It is strictly regulated.
Poland’s 2023 amendment to the Act on the Protection of the Marine Environment and Coastal Law prohibits the removal of sand from beaches, classifying it as environmental damage under Article 127(1). Violations incur fines up to 50,000 PLN (≈€11,000) or criminal liability under the Environmental Protection Law, enforced by the Regional Maritime Offices (e.g., Urząd Morski w Szczecinie). Exceptions require permits from the General Directorate for Environmental Protection, rarely granted for scientific or coastal protection purposes.
Key Regulations for Taking Sand from the Beach in Poland
- Prohibition under Coastal Law: The Act on Coastal Law (2023) explicitly bans sand extraction from beaches, including dunes, to preserve coastal ecosystems and prevent erosion. Violations are treated as misdemeanors under Article 56(1).
- Environmental Criminal Liability: The Environmental Protection Law (2022) criminalizes unauthorized sand removal, with penalties including imprisonment up to 5 years for large-scale offenses, per Article 278(1).
- Permit Requirements: The General Directorate for Environmental Protection (GDOŚ) may issue permits for sand removal only for public interest (e.g., flood defense), subject to environmental impact assessments and consultations with the Regional Maritime Offices.