How do you get a BDO number who assigns it and what do you need to do step by step?

The most important thing to say straight away is simple: the BDO number is not produced as a login to the system. This is not a number created by the trader himself, but a registration number assigned by the competent provincial marshal after entry in the BDO register. The official BDO knowledge base indicates this unequivocally. What this means for the entrepreneur is that, in order to obtain a BDO number, it is first necessary to establish whether the company's activities are subject to entry at all, and only then to go through the correct registration procedure. In practice, the biggest mistake is that firms start by asking „where to find the number”, instead of first checking whether their activities require registration.

Who can obtain a BDO number?

The BDO number is only given to entities that have been entered in the register. Biznes.gov.pl shows that the obligation to enter may apply not only to waste companies, but also to entities introducing packaged products, batteries, electrical and electronic equipment, tyres, lubricating oils or shops offering plastic bags covered by the recycling fee. This means that the BDO number is not a number „for every company”, but for those businesses whose activities fall within the catalogue of obligations covered by the register. In practice, this is why the first step should not be to set up an account „just in case”, but to analyse whether the activity really requires an entry.

What is the procedure for obtaining a BDO number?

The procedure starts with the submission of registration application by the BDO system. Official BDO materials indicate that the application should be completed once your identity has been confirmed by the Login.gov.pl. In practice, the entrepreneur logs into the system, selects the application module, fills in the relevant sections and tables, and then sends the application to the relevant Marshal. BDO also provides step-by-step instructions and a questionnaire which helps to determine which sections of the form need to be filled in depending on the type of activity. Only after a positive entry in the register does the marshal assign the entrepreneur a BDO registration number.

When do you have to apply and what if the company is already operating without a number?

BDO's official registration rules indicate that a trader should submit an application prior to the commencement of operations requiring registration. This is very important, as the BDO number should not be dealt with „after the fact”, but rather before the activity requiring registration has even started. However, if the company is already operating without an entry, the BDO makes it clear that you should submit a registration application immediately. This means that late registration is still necessary, although it does not act as an undoing of an earlier period of operating without an entry. From an entrepreneur's perspective, the best rule of thumb is simple: if you are in doubt as to whether a BDO number is needed, clarify this before the business takes off or before the next stage of obligations such as record-keeping or reporting begins.

Frequently asked questions

If you want to check whether your company should obtain a BDO number and how to correctly go through the entire registration procedure, Ekopro Group provides assistance. On a day-to-day basis, we support entrepreneurs in topics related to BDO, registration, data updating, records, KPO and environmental reporting. Feel free to contact us we will help you determine whether registration is mandatory, prepare the application and securely obtain a BDO number