Polish Trade Inspectors found high lead levels in 4 of 30 tested smartwatch and headphone models between June-October 2025.
Product Testing and Defects
Between June and October 2025, provincial Trade Inspectorates in Gorzów Wielkopolski, Kielce, Kraków, Olsztyn, and Szczecin tested 30 models of wireless headphones and smartwatches from 29 Chinese and one Vietnamese manufacturer. Inspectors checked labeling and hazardous substance content, including lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, and bromine.
Formal non-compliance was found in 3 models, including incorrect compliance declarations and missing CE markings or product identification data in two cases each. Laboratory tests revealed lead exceeding the 1000 mg/kg limit in 4 models, with readings above 1500 mg/kg.
Exercise Bench Safety Concerns
From July to September 2025, inspectorates in Białystok, Gdańsk, Kielce, Opole, Rzeszów, and Szczecin inspected 9 models of exercise benches. Checks covered labeling and physical-mechanical parameters affecting user safety.
Formal issues included incomplete manufacturer data, incomplete Polish-language instructions, incorrect warnings, and foreign-only manuals. Technical flaws were found in 5 benches, involving instability during use, unstable barbell supports, and hand-trap hazards.
Enforcement Actions
For the non-compliant smartwatches and headphones, the Trade Inspection will submit four administrative requests to the President of UOKiK, leading to product withdrawal from sale. One manufacturer with only formal defects has already taken corrective action.
For the five structurally flawed exercise benches, the Trade Inspection submitted administrative requests to UOKiK. Responsible entities face fines up to 100,000 zł. Four models with only labeling defects were allowed corrective action under supervision.
