Polish regulators expand reprographic levy to smartphones and TVs

The Ministry of Culture and National Heritage in Poland announced that the reprographic fee, previously applied to media such as CDs and DVDs, will now also cover smartphones, tablets, laptops, televisions and set‑top boxes. The fee is set at 1 % of the net price of each device, which officials estimate will generate 150‑200 million zł annually, several times the current 36 million zł revenue.

Industry groups, including the Digital Poland Association and major importers of brands such as Apple, Asus, HP and Lenovo, warn that the levy will be passed on to consumers. They argue that margins in the Polish consumer‑electronics market are already below 1 %, making it impossible for distributors to absorb the cost. Estimates suggest price increases of 100‑200 zł per device after accounting for administrative expenses. The sector also criticises the outdated analog‑era model, its lack of proportionality, and potential conflicts with EU law on copyright‑related fees.

The move is expected to raise retail prices for a wide range of electronics, affect public‑sector procurement such as schools and administration, and could weaken the competitiveness of Polish importers against overseas sellers.