Companies transporting goods through Poland must comply with the country’s SENT transport monitoring system. This system requires certain shipments to be declared and tracked to ensure transparency and prevent fraud.
From 17 March 2026, Poland will expand SENT monitoring rules to include clothing, used textiles, and footwear. Businesses involved in shipping these products into, out of, or through Poland should review their processes to ensure compliance before the new rules take effect.
Key Takeaways
- Poland’s SENT monitoring system will expand on 17 March 2026
- Clothing, used textiles, and footwear shipments will become subject to monitoring
- Businesses must submit SENT declarations before transport
- Shipments must be tracked with GPS monitoring (SENT GEO)
- Non-compliance can lead to significant financial penalties
What Is the SENT System?
The SENT system is Poland’s national platform for monitoring the transport of selected goods considered sensitive from a fiscal or compliance perspective.
Authorities use the system to track shipments moving within, into, or through Poland. The goal is to reduce fraud, improve transparency, and ensure that goods are transported and reported correctly.
When shipments fall under SENT monitoring, companies must:
- Submit a transport declaration in the PUESC system
- Obtain a SENT reference number
- Ensure the transport is monitored through GPS tracking using SENT GEO
This monitoring allows Polish authorities to verify that the transport matches the declared information during the journey.
What Changed from 17 March 2026?
Starting 17 March 2026, Poland will extend SENT monitoring requirements to additional product groups.
The system will now include the following CN codes and product categories:
- CN 61 / CN 62: clothing shipments above 10 kg gross weight
- CN 6309: used clothing shipments above 10 kg
- CN 64: footwear shipments above 20 pieces (10 pairs)
- Mixed shipments containing clothing or footwear (CN 61 / 62 / 64) above 10 kg total
This expansion affects companies involved in:
- fashion and apparel logistics
- retail distribution
- e-commerce fulfillment
- second-hand textile trade
Many shipments in these sectors were previously not monitored under the SENT system.
Who Is Affected by the New SENT Rules?
Companies transporting clothing or footwear into Poland, out of Poland, or through Polish territory may have obligations under the SENT system if shipments exceed the thresholds above.
Responsibility depends on the transport scenario:
- Sender when transport begins in Poland
- Receiver when goods enter Poland
- Carrier for transit shipments moving through Poland
This means that foreign companies transporting goods through Poland can also fall within the scope of SENT monitoring.
How the SENT Process Works
For companies unfamiliar with the system, the SENT process typically follows these steps:
- A SENT declaration is submitted in the PUESC system before transport begins
- The system generates a SENT reference number for the shipment
- The carrier adds transport details, including vehicle and GPS information
- The shipment moves with active GPS monitoring using SENT GEO
- After delivery, the receiver confirms the transport in the system
The SENT reference number is usually valid for 10 days, and the receiver should confirm the delivery no later than the next working day after the goods arrive.
What Should Companies Do Now?
Businesses transporting clothing or footwear through Poland should start preparing ahead of the 17 March 2026 implementation date.
Recommended steps include:
- Review whether your shipments fall within the relevant CN codes and thresholds
- Identify which party in the supply chain is responsible for submitting the SENT declaration
- Ensure your transport providers can support GPS monitoring
- Check that internal procedures cover declaration, transport updates, and delivery confirmation
- Coordinate early with customs partners or compliance specialists if assistance is needed
Taking these steps early helps avoid disruptions when the new requirements begin.
Key Timeline and Deadlines
Important dates to keep in mind:
- 17 March 2026: SENT monitoring expands to include clothing, used textiles, and footwear
- Before transport begins: SENT declaration must be submitted
- 10 days: validity of the SENT reference number
Next working day after delivery: deadline for the receiver to confirm the shipment
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with SENT obligations can lead to substantial financial penalties.
Examples include:
- Up to 46% of the gross value of goods (minimum PLN 20,000) for missing declarations or serious irregularities
- PLN 10,000 for missing updates or inconsistencies
- PLN 20,000 penalties for carriers failing to meet monitoring obligations
- PLN 100,000 penalties for severe violations such as non-delivery of declared goods
- PLN 5,000 to 7,500 fines for drivers starting transport without a valid SENT number or disabling monitoring devices
These penalties highlight the importance of ensuring SENT compliance before transport begins.
How Gerlach Customs Poland Can Help
Managing SENT obligations can be complex, especially when multiple parties are involved in a shipment.
Gerlach Customs Poland supports companies by helping manage the SENT process and ensuring the required declarations and updates are completed correctly.
Our services include:
- Preparing SENT declarations in the PUESC system
- Sharing SENT reference numbers with the customer
- Managing required updates during transport on the customer’s behalf
- Coordinating compliance with carriers and logistics partners
With the appropriate Power of Attorney, Gerlach specialists can also manage the process directly on your behalf, helping reduce compliance risks and administrative burden.
Please note that SENT support is offered only as a service accompanying customs clearance provided by Gerlach.
If you would like to understand how the new SENT requirements may affect your shipments, our team will be happy to assist. s.
