UOKiK

UOKiK, short for Urząd Ochrony Konkurencji i Konsumentów, is a central government administration authority in Poland responsible for enforcing competition and consumer protection law. Its mandate includes preventing anti-competitive agreements, abuse of market dominance, and unfair market practices, as well as safeguarding consumer rights and product safety. The Office operates under the Act on Protecting Competition and Consumers, along with related statutes, and implements EU competition rules in Poland, coordinating with the European Union’s network of competition authorities.

The Office undertakes enforcement activities such as investigating cartels, reviewing mergers and concentrations, and monitoring market practices that may hinder competition. It can issue binding decisions, impose fines, and require remedies or behavioral changes to restore competitive conditions. Beyond enforcement, UOKiK conducts market analyses, publishes opinions and guidelines, and provides information and assistance to consumers and businesses. It also handles complaints and inquiries from the public and coordinates with other public authorities on issues affecting competition and consumer protection.

Structure and governance: UOKiK is headed by the President of the Office (Prezes Urzędu Ochrony Konkurencji i Konsumentów) and operates as a central administrative authority with specialized directorates for competition protection, consumer protection, mergers, and sectoral oversight. The Office participates in the European Competition Network, cooperating with the European Commission and other national authorities on cross-border cases and ECN procedures.

History: The agency was established during Poland’s transition to a market economy in 1990 and has since developed alongside Poland’s European integration, remaining the primary Polish authority for competition and consumer protection.