The Mysterious Client from UOKiK Will Check Who Violates Consumer Rights
The Polish government is set to enhance consumer protection by granting UOKiK inspectors new powers for identifying violations following EU regulations.
The Polish government has proposed amendments to the competition and consumer protection law aimed at strengthening consumer rights enforcement. New measures will empower UOKiK inspectors to conduct test purchases using false identities to uncover violations such as merchants refusing consumers' rights to withdraw from contracts. This initiative is vital for aligning Poland's consumer protection framework with EU regulations, which require stringent enforcement mechanisms against false practices.
Among the key proposed changes are enhanced searching capabilities aimed at efficiently addressing collective rights infringements against consumers. It reflects a significant effort to update existing laws in response to the increasing complexity of market operations and the need to protect consumers from unfair treatment. The implementations also promise to better safeguard consumer interests, ensuring that the regulations are proactive rather than reactive.
The plan, released by the government, outlines a timeline for when the amendments will be reviewed and potentially approved by the Council of Ministers, although a specific date has not been released yet. These changes aim not only to improve enforcement but also to foster a fairer marketplace, by holding violators accountable and ensuring that consumers are aware of their rights and the mechanisms available to protect them.