On 23 March 2026, we celebrated World Consumer Rights Day at the University of Economics in Katowice under the slogan “Safe Products – Safe Consumers.” The event was officially opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Management, dr hab. Adam Samborski, prof. UE.
The gathered guests and participants were welcomed by the Head of the Department of Consumption Research, prof. dr hab. Sławomir Smyczek, who spoke about the history of this day and then gave the floor to the Dean, who officially opened the event:
“This issue is of particular importance today - not only for the economy, but for society as a whole, for all of us. Product safety is not only a matter of regulations and standards; it is, in fact, an expression of responsibility for another person. For years, the University of Economics has treated its mission not only as educating and conducting research, but also as actively contributing to the creation of a responsible and safe market. Today’s event is an expression of that. (...) We are creating a space for dialogue between academia, public administration, and business practice, because we believe that only through such dialogue can solutions be developed that truly serve society. The educational dimension is also of particular importance to us, because an aware consumer is, in fact, the foundation of a safe market,” said the Dean of the Faculty of Management, dr hab. Adam Samborski, prof. UE.
This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by prof. dr hab. Sławomir Smyczek, with the participation of experts:
- Katarzyna Bednarz - Director of the Market Surveillance Department, Office of Competition and Consumer Protection,
- Łukasz Rostocki - Head of the Legal and Organisational Division, Provincial Inspectorate of Trade Inspection in Katowice,
- Wojciech Szczerba - Coordinator of the ECK Polska Project,
- Krzysztof Pławecki - President of the Management Board, Lex Cultura Foundation,
- Hubert Plichta - Vice-President of the Management Board, Lex Cultura Foundation.
The panellists discussed how to reconcile the development of trade (especially online and cross-border trade) with a high level of consumer safety. They addressed market surveillance and inter-institutional cooperation, companies’ obligations resulting from the GPSR, as well as practical aspects of responding to threats, including through the Safety Gate system and product withdrawal procedures. The issue of goods from third countries and “small parcels” was also raised, highlighting the growing role of sales platforms and logistics. Finally, the importance of educating consumers on how to check product safety and labelling was emphasised.
At the end of the event, the results of the competition organised on the occasion of World Consumer Day were presented. Its aim was to prepare a video material.
The prizes were awarded to:
- 1st place: Agata Gawron, Beata Kropielnicka, Martyna Papierniok, Miłosz Trzciński;
- 2nd place: Izabela Sroka, Monika Loska, Wiktoria Lipińska, Agnieszka Stopka;
- 3rd place: Marta Warczek, Luiza Wikłacz, Martyna Wolska.
The event concluded with workshops for students of the University of Economics Third Age University entitled "Safe Product - Aware Senior." The meeting, conducted by dr Agnieszka Tetla and dr Marta Grybś-Kabocik, provided an opportunity to gain practical knowledge on, among other things, the proper verification of product labelling, the interpretation of warnings and manufacturer information, as well as the rights consumers are entitled to in the event of a defective or unsafe product. Participants also learned how to effectively use complaint procedures and warranty-based claims.
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