Includes typical use of agents and distributors and how to find a good partner, e.g., whether use of an agent or distributor is legally required.
Last Published: 6/13/2019

Polish trade partners most often serve their U.S. counterparts as distributors. They import goods, clearing them through customs and then offer them on the local market. Their network of contacts in the industry is highly leveraged when offering products on the market. One of the most common tools for distributors to use is the internet, where goods are advertised and, increasingly, also sold through e -commerce. 
 

Signing an agent agreement with a Polish entity allows the agent to act as a representative for the foreign company in Poland. Agents have the authority to manage the company’s activities in the country and often also to act as distributors. In most cases, product and marketing training must be provided to new distributors. There are no local laws imposing rules specifically for Polish importers.  Distributor and agent agreements may take any form mutually beneficial to the parties involved. 
 

A good starting point for finding a distributor or an agent is to review websites of local companies. There is also the Kompass database , with information on many local businesses. Visiting a trade show in Poland is also a good occasion to review local businesses and to meet with potential partners. Catalogs of trade events usually include a brief description of each exhibitor, also in English. 
 

We highly recommend utilizing the services of the U.S. Commercial Service, such as the International Partner Search (IPS) and/or our signature Gold Key Service (GKS) if you are inexperienced in the market. Our specialists have deep and broad knowledge of many market sectors and can help save U.S. business representatives’ time and money finding and screening (International Company Profile) potential distributors or agents. 
 

Companies wishing to use distribution, franchising and agency arrangements need to ensure that the agreements they put into place are in accordance with EU and member state national laws. Council Directive 86/653/EEC establishes certain minimum standards of protection for self-employed commercial agents who sell or purchase goods on behalf of their principals.  The Directive establishes the rights and obligations of the principal and its agents, the agent’s remuneration and the conclusion and termination of an agency contract.  It also establishes the notice to be given and indemnity or compensation to be paid to the agent. U.S. companies should be particularly aware that per the Directive, parties may not derogate from certain requirements.  Accordingly, the inclusion of a clause specifying an alternate body of law to be applied in the event of a dispute will likely be ruled invalid by European courts. 
 

The European Commission’s Directorate General for Competition enforces legislation concerned with the effects on competition in the internal market of "vertical agreements." U.S. small- and medium-sized companies (SMEs) are often exempt from these regulations because their agreements likely would qualify as "agreements of minor importance," meaning they are considered incapable of impacting competition at the EU level but useful for cooperation between SMEs.  Companies with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of less than €50 million are considered small- and medium-sized. The EU has additionally indicated that agreements that affect less than 10 percent of a particular market are generally exempted (Commission Notice 2014/C 291/01). 
 

The EU also looks to combat payment delays.  Directive 2011/7/EU covers all commercial transactions within the EU, whether in the public or private sector, primarily dealing with the consequences of late payment. Transactions with consumers, however, do not fall within the scope of this Directive.  Directive 2011/7/EU entitles a seller who does not receive payment for goods and/or services within 30 days of the payment deadline to collect interest (at a rate of eight percent above the European Central Bank rate) as well as 40 Euro as compensation for recovery of costs.  For business-to-business transactions a 60-day period may be negotiated subject to conditions. The seller may also retain the title to goods until payment is completed and may claim full compensation for all recovery costs. 
 

Companies’ agents and distributors can take advantage of the European Ombudsman when victim of inefficient management by an EU institution or body.  Complaints can be made to the European Ombudsman only by businesses and other bodies with registered offices in the EU.  The Ombudsman can act upon these complaints by investigating cases in which EU institutions fail to act in accordance with the law, fail to respect the principles of good administration, or violate fundamental rights.  In addition, SOLVIT, a network of national centers, offers online assistance to citizens and businesses who encounter problems with transactions within the borders of the single market. 

 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.