Poland Plans Action Against Chinese Counterfeits of Famous Bolesławiec Pottery

Polish ceramic manufacturers are sounding the alarm over a growing influx of inexpensive Chinese imitations that mimic the distinctive design of the famed Bolesławiec pottery. The Ministry of Finance has outlined a plan to implement EU protection for these regional products, a move that has been delayed in Poland. Producers first raised concerns in mid-August, leading to a parliamentary inquiry. The Ministry confirmed it is actively working on systemic solutions. Chinese counterfeit goods are flooding the market, not only copying the characteristic designs but also often replicating the markings and logos of Polish makers. Previous attempts to intervene through government offices and diplomatic missions proved ineffective, prompting parliamentary action. Marcin Łoboda, Secretary of State and head of the National Revenue Administration, stated that the government is prioritizing a solution. While an EU system for protecting geographical indications for craft and industrial products has been in place since December 2025, offering indefinite protection across the EU, Poland has not yet completed its legislative work to adopt these rules. This delay prevents Bolesławiec ceramics from being officially registered as a protected geographical indication. The Ministry assures that the matter is a priority, with meetings scheduled in August 2026 to discuss the implementation of new protections and a conference to coordinate work on the draft law aligning Polish legislation with EU requirements. Meanwhile, producers can still defend themselves using existing registered trademarks and industrial designs to pursue legal claims against infringers.

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The problem is that Poland has not yet completed the legislative work to implement EU regulations. As long as the national law does not come into force, Bolesławiec ceramics cannot be officially registered as a protected geographical indication.