The end of unpunished trade in “left-hand” clothing? The first effects of the SENT system

Since March 17, when the SENT system covered clothing and footwear, there were almost 55,000 items in it. reports – said Robert Michalski from the Ministry of Finance. He said that over 650 inspections were carried out during this time, resulting in almost 90 irregularities.

From March 17, the SENT system – used to monitor the road and rail transport of certain goods whose turnover, from the legislator's perspective, is associated with an increased risk of tax fraud – covered clothing and footwear. Entrepreneurs opposed the extension of the system.

At the meeting of the joint parliamentary committees for deregulation and economy and development, MPs heard information about the introduction of the SENT system for clothing and footwear and the effects of this regulation on micro, small and medium-sized entrepreneurs from the clothing and footwear sector.

Robert Michalski, deputy director of the department for combating economic crime at the Ministry of Finance, informed that from the moment new goods were included in the SENT system until April 14, there were almost 55,000 items in the system. reports. 653 inspections were carried out, in 86 cases various types of irregularities were found and 34 fines were imposed.

He argued that the introduction of the system was necessary to combat organized economic crime. – Individual solutions generate a lot of involvement of the KAS administration, but the effects are quite poor – argued Michalski.

He emphasized that the activities of organized criminal groups also violate the interests of Polish entities, as goods illegally introduced to the Polish market may be traded. – There was a case a few days ago where these goods, specifically clothing and footwear, were supposed to go to another Member State, but unfortunately they ended up in a certain place in Poland – he said. He noted that the ministry's actions are aimed at “increasing competitiveness, not limiting legal activity.”

Deputy Minister of Finance Jurand Drop stated that the SENT system was a response to entrepreneurs' requests to “do something about illegal competition”. He declared that the ministry intends to work on a legal act that will aim to improve the functioning of the system.

He assured that the ministry will try to find a solution that will not crack the system, will achieve the goal, i.e. limit undesirable and illegal cases, and at the same time eliminate “absurdities”. – We guarantee that we will talk and we will adapt these changes – said Drop.

The SENT system has been operating since 2017 and is used to monitor the road and rail transport of certain goods whose turnover, from the legislator's perspective, is associated with an increased risk of tax fraud. So far, the system mainly covered fuels, alcohol, selected waste and specific agricultural products. From March 17, 2026, selected categories of clothing and footwear will be subject to the reporting obligation. (PAP)

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