not be replaced with net value.
Prepare the check before departure
Send the CN code, description, quantity, packaging, route, date, customs procedure and party details to the person responsible for SENT. For chemical transport, include composition and the SDS; for liquid bulk cargo, provide the relevant quantity and technical specifications.
Coordinate the check with EU customs clearance and the road freight plan. Send SPS the documents before departure so the necessary actions and responsible parties can be established before the Polish leg begins.
