BDO registration for foreign companies | Poland
Bdo register in Poland
Need to register with BDO in Poland? Learn who must register, how the BDO registration process works, how to use the waste database and waste record system, check required steps and penalties and learn how to navigate the BDO register. Complete the registration easily in the BDO system.
Do you need to register in the BDO system in Poland (BDO registry)?
If you’ve landed on this page, you are most likely looking for clear answers about BDO registration in Poland, especially if you run a foreign company, an online store or a cross-border e-commerce business.
You are on the website of a Polish law firm that specialises in BDO registration, annual reporting and full compliance support – for both Polish and foreign companies.
Every month we assist EU and non-EU businesses, Amazon FBA sellers, dropshipping stores, fulfilment operators and international brands that ship to Poland. We help them understand whether BDO applies to their activity, how to register correctly, and how to avoid the financial penalties for non-compliance.
Below you will find a complete, English-language guide that explains:
- Who must register in the BDO system?
- How to register in BDO?
- Do I need a BDO number?
- When a foreign seller needs a BDO number?
- What is EPR Poland packaging and how does it relate to BDO registration?
- What is the penalty for not registering?
- Does BDO apply to foreign companies, EU sellers or online stores?
- How registration process works?
- How to obtain a BDO number online?
- What obligations apply to companies selling products or packaging on the Polish market and
- What penalties apply in case of lack of registration.
If you need support:
our law firm provides BDO registration and reporting services in 100% remote form, including preparing the application, communicating with the authority in Polish and securing full compliance for your business.
If you want to learn about more BDO Register in Poland and waste database, keep reading. Let’s start from the beginning.
What does BDO stand for? What is the meaning of BDO in Poland?
In Polish environmental/ waste management law, BDO stands for Baza Danych o Produktach i Opakowaniach oraz Gospodarce Odpadami- loosely: Database on Products, Packaging and Waste Management. It’s the national registry/system used to track waste, packaging, and associated reporting obligations..
What is BDO in Poland? What is the BDO system in Poland?
BDO (Baza Danych o Produktach i Opakowaniach oraz o Gospodarce Odpadami) is Poland’s official waste database, which:
- registers businesses placing products or packaging on the Polish market,
- monitors waste management processes,
- requires certain entities to keep waste records,
- handles electronic waste transfer documentation,
- and centralises environmental reporting obligations.
For foreign sellers, BDO is the core element of Poland’s EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) system, especially regarding packaging.
Foreign companies selling to Poland are often surprised that they must use the Polish waste database to report packaging placed on the market.
If your company generates waste, introduces products in packaging, generates non-municipal waste, or qualifies under another BDO category, you may be required to register in BDO and have an obligation to take some actions in the BDO system before starting activity.
You need to understand the registration requirements and the potential consequences of non-compliance.
Legal basis
BDO is primarily based on the Act of 14 December 2012 on Waste (Polish Journal of Laws 2013, item 21 as amended), in particular: articles 49-57 (BDO register), articles 66-76 (waste records); implementing regulations.
Registration in the BDO is required before placing any packaged products, equipment, or batteries on the Polish market. Incorrect registration in the BDO often results from selecting the wrong tables or misunderstanding the scope of obligations.
Who must register in the BDO register in Poland? (Entities required to register)
You must register in the BDO system if your business performs any activity covered by Polish environmental legislation. This applies to both Polish and non-Polish entities, including online stores, EU sellers, non-EU sellers, fulfilment centres and foreign companies shipping products to Poland.
Below is a consolidated list of all categories of businesses required to register in BDO based on the Waste Act and sector-specific regulations.
1) Businesses placing packaging or products in packaging on the Polish market (EPR obligations)
You are required to register if you:
place packaged products on the Polish market
operate an online store shipping orders to Poland
sell to Polish consumers from abroad (EU/Non-EU)
run a dropshipping store (depending on delivery model)
sell via Amazon (FBA/MFN), Allegro, Etsy, eBay
import packaged goods, components or equipment from abroad
Under Polish EPR rules, these entities are considered “introducing packaging or products in packaging” and must register in BDO before sales begin.
2) Businesses generating waste other than municipal waste
You must register if you:
generate waste requiring records (KPO/KEO)
generate waste during production, servicing or operations
run workshops, automotive services, construction or renovation companies
operate beauty studios, warehouses or other facilities producing non-municipal waste
Entities that generate waste requiring records must use the BDO database to keep waste records and issue electronic Waste Transfer Notes (KPO).
3) Entities covered by the Act on obligations of entrepreneurs regarding selected waste streams
You must register if you introduce products listed in Annex 4a to the Act, including:
lubricating oils, oil mixtures, greases, additives, antifreeze
new or used pneumatic tyres (cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles)
You must also register if you:
conduct recovery or recycling of waste from these products
act as a recovery organisation
export or conduct intra-EU supply of waste from these products for recovery or recycling
This category also includes:
single-use plastic products (Annexes 6–10)
fishing gear containing plastics
4) Entities covered by the Act on recycling of end-of-life vehicles
You must register if you:
introduce vehicles onto the Polish market
operate vehicle collection points
operate dismantling stations
operate shredding facilities
5) Entities covered by the Act on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)
You must register if you:
introduce electrical or electronic equipment (EEE)
act as an authorised representative for foreign producers
collect waste EEE
operate EEE processing plants
act as an EEE recovery organisation
conduct recycling or recovery of EEE waste
6) Entities covered by the Act on batteries and accumulators
You must register if you:
introduce batteries or accumulators onto the market
operate processing plants for used batteries or accumulators
act as intermediaries in the handling of used batteries
7) Entities covered by the Act on packaging and packaging waste management
You must register if you:
introduce packaging or products in packaging
act as packaging recovery or recycling organisations
perform intra-EU supply of packaging waste or packaged products
export packaging, packaging waste or packaged products
operate processes of recycling or recovery of packaging waste
operate retail or wholesale units offering plastic carrier bags subject to the recycling fee.
8) Entities covered by the Act on Waste
You must register if you:
process waste and are exempt from the permit requirement
transport waste
sell waste or act as waste brokers
operate ship recycling facilities
generate waste requiring records (unless holding an integrated permit or waste generation permit – those are entered ex officio)
A specific group includes businesses required to maintain continuous quantitative and qualitative waste records, either full records (KPO + KEO), or simplified records (KPO only)
Both are obliged to obtain an entry in the BDO registry.
If you are unsure – request a BDO audit.
Most foreign companies only discover the obligation after a shipment has already taken place, exposing them to penalties.
We can help you:
- determine whether you must register,
- select the correct legal basis and tables,
- submit the application
- and manage the entire BDO registration process.
What is a BDO number in poland? When do I need a BDO number?
The BDO number is an official identification number issued by the Marshal’s Office after a business is entered into the BDO registry. This number confirms that the company is registered in compliance with Polish environmental regulations.
The BDO number is required for businesses that:
place products or packaging on the Polish market,
import packaged goods,
generate waste that requires records,
introduce electrical equipment (EEE), batteries, oils, tyres or vehicles,
conduct recovery, recycling or waste processing activities.
It serves as the company’s legal identifier in all environmental reporting and waste management documentation.
Where is the BDO number used?
A company must display its BDO number on all documents related to the activities subject to mandatory registration, including:
invoices, receipts,
contracts, order confirmations,
website footer or legal information,
waste transfer documentation (KPO),
annual environmental reports,
and all documents generated in connection with the activity that requires BDO registration.
Do foreign companies need BDO in Poland?
Yes – BDO applies to any foreign company placing packaged products on the Polish market or performing one of the regulated activities. This includes:
EU and non-EU e-commerce sellers,
Amazon, eBay and Etsy sellers,
dropshipping stores,
fulfilment operators shipping to Poland,
and any other business falling under the categories listed above.
In practice, e-commerce sellers are the most common group required to register.
If you sell to Polish consumers, you almost certainly need to register in BDO and obtain a BDO number.
Can a foreigner register a company in Poland in the BDO registry?
Yes. A foreign company can register in the BDO registry, even without having a branch or legal entity in Poland. What matters is not the company’s nationality, but whether its activities trigger BDO obligations under Polish environmental law.
Common misconception
“I operate outside Poland, so BDO does not apply to me.”
Can a foreign business register in the BDO register without a branch in Poland?
My clients very often ask me: Can I register BDO online if I’m abroad?
Foreign entrepreneur with a branch in the territory of Poland
A foreign entrepreneur who has established a branch in the territory of the Republic of Poland (“RP”) submits an application for entry into the BDO register through a person authorised to represent the entrepreneur, to the Marshal of the Voivodeship competent for the branch’s registered office.
Foreign entrepreneur without a branch in the territory of Poland
A foreign entrepreneur who has not established a branch in the territory of Poland submits the BDO registration application directly to the Marshal of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship, in writing, printed and signed by the entrepreneur or their authorised representative.
After the entry into the BDO Register has been completed,
After the entry into the BDO Register has been completed, you must log into the BDO system via the National Electronic Identification Node (WKIE) to perform activities such as:
- updating company details,
- keeping waste records (KPO/KEO),
- submitting annual reports.
A foreign entrepreneur or a person authorised to represent them does not need to be a Polish citizen, but they must be able to log in via WKIE.
Identity verification may be carried out through the Trusted Profile (Profil Zaufany), or an online bank cooperating with WKIE.
Important for foreign companies
All application forms and all communication with the authority are handled exclusively in Polish.
If anything goes wrong, or if the authority requests clarifications, you will need to respond in Polish.Can i register in the BDO system by myself?
Because of the points below, most foreign companies choose to complete the BDO registration through a legal representative to avoid:
- misunderstandings,
- delays,
- rejected applications,
- additional correspondence,
- or penalties for incorrect registration.
We can help you handle the entire BDO process
We assist foreign companies with:
- preparing and submitting the BDO application,
- acting as your authorised representative,
- handling all communication with the authority in Polish,
- selecting the correct scope of registration,
- obtaining the BDO number quickly and safely,
- keeping waste records and submitting reports.
You do not need a Polish company.
We manage 100% of the process remotely.
What happens if you do not register in BDO? Consequences of lack of registration or incorrect registration (penalties)
Working without a required BDO registration – or submitting an incorrect or incomplete application – exposes your business to administrative penalties, fines and even criminal sanctions under Polish environmental law.
Below are the most important consequences:
⚠️ 1. Operating without the required BDO registration
Administrative fine: 5,000 PLN – 1,000,000 PLN; This applies when a company performs activities requiring BDO entry but has not submitted the application.
⚠️ 2. Not submitting the application for entry, for changes, or for removal from the register
Criminal penalty: arrest or fine; Applies when the entrepreneur does not file the application or files it late, despite having a legal obligation to do so.
⚠️ 3. Submitting an application that is inconsistent with the actual business activity
Criminal penalty: arrest or fine; This includes:
• selecting incorrect categories or tables,
• providing incomplete or incorrect data,
• hiding obligated activities.
⚠️ 4. Conducting waste management activities that do not match the information submitted to the BDO registry
Criminal penalty: arrest or fine; This applies when environmental activities (e.g., waste generation, processing, transfer) are inconsistent with data registered in BDO.
⚠️ 5. Not placing the BDO registration number on required documents
Administrative fine: 5,000 PLN – 1,000,000 PLN
The BDO number must appear on all documents related to the regulated activity, including:
invoices, contracts, receipts, waste transfer documents (KPO), annual reports, and all documents related to activities subject to registration.
⚠️ 6. Transporting waste without a BDO registration
Administrative fine: 2,000 PLN – 10,000 PLN
⚠️ 7. Failing to deliver waste to the destination indicated by the waste holder
Administrative fine: 1,000 PLN – 100,000 PLN
⚠️ 8. Incorrect or missing waste records
Failure to comply with the obligation to keep waste records (KPO/KEO) may lead to high administrative penalties, depending on the type and severity of the violation.
⚠️ 9. Missing packaging reports / EPR reporting
This may result in fines and additional product fees.
⚠️ 10. Operational problems for online sellers
Foreign and EU sellers may face:
• blocked shipments,
• customs issues,
• frozen logistics operations,
• penalties imposed during cross-border checks.
This is particularly common for Amazon, eBay, Etsy and other e-commerce sellers operating from abroad.
How to avoid penalties?
If you want to avoid fines, you should submit your BDO application before a control begins.
We offer a 24-48 hour fast-track registration service, including:
- preparing the application,
- selecting the correct categories and tables,
- handling communication with the authority,
- securing a correct and compliant BDO number.
Do you need BDO if you sell to Poland?
BDO registration for E-Commerce (EPR & Packaging)
If you run:
an online store,
a marketplace store,
a subscription box service,
a handmade-products business or if you
ship products in packaging to Polish customers,
import packaged goods to your warehouse and fulfil Polish orders,
sell via Amazon FBA / Allegro (ex. Germany → Poland),
then you likely have Poland packaging obligations and must submit an application for entry into the BDO registry.
Each case can be assessed with our BDO compliance service.
How to register in BDO system?
Tips for New BDO Register Users - Step-by-step guide to BDO registration for foreign companies in Poland
Below is a simplified overview of how to complete the registration in the BDO system.
1. Register an account and log into the BDO system
You need to prepare an application form. An application form is in Polish.
2. Submit an application for entry and start a registration process (application for entry into the BDO registry)
Identify the correct titles of entry packaging (EPR), EEE, batteries, tyres, oils, vehicles, waste producer categories.
Selecting incorrect tables = most common reason for rejection.
3. Confirm the scope of activity
You must determine:
- whether you place packaging on the market,
- whether you produce waste requiring records,
- whether EPR obligations apply.
4. BDO fees – pay the registration fee (if applicable)
BDO fees depend on category and size of business:
- 200 PLN for micro-entrepreneurs,
- 800 PLN for others,
- some entities are exempt (e.g., pure waste producers).
5. Wait for verification by the Marshal’s Office
If there are errors, the authority may request corrections, so you must be prepared to communicate with the authority in Polish.
6. Obtain your BDO registration number
Your BDO registration number must be placed accoring to duties. I’ve written about them above.
7. Fulfil ongoing obligations
You may need to:
- keep waste records,
- file annual reports,
- report packaging placed on the market (EPR),
- manage waste transfer documentation in the BDO database.
Your obligations depend on the specific activities your business performs.
If you want us to handle this – check our BDO annual reporting assistance.
Important:
- Before submitting your application, make sure you understand which BDO fees apply to your business, because not every entity is required to pay them.
- When completing the registration process, remember that paying the correct BDO fees is necessary for your application to be processed without delays, so make sure you understand which BDO fees apply to your business. Why? Because not every entity is required to pay them.
- If you decide to cooperate with us, we will let you know which fees you are obliged to pay and how to do this in a correct way.
Common Questions – BDO system
What is considered packaging under Polish law?
Any material used to protect, transport or present goods – including envelopes, cardboard boxes, filler.
Do online shops need BDO?
Yes, 90% of online stores shipping to Poland are obligated.
Does cross-border selling require BDO?
Yes, if packaging enters Poland.
Do Amazon sellers need BDO?
Yes – both FBA and MFN models often require BDO registration.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
From 5,000 to 1,000,000 PLN.
How to check if I need BDO in Poland?
Contact us to find out whether your business is subject to mandatory registration.
Why work with a lawyer? (BDO registration lawyer Poland)
As a Polish business law attorney, I help entrepreneurs:
- determine whether they must register,
- select the correct categories and tables,
- prepare and submit the application without errors,
- communicate with the Marshal’s Office,
- avoid penalties for non-compliance,
- file annual reports,
- manage EPR and waste reporting duties.
If you register before a control begins, you can avoid penalties entirely – even if the obligation existed earlier.
Why our BDO service is safer than self-registration?
Most rejected applications are caused by incorrect registration, missing tables or misunderstanding EPR rules. We eliminate that risk.
All communication with the authority takes place in Polish – we handle it on your behalf.
BDO registration service – let us handle everything
If you want to:
register for BDO Poland safely,
obtain your BDO number quickly,
avoid penalties and corrections,
delegate communication with authorities,
ensure correct waste record keeping,
meet all packaging and EPR Poland requirements,
then we can complete the BDO registration process for you – start in 24 – 48 hours.
👉 Need help with BDO Poland? → Contact us for a quote
We handle Polish and foreign businesses.
Contact us for full bdo support
Kinga Konopelko, attorney-at-law
Business law specialist, owner of a law firm. Together with her team, she handles BDO registrations and annual reporting.
For over 12 years she has been supporting entrepreneurs by combining legal expertise with strategic business thinking. She advises companies at every stage of their development and creates legal documents that not only protect the business, but also help it grow.
As a legal expert, she publishes in Forbes, Puls Biznesu, Biznes24, and speaks at legal and business conferences, including events hosted by Rzeczpospolita.
