Polish Permit for Waste Transport (BDO) — A Guide for Foreign Companies

Polish Permit for Waste Transport (BDO) — A Guide for Foreign Companies

A Legal and Logistical Challenge

As an international transport company, you know that cross-border logistics require precision and a solid understanding of local regulations.
When your “cargo” consists of waste, however, things get significantly more complicated.

Poland, as a key logistics hub in Europe, has its own strict control system — the BDO Register (Waste Database Register). For foreign entities, navigating this system can be a real challenge.

If you receive inquiries about transporting waste to or from Poland, this article will help you understand how the BDO system works — and how to ensure full compliance with the law.

Why is BDO so important (and complex) for foreign companies?

BDO — the Waste Database Register — is Poland’s central system for tracking and regulating waste management activities. For companies based outside of Poland, three key issues must be understood:

1. No direct access
   Entities without a registered office in Poland cannot obtain a BDO registration on their own. The law requires that they act through a local representative established within Polish territory.

2. Full responsibility for export/import
   As the waste producer or the transport organizer, you are fully responsible for the legality of the process. Missing or incorrect documentation — for instance, a waste transfer note without a valid BDO number — can lead to:

   • detention of your cargo at the border,

   • financial penalties of up to hundreds of thousands of PLN,

   • and even criminal liability.

3. Language and regulatory complexity
   All communication with Polish authorities — including forms and applications — must be conducted in Polish. Moreover, the interpretation of waste regulations can vary between regional offices, making the process even more confusing for non-Polish entities.

A permit alone is not enough. You need a partner to manage your BDO presence in Poland.

That’s where Permitra comes in.
We are not just an “agency” that fills out paperwork on your behalf — we act as your authorized representative and long-term partner in Poland for all matters related to waste management compliance.

BDO Management for Foreign Companies — What We Do for You

We offer a comprehensive service package that relieves your team of administrative burdens and guarantees full legal compliance in Poland.

1. Representation and BDO Registration

• We act as your official representative in Poland, fulfilling all legal requirements.

• We handle your complete BDO registration process, obtaining the identification number necessary for lawful waste transport.

2. Preparation and Submission of Waste Transport Permits

• We analyze the type, code, and quantity of waste you plan to transport.

• We prepare a complete, legally compliant permit application with all required attachments.

• We identify the correct competent authority (the regional Marshal’s Office) and handle the submission process — covering the country of origin, transit, and destination.

3. Ongoing Management and Supervision

This is what truly sets us apart — we don’t stop once the permit is issued.

• Deadline monitoring: we track permit validity and remind you of renewal dates.

• Reporting: we prepare and submit all required reports to BDO and KOBIZE on your behalf.

• Data updates: we manage any necessary changes (e.g., waste codes, quantities, routes).

• Official correspondence: we act as your single point of contact for all Polish authorities concerning BDO and waste management.

4. Documentation Review and Support

• We provide guidance on properly completing waste transfer documents, ensuring they include all legally required data — including your BDO number.

• We make sure that every transport you organize or participate in is fully compliant with Polish law.

Why Choose Permitra

• Expertise: We specialize exclusively in waste transport permits across Europe, with in-depth knowledge of Polish regulations.

• Comprehensive approach: We go beyond “getting the paperwork done” — we ensure ongoing compliance management for your company in Poland.

• Clear communication: We work fluently in English (and other languages), eliminating misunderstandings.

• Security and peace of mind: With us, you minimize legal and financial risks, allowing you to focus on your core business — efficient transport operations.

Avoid costly delays and penalties. Focus on transport — we’ll handle the rest.

Get in touch with us for an individual quote and action plan.
With Permitra, entering the Polish waste management market becomes simple, safe, and fully compliant with the law.