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BDO obligations for entrepreneurs in the food service sector.

The year 2024 has brought many changes for entrepreneurs operating in the food service sector. Price increases, supply chain issues, and new regulations that introduced additional responsibilities are just a few examples. However, the most significant change concerns waste and packaging management in the food service sector. BDO regulations, which had been in place for years in other industries, have now become mandatory for entrepreneurs operating restaurants, food outlets, cafes, confectioneries, and other establishments where goods are packaged for takeout.

Why is BDO required in the food service sector?

Lawmakers argue that by introducing this requirement, they were guided by ecological responsibility, which is becoming increasingly important in the face of global climate change.

Introducing BDO for food service entrepreneurs means complying with legal requirements, which is mandatory for running a business legally. Entrepreneurs must not only ensure proper waste sorting and disposal, but also choose appropriate materials for packaging goods sold to customers. Additionally, every entrepreneur in the food service industry must meticulously record the packaging they provide to customers.

In this article, you’ll learn about the BDO obligations for food service entrepreneurs who package their goods for takeout. We’ll explore the benefits of implementing these regulations and offer tips on how you can simplify the BDO process by automating many reporting tasks. This will save you time and improve the accuracy of the documentation submitted to the relevant office.

BDO (Database of Products and Packaging and Waste Management) - What does this mean?

BDO, or the Database of Products and Packaging and Waste Management, is a nationwide system designed to register and manage waste. It allows for the registration of data concerning products, packaging, and waste management. The goal of BDO is to simplify the recordkeeping and reporting process, as well as to promote sustainable development through efficient waste management and recycling.

This system allows entrepreneurs running a restaurant or operating in the food service sector to track and report their waste management activities. It gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to fully understand their obligations and access up-to-date information on current regulations.

BDO obligations for Food Service Entrepreneurs

Every entrepreneur operating in the food service industry who offers their products for takeout must not only be aware of but also fulfill the obligations imposed by BDO regarding waste and packaging management.

According to Polish law, every food service business is required to be registered in the BDO system (Database of Products and Packaging and Waste Management).

This means that if you run such a business, you must accurately document and monitor the quantity and type of waste generated by it.

Regular reporting of data is required to ensure transparency in waste management. Proper handling of waste not only helps avoid penalties but also contributes to building a reputation of a socially responsible and conscious company.

See what every entrepreneur must do:

Registration in the BDO

This is the first step that every entrepreneur in the food service sector must take. Registration in the BDO registry is required before carrying out any other activities mandated by law. The process of registering your business involves completing the appropriate forms. To do this correctly, it is worth dedicating extra time and seeking the expertise of those who handle this regularly. The form contains 47 pages, and you don’t need to fill out all of them, so make sure to include all the required information.

Below is the link to the form on the Ministry's website: https://bdo.mos.gov.pl/bdo-formularz-rejestrowy-oraz-formularz-aktualizacyjny/

You can submit the application in person at the Marshal's Office, by mail, or through the Trusted Profile. You must attach proof of payment of the required fee to the application.

Don't like formalities?

By using bdomat you can easily get assistance with preparing documents. You receive clear instructions and support at every stage of the registration process, saving you time and ensuring that all required information is entered correctly. The BDO number you obtain will be needed to perform all necessary tasks within the BDO system.

Data Update

After registering in BDO, it is important to remember to regularly update your data. This requirement stems from the need to provide accurate information to the supervisory authorities and for the entrepreneur's own benefit. For you, it's a way to avoid problems and consequences related to potential discrepancies.

Here, bdomat also offers valuable assistance. Users receive timely reminders to update their data, which significantly reduces the risk of overlooking updates and incurring potential financial penalties. As a result, you can focus on growing your business, confident that your documentation is always up to date.

Packaging Records

Another important aspect of BDO that should be considered in the food service sector is maintaining packaging records. Companies offering takeaway food, regardless of their size, must carefully record the quantities and weights of the packaging used. Unfortunately, this can be time-consuming and require additional resources.
Proper management of this data is not only important from a legal perspective but also impacts the cost management of your business. Here, bdomat becomes a valuable tool. It allows you to easily and quickly record this data. With it, you won't waste valuable time on bureaucracy and complicated administrative processes.

Reports on waste and packaging

Submitting reports on waste and packaging is a crucial requirement that every food service entrepreneur must meet. Any company that provides takeaway meals is obligated to regularly report the amount of waste generated in this way. The reports should include detailed information about the type of waste, its volume, and the disposal method. It's important to ensure that the report is error-free, as food service entrepreneurs may face legal and financial consequences for inaccuracies.

Legal consequences

First and foremost, an entrepreneur can be fined for non-compliance with waste management regulations, which can result in significant costs. Additionally, the need to prepare corrections and explanations can be time-consuming, taking away time that could be spent on growing the business.
bdomat can help you avoid errors in BDO reports for your food service business. This intuitive tool for managing BDO documentation and processes simplifies collecting and analyzing waste management data.
bdomat ensures compliance support, which helps minimize the risk of financial penalties.

Summary

Implementing BDO in food service businesses is primarily a legal obligation. Every food service entrepreneur must comply with these regulations. Efficient waste management and flawless reports save you time and money.
bdomat can significantly simplify this process by providing comprehensive support at every stage of implementing BDO regulations.

If you want to learn more about how bdomat can help your business, contact our expert or check out how it works.