BDO Number Poland – New Regulations of the BDO Register for Waste Management and Disposal in 2025
The Central BDO Register: What Is It?
Since July 23, 2018, companies involved in any form of waste management must register in the Central BDO Register. The BDO collects and manages all information related to waste management and ensures that registration, reporting, and documentation obligations are fulfilled digitally.
BDO stands for “Baza Danych o Odpadach” (Database for Waste). The register tracks and controls waste streams in Poland and is mandatory for companies with environmentally relevant activities. BDO is a public register, so authorities and other entities can check if a company is registered and compliant.
- New BDO Fees: Micro-enterprises pay 200 PLN, other businesses pay 800 PLN. Payment is required by February 28, 2025.
- Expanded Registration Obligations: From 2025, waste exporters and packaging material manufacturers must register.
- Stricter Controls and Penalties: Higher fines for non-compliance with regulations.
- Electronic Proof Obligations: Documentation and reporting of waste flows must be done digitally.
- Removal from the Register: Companies that fail to pay the fee on time may be removed from the register and lose their business license.
Changes for 2025: What’s New?
Starting in 2025, additional obligations will apply to companies dealing with waste:
- New BDO Fees: Companies must pay their BDO registration and annual fee by February 28, 2025.
- Micro-enterprises: 200 PLN Other companies: 800 PLN
- Companies registered in the national EMAS system (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) are exempt from the fee obligation.
- Companies registering for the first time in the year only pay the registration fee, not the annual fee – however, the registration fee is the same amount as the annual fee (200/800 PLN).
- Failure to pay on time may result in removal from the register.
- The BDO fee is a flat rate (one fee for all categories combined), meaning the same amount applies whether a company registers for Packaging only or WEEE + Packaging.
- Expansion of Registration Obligations: In addition to manufacturers, traders, and importers, from 2025 onwards, waste exporters and packaging material manufacturers are also required to register.
- Increased Controls and Penalties: Polish authorities are tightening monitoring to identify and penalize violations of the BDO regulations more quickly.
- Electronic Proof Obligations: Companies must digitally document and report waste flows to ensure more efficient control and transparency.
The BDO Fee in Poland: What Does It Mean for Companies?
The BDO fee is a state levy for the administration and control of environmental data within the BDO system. It particularly affects companies that generate waste or are involved in waste management.
The fee is due by February 28 each year and must be paid to the relevant Marshal’s Office of the Voivodeship. The Voivodeships are the highest administrative divisions in Poland, similar to provinces. Failure to make payments can result in removal from the register, preventing affected companies from operating legally.
Foreign companies that only sell under WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) regulations don’t need to pay the fee. However, if they sell packaging, batteries, or a combination of these along with WEEE, they are required to pay the fee.
Polish companies are subject to the fee, regardless of whether they are foreign-owned or not. If a Polish company is involved in the sale or management of packaging, batteries, or WEEE, they must comply with the BDO fee and reporting requirements.
Who Is Affected by the BDO Register Regulations?
The obligation to register in the BDO Register applies to companies that:
- Generate waste and must document it.
- Import products in packaging, tires, lubricants, vehicles, batteries or accumulators, and electrical or electronic devices.
- Manufacture, import, or acquire packaging in intra-Community transactions.
- Transport waste.
- Operate a business or wholesale and provide plastic bags to customers, for which a recycling fee is charged.
- Export waste or manufacture packaging materials (new from 2025).
- Companies need to register at BDO as soon as (or just before) they start putting products on the market.
New Requirements in the BDO Register: Understand Your Obligations and Comply Legally
Since 2020, registration is done exclusively online and only in Polish. Companies with a branch in Poland register with the Marshal’s Office of the relevant Voivodeship. Foreign companies must register with the Marshal’s Office of the Masovian Voivodeship in Warsaw.
New for 2025:
- Stricter penalties for companies that fail to register or report on time.
- The BDO number must be provided on invoices and transport documents.
- The BDO fee must be paid by February 28, 2025.
Penalties for Non-Compliance: What Fines Are Imposed?
Companies that violate the BDO regulations can face significant penalties:
- Administrative fines ranging from 5,000 PLN to 1,000,000 PLN (approximately 1,111 EUR – 220,000 EUR).
- Companies operating without valid registration may no longer transport or dispose of waste.
- Failure to display the BDO number on official documents may lead to sanctions.
- Late payments of the BDO fee may incur additional fines.
Conclusion
The BDO Register remains a crucial obligation for companies in Poland in 2025. In addition to paying fees on time, businesses must comply with all requirements to avoid substantial fines. The new regulations require increased attention and strict adherence to the rules.
Need help? Deutsche Recycling assists you in meeting your obligations in the BDO Register and avoiding penalties. Contact us for personalized advice!
