Repair Instead of Replace: New Polish Law Extends Warranty and Imposes Hefty Fines
The Polish government has introduced a bill to implement EU Right to Repair directives, offering consumers a one-year warranty extension for repaired goods and setting fines for non-compliance up to...
The Polish government has introduced a bill to implement EU Right to Repair directives, offering consumers a one-year warranty extension for repaired goods and setting fines for non-compliance up to 40,000 PLN.
Table Of Content
Encouraging Repairs Over Replacement
The Polish government has drafted bill UC154 to implement the EU’s Right to Repair directive (2024/1799). The legislation aims to curb premature product disposal by making repairs more attractive than replacing faulty items.
A key provision grants consumers an additional 12 months of legal warranty protection if they choose to repair a defective product rather than replace it. Sellers must inform customers of this right before a choice is made.
Scope of the New Regulations
The mandate covers specific product groups, including washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers, mobile phones, tablets, and vacuum cleaners. Repairs must be performed free of charge or at a reasonable price, with manufacturers required to provide access to spare parts and technical information.
Digital Tools for Consumers
By 2027, the EU will launch a centralized online platform to help consumers find local repair services and compare price quotes. Additionally, a standardized European Repair Information Form will be introduced, detailing repair costs, timelines, and service scopes, which binds the service provider to their offer for 30 days.
Compliance and Enforcement
The Trade Inspection (Inspekcja Handlowa) will oversee these new rules. Administrative fines for violating the right-to-repair obligations start at 20,000 PLN, doubling to 40,000 PLN for repeat offenses. Businesses may also face further sanctions from the UOKiK for infringing upon collective consumer interests.
Implementation Timeline
The law is set to enter into force 14 days after its official publication, with specific provisions regarding the online repair platform becoming effective on July 31, 2027. Poland is required to fully implement these EU-wide directives by July 31, 2026.