It is strictly regulated.
Collecting feathers in Poland is legal only if sourced from wild birds under strict conditions, governed by EU and national biodiversity laws. Permits from the General Directorate for Environmental Protection (GDOŚ) are mandatory for non-owner collections, with seasonal and species-specific bans enforced. Violations risk fines up to PLN 50,000 or criminal liability under the 2026 amendments to the Nature Conservation Act.
Key Regulations for Collecting Feathers in Poland
- Wild Bird Protections: Feathers from protected species (e.g., raptors, owls) under the Nature Conservation Act (Ustawa o Ochronie Przyrody) require GDOŚ permits; incidental finds must be reported.
- Hunting Season Restrictions: Feathers from game birds (e.g., pheasants, ducks) may only be collected during approved hunting seasons, with proof of legal acquisition required.
- EU Habitat Directive Compliance: Collections in Natura 2000 sites are prohibited without prior environmental impact assessments, per 2024 EU Biodiversity Strategy updates transposed into Polish law.
Additional municipal bylaws may impose local restrictions, particularly in urban or protected zones. Always verify with regional GDOŚ offices, as 2026 enforcement prioritizes illegal trade prevention.