The law is needed to "eliminate the detected unfair activities which consist of, among others, repackaging fruit and vegetables imported from abroad and selling them as Polish produce," the Chancellery of the Polish President said in a statement.
The law was drafted with the aim to increase the effectiveness of control activities over local producers and retailers. The legislation amends two laws related to the control of the quality of food products and agricultural produce, and the organisation of the fruit, vegetables and hop markets.
Those who do not abide by the new legislation could face a number of financial penalties. Among others, the amended art. 40a.1.1. of the law on the organisation of the fruit, vegetables and hop markets now states that persons who "prevent regional inspectors or Trade Inspectorate inspectors from performing controls of the commercial quality of fruit and vegetables that are introduced into trade or controls of the storage or transportation of these items is subject to a financial penalty of up to a twentyfold of the average salary". This means that non-compliance can result with maximum fines of about PLN 85,400 (€19,800) this year, based on data from the state-run Central Statistics Office (GUS).
Art. 40a.1.3. of the amended law foresees a financial penalty for introducing fruit and vegetables that fail to comply with the requirements of trade quality, which can total up to a fivefold amount of the expected economic gain. This penalty is set at a minimum of PLN 500 (€116).
The law will be in effect 14 days after its publication in the country's Official Journal.
Source: IEG Policy
