The agency, together with the Prime Minister's office and two government ministries, is developing draft legislation that would allow it to block websites, conduct undercover test purchases using false identities, and search company premises and vehicles to gather evidence.
The reforms are designed to implement EU regulations and improve cooperation between consumer protection agencies across member states, particularly in cross-border cases such as online pyramid schemes, which typically operate across multiple countries and shift their registered offices to obstruct national regulators.
UOKiK president Tomasz Chróstny told Puls Biznesu that the new tools would be especially valuable in the financial services sector, where undercover agents using fictitious names, addresses and identity documents could enter into contracts with banks and financial intermediaries to detect unlawful practices.
A registry of such undercover identities would be maintained by the agency's president.
Polish consumers would also gain greater support in disputes with foreign online retailers over refunds and complaints.
The draft legislation is expected to be approved by the Council of Ministers in the first quarter of 2026.
(ał)
Source: PAP, Puls Biznesu