In 2016–2023 they went to Poland thousands of illegal tractors from Belarus, which led to the collapse of many Polish producers agricultural machinery. The Polish authorities, despite many warnings, remained passive, and now farmers gotta face the consequences.
Level of illegal imports
According to the available information, Poland was visited over 7,000 MTZ Belarus tractors, produced after 1 January 2016. These machines, even though they were new, were recorded as being utilized to circumvent EU rules on approval and exhaust emanation standards. This practice allowed the sale of tractors at lower prices, nevertheless they did not meet strict EU standardswhich now results in their withdrawal from use.
Passivity of authorities and peculiar services
Despite many notifications from Polish agricultural machinery manufacturers, specified as Ursus, the problem of illegal imports of routes from Belarus has been ignored by applicable services and ministries. Karol Zarajczyk, erstwhile president of Ursus, stresses that despite the alarming of all possible institutions, no action has been taken on this matter.
Consequences for farmers
Farmers who in good religion purchased MTZ Belarus tractors now face the threat of losing these machines. The absence of European type-approval means that tractors do not meet EU exhaust emanation standards, leading to a decision to retreat them. The Warmia-Mazury Agricultural Chamber calls for the cancellation of the decision to retreat the registration of these vehicles, stressing that farmers should not endure any consequences for the errors of officials and importers.
Authority response
The Polish Ministry of Infrastructure, although informed about the problem, did not take decisive action. He is presently working on rules on the admission of vehicles from outside the EU, but is not organization to the prosecution's and administrative courts' proceedings.
The fall of Polish producers
Illegal imports of tractors from Belarus had a disastrous impact on the Polish agricultural machinery industry. Producers like Ursus were forced to reduce production and any even to completely cease their activities. In 2023 only registered 10 300 fresh tractors, which represents a decrease by 12.2% compared to 2022.
Justice appeal
Farmers and producers call for justice and support from the authorities. They request the cancellation of the deregistration of tractors and the introduction of support mechanisms for those affected by unfair import practices. Otherwise, many farmers may face bankruptcy and the Polish agricultural machinery manufacture may no longer regain its erstwhile position on the market.
The scandal associated with illegal imports of tractors from Belarus reveals serious gaps in the surveillance and control strategy for imports of agricultural machinery. The failure of the authorities to respond led to serious losses for both farmers and national producers. The consequences of this are felt to this day, and the solution requires decisive action and support from the state.
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Thousands of illegal tractors from Belarus flood Poland! Farmers on the brink of bankruptcy!
