New rules for trading through marketplaces in Poland: secrets to increasing sales

Poland – a new “Eldorado” for online traders! But be careful, the new rules for trading through marketplaces can turn out to be a real ambush that can stop any careless entrepreneur! What to do? Read this article to the end and learn not only about the new rules, but also about secret methods on how to use all this to your advantage and increase sales in Poland! Get your share of the thriving market and don't be fooled!

Glossary

• Marketplaces are online platforms that allow sellers to offer their products and services to a wide audience of users.
• Sales is the process of selling goods or services carried out by a seller using a marketplace to reach their audience.
• New rules - changes made to Polish legislation regarding trading through marketplaces, which came into force at a certain point in time.
• Poland is a country in Central Europe.
• Reasons for changes - the main factors or events that caused changes to the rules of trading through marketplaces in Poland.
• Register of sellers - a list of sellers registered in accordance with the new rules and entitled to trade through marketplaces in Poland.
• Will all sellers be included in the register - a question regarding whether all sellers will be automatically included in the seller register or whether there are any conditions or requirements, which they must complete.
• Electronic sales tax is a tax levied on sellers for electronic sales carried out through marketplaces in Poland.
• Business activity in e-commerce - carrying out commercial activities using electronic communications and technologies, including trading through marketplaces.
• Effective date of the new rules - the date on which the new rules for trading through marketplaces began to take effect.

New rules for trading through marketplaces in Poland: operations

From the beginning of May 2023, In Poland, changes were made to the conditions for online trading through marketplaces. These changes affect both the platform itself and the merchants trading through it. One of the main innovations concerns operations carried out on site.

Now some transactions with used items are subject to tax, and marketplaces are required to maintain registers of all transactions made by sellers. This measure was introduced to account for the income received by sellers, as well as to ensure control over the payment of taxes. The new rules will also help avoid the risk of tax revenues being lost, as many sellers conduct business on marketplaces without registration.

The transaction register will contain information about the sellers, as well as details of each transaction, including the transaction amount and payments made. The first report must be filed in January 2024 for the previous year, and then continue to be provided as required by the tax authorities.

Marketplace sellers should be aware of the type and amount of information that platforms will collect in the transaction ledger. Such information should be included in the rules or regulations of the specific online service.

Assessing the positive and negative aspects of the new rules

Sellers actively trading through marketplaces in Poland should be prepared for changes and familiarize themselves with the new rules. Failure to comply may result in fines or problems with tax authorities. However, doing business correctly on marketplaces can bring a number of benefits, such as increasing customer confidence and strengthening your position in the market.

It should be noted that determining and assessing these benefits and risks is a matter of discussion with e-commerce experts. It is recommended that you consult with legal and tax professionals for details regarding specific requirements and consequences.

Using marketplaces for trading can be an attractive option for businesses, as it allows them to reach a wider audience and increase sales. However, to achieve success, it is important to familiarize yourself with the new rules and actively apply them to your business.

In the following sections we will look at other key aspects of the new marketplace trading rules in Poland and provide tips on how to use them effectively to increase sales.

Register of sellers

One of the important innovations for marketplaces is the need to maintain a register of sellers and distributors who sell on the platform. Such a register contains information identifying sellers, as well as data on the amounts of transactions completed and payments made.

This new requirement was introduced to account for income received by sellers and for control by tax authorities. Also, such information will help prevent the negative consequences of incorrect payment of taxes by sellers selling on the marketplace.

It is important to note that sellers should be informed about what types of information marketplaces collect in the transaction ledger. Such information must be clearly stated in the rules or regulations of the relevant online service. Such data may include personal information as well as information about the seller's income and sales volume.

The first annual sales report is due in January 2024 for the previous year. Sellers may then be required by tax authorities to provide reports on an ongoing basis or upon their request.

Reasons for changes

Changes in the rules of online trading in Poland were necessary due to implementation of the EU Directive DAC7 concerning e-commerce and online rental of residential premises, parking spaces, cars and other vehicles. The new rules also introduce new obligations for marketplaces.

These changes are aimed at ensuring transparency in trading through marketplaces and ensuring compliance with tax laws.

Will all sellers be included in the registry

Some flexibility is provided for sellers who make a limited number of sales. While the details of the regulation are being finalized, the Polish Ministry of Finance has already announced that sellers who make fewer than 30 sales of goods during the year or whose total sales income does not exceed 2,000 euros are exempt from reporting obligations.

Such parameters were introduced to exclude accidental sales, when people temporarily sell unnecessary items or books, for example, through the Vinted platform. However, when the regulations are finally adopted and published, these parameters may be changed.

Electronic sales tax

With the new rules, non-business sellers face tax liability if the sale price of the item was higher than the purchase price, and the sale was made within 6 months after the seller purchased the goods.

For example, if a person bought limited edition shoes for PLN 500 and then sold them for PLN 800 a week later, the taxable income would be PLN 300. However, if the sale was made 6 months after purchase, no tax will be charged.

E-Commerce Business Activity

It is important to understand the difference between incidental sales and profit-generating activities. While occasional sales are not considered a business activity. This applies to selling unwanted items or on a one-by-one basis, such as through the Vinted platform. However, if a person is actively engaged in selling for profit, it is considered an economic activity.

When the new rules came into effect

The new rules for trading through marketplaces in Poland came into force on May 1, 2023. However, the first reporting under the new rules will be submitted at the beginning of 2024 for 2023. Tax authorities can request reports as early as September 1, 2023. It is important to be prepared for changes and provide required reporting in a timely manner.

Frequently asked questions about the new rules for trading through marketplaces in Poland: how not to waste time and increase sales

Thanks for reading and becoming a master of marketplace trading in Poland! 😊

You have just walked the path of knowledge and improved your skills in trading through marketplaces in Poland. You now have a deep understanding of the new rules and know how to effectively use them to increase sales.

Move forward with confidence, apply fresh knowledge and watch your business grow and prosper in the Polish market. Remember to adapt your strategies, be flexible, and look for new opportunities to expand your customer base.

Marketplaces in Poland are a dynamic and competitive environment, but you are now equipped with the tools and knowledge to succeed. And remember, don't be afraid to experiment and learn new techniques to stay one step ahead of your competitors.

Your success is our success! We're excited to have you as part of our community of elite entrepreneurs. Continue to develop, strive for high results and don’t stop at anything!

Good luck with your business on the Polish market! 👍💪