The Polish competition authority, UOKiK, conducted verifications on 27 sales shows across the country last year, resulting in notifications to the prosecutor's office for eight companies. Three companies and their management were fined over 3.6 million PLN for misleading consumers and breaching new consumer protection regulations.

UOKiK's spokesperson highlighted that older individuals are particularly vulnerable to unfair practices during sales presentations, with many agreements being made with consumers above 60 years old. Stricter regulations have been implemented since January 2023, prohibiting practices like accepting payments before the withdrawal period or concluding financial services agreements during shows.

Following the new regulations, UOKiK has been inspecting how companies conducting direct sales have adapted to the new rules. Inspections were carried out nationwide, with 20 shows being attended incognito by UOKiK controllers.

Redice, a company offering household products, received the highest fines for deceptive practices during sales shows, including pressuring consumers to sign consumer credit agreements and accepting payments prematurely. Another company, Healthy Life, was penalized for selling medical products outside its premises with misleading pricing information.

The decisions made by UOKiK are subject to appeal, but immediate enforcement is required for the parts related to prohibited practices, forcing companies to cease such actions before the decisions become final.