In recent years, more and more online store owners have heard about the mysterious abbreviation “BDO”. While many entrepreneurs remain unclear about this topic, neglecting it can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. Does every online store really need to register in BDO? What obligations arise from this registration? Below, we present a detailed explanation of the issue and dispel doubts.
BDO (Baza Danych O Produktach I Opakowaniach Oraz O Gospodarce Odpadami), or Database of Products and Packaging as well as Waste Management, is an electronic system run by the Ministry of Climate and Environment. It was created to monitor product flow onto the market, mainly in terms of their impact on the environment, and to ensure effective waste management.
BDO aims to prevent the “grey zone” in waste management and facilitate control over whether companies comply with environmental regulations.
Not every online store needs to register in BDO – only those that meet specific criteria.
Registration in BDO is obligatory for entities that:
* Introduce products wrapped in their own packaging onto the market (e.g., packing products in their own boxes, foil packs, cardboard boxes with a logo, etc.)
* Import goods from abroad (e.g., from China or Germany) – even if they are not producers but importers of products packaged for the domestic market
However, there are also cases where online stores do not need to register in BDO:
* If you only use courier services and don’t package products yourself
* If you don’t introduce any packaging onto the domestic market
* If your business is purely dropshipping-based, with the supplier responsible for packaging and shipping
Keep in mind that most online store owners engage in at least some self-packaging, so they often fall under BDO registration obligations.
After registering in BDO, online stores have several obligations:
* Submit annual reports on the number and type of products introduced onto the market
* Pay registration fees (usually PLN 100 for micro-enterprises) and product-related fees if you don’t recycle or sign a contract with a waste management organization
* Maintain records of waste and packaging in accordance with environmental regulations
* Display the BDO registration number on your website, invoices, and transport documents
* Sign a contract with a waste management organization or personally meet recycling obligations
Failure to register may result in significant penalties:
* A fine up to PLN 1 million
* Imprisonment or restriction of liberty (in cases of intentional misconduct)
* Administrative fines imposed by the Provincial Environmental Protection Inspectorate (WIOŚ)
To determine whether you need to register, check your business’s PKD code and consult with a lawyer, accountant, or environmental protection specialist.
In conclusion, not every online store needs to register in BDO, but many e-commerce owners are unaware of this obligation. The key criteria include packaging products, importing goods, selling electronics, batteries, or other products subject to environmental regulations.
