Poland
Provinces
Packaging
Provinces
Packaging
EEE
About
Packaging
About
Packaging
About
EEE
About
EEE
Packaging
EEE
Packaging
EEE
Extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging in Poland
Since January 1, 2020, Poland has instituted an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system in line with directives 94/62/EC for packaging. The primary objectives of this system are to standardize national practices in packaging and packaging waste management while concurrently curbing their environmental impact.Who must register for EPR in Poland
The following entities must register for EPR packaging Poland:- Manufacturers, importers, and intra-EU shippers placing packaged goods on the Polish market.
- Online sellers and distance sellers targeting Polish consumers.
- Retailers selling under own brands.
- First Polish entity placing the packaging into the market is liable.
What the package includes
Packaging subject to EPR in Poland includes:- Primary packaging: consumer-facing containers, bottles, wrappers
- Secondary and tertiary packaging: transport cartons, pallets, film wrap
- All material types: plastic, paper, cardboard, glass, metal, composites
Threshold
There is no de minimis threshold in Poland. All entities placing packaging on the market must register, including small businesses and microenterprises. However, simplified rules may apply for entities placing <1 tonne of packaging on the market annually, such as group registration via compliance schemes.EPR registration procedure in Poland
To complete EPR registration Poland, companies must:- Register with BDO (Waste Database Registry) at https://bdo.mos.gov.pl.
- Sign a contract with a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), e.g., Rekopol, Eko-Punkt.
- Submit annual packaging declarations to the PRO and to BDO.
- Pay eco-fees based on material and tonnage.
Authorized representative
Foreign companies selling into Poland must appoint an Authorized Representative (pełnomocnik) to manage EPR obligations. This local proxy is responsible for:- BDO registration
- Reporting and payments
- Representing the company before GIOŚ or other regulators
Reporting deadline
Polish EPR deadlines include:- Annual reporting to the BDO system by 15 March each year for the previous calendar year.
- Eco-contributions must be paid to the relevant PRO or recovery organization according to their internal timelines.
- Additional reports may be required for waste generation and management practices.
Who assumes responsibility?
Responsibility under EPR Poland packaging lies with:- Packaging producers and importers
- Authorized representatives for non-Polish entities
- PROs (e.g. Rekopol) for operational implementation
- GIOŚ for regulatory oversight and inspection
Duties of each group
- Producers: Register, report packaging volumes, pay fees, ensure eco-design compliance.
- PROs: Collect and recycle waste, educate consumers, submit system-wide data to regulators.
- GIOŚ: Monitor compliance, issue fines, publish market data.
- Retailers: Ensure upstream supplier compliance and product traceability.
Extended producer responsibility for EEE in Poland
In Poland, businesses engaged in manufacturing, importing, distributing, or selling products online are required by law to adhere to regulations concerning the appropriate disposal of diverse categories of electrical and electronic devices, as outlined in the September 11, 2015 Act on WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment).Who must register for EPR in Poland
The following entities are required to comply with EPR Poland EEE:- Manufacturers of EEE based in Poland
- Importers and distributors placing EEE on the Polish market
- Distance sellers (including foreign companies selling online to Polish consumers)
- Retailers offering private-label EEE
What the package includes
EPR for electrical and electronic equipment in Poland includes:- Large and small household appliances
- IT and telecom equipment
- Consumer electronics
- Lighting, tools, toys, and leisure devices
- Medical, monitoring, and control instruments
- Vending machines and photovoltaic panels
Thresholds
The threshold exemption does not apply; every company introducing products to the market must register.EPR registration procedure in Poland
Registering for compliance with Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) regulations in Poland involves a series of steps:- Choose an accredited Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO).
- Register for BDO.
- Complete and submit the necessary legal documents for company registration.
- Formulate a cooperation agreement.
- Settle the relevant licensing fee.
- Acquire an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) number for the company.
- Furnish annual reports.
Authorized representative
Foreign companies need to choose a representative in Poland. This representative, called the Authorized Representative (AR), operates on behalf of the foreign company. The AR makes sure that the foreign company follows Polish laws and rules.Reporting deadline
Producers of Electrical and Electronic Equipment are required to submit reports every quarter. The deadline for submission is the last day of the month following the end of the respective quarter.Sanctions in case of violation
Not following the rules in the Waste Act can lead to punishments like fines or administrative penalties. Administrative fines range from a minimum of 1,000 PLN.Who assumes responsibility?
Responsibility under EPR EEE in Poland falls on:- Producers/importers/distributors
- Authorized representatives for foreign sellers
- PROs managing collective systems
- Retailers, when offering in-store take-back
- GIOŚ and regional waste authorities for audits and enforcement
Duties of each group
- Producers: Ensure design compliance, fund waste treatment, register and report.
- PROs: Organize collection points, guarantee recovery, educate consumers.
- Retailers: Accept WEEE returns, inform customers.
- Authorities: Inspect, monitor, and enforce regulation.
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