Your rights as a consumer
Directive 1999/44/EC on sale of consumer goods and associated guarantees has been implemented by Poland.
As results of this legislation, consumers have a right to repair, change or return the product within two years from the purchase. Within the first six months any lack of conformity shall be presumed to have existed at the time of delivery, unless proved otherwise. Within this period the consumer is entitled to have the goods brought back into conformity. The consumer is entitled to ask for the goods to be repaired or replaced free of charge. After six months from the purchase it is then up to the consumer to prove that the lack of conformity existed at the time of delivery.
Voluntary guarantees given by a producer do not restrict the statutory rights of consumer.
Exchange
The sellers have no obligation to exchange product if it is not faulty. However some shops (clothing companies and networks) give customers the right to return or change the bought item. Customer should ask before the purchase.
Pricing
The Poland currency is the PLN (Polish z³oty). One PLN equals 100 groszy. Notes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 PLN and there are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 groszy coins in circulation.
Prices must be displayed clearly with name of the product and weight/quantity.
The consumer can insist on getting the item for the price indicated on the price tag.
VAT must be included in the price.
The seller must issue a receipt on consumer’s request.
Tax
The VAT law provides two levels of taxation: the basic rate of 22% and the lower rate of 7%.
The categories of goods and services to which the various rates apply are subject to change, so it is therefore necessary to consult the current regulations in order to determine any particular commodity’s VAT liability.
As a special exception a 22% tax rate is charged on the Internet.
A 7% tax rate is charged on the most goods e.g. groceries, toys, books, newspaper and magazines.
The market price always includes the VAT tax.
Methods of payment
The most common method of payment in Poland are cash, credit and debit cards. When paying by credit or debiyt card, consumers may have to show identity card.
Sales
There are sales periods twice a year, winter and summer sales, not longer than 2 months each.
Opening hours
Shops' general opening hours are:
Monday – Friday: 11:00- 19:00
Saturday: 07:00- 13:00
Big malls: Monday – Sunday 10.00 – 22.00
In cities, a lot of shops have weekend hours.
Grocery shops
Monday-Friday 6.00-19.00
Banks' general opening hours are:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 – 18:00
Post Offices' general opening hours are:
Monday – Saturday: 8:00 –20:00
Sunday: Only chosen offices
Deposit
There is a deposit on bottles. There is no deposit on cans or plastic bags.
Tourist information
www.polska.travel/pl
