Polish railway operators are being held financially responsible for unpaid customs duties on goods imported from China via the New Silk Road routes.
The tax authority is enforcing joint liability, meaning carriers can be billed for duties owed by importers who have failed to pay or engaged in customs fraud.
This development places direct financial risk on logistics companies that are merely transporting the cargo, rather than owning it.
The industry is reacting with concern, as the potential liabilities could be substantial and unpredictable.
Railway companies are appealing to the Ministry of Finance for immediate guidelines to clarify the scope of this enforcement and to establish clear procedures for handling such claims.
Without specific instructions, operators face the risk of unexpected costs that could impact their margins and operational planning.