Polish Trade Inspection: 7 of 10 chainsaws found non-compliant after laboratory tests — three electric models damaged in the drop test, four petrol models with incorrectly designed guards
On 9 October 2026 Poland’s competition and consumer protection office UOKiK published the results of a Trade Inspection check: from June to August 2026 the inspectorates in Gdańsk, Poznań, Warsaw and Wrocław examined 10 chainsaw models at wholesalers and large-format stores — five mains-powered electric and five petrol — and all models were also tested in a laboratory. All came from China.
- The laboratory tested compliance with selected clauses of PN-EN ISO 11681-1:2022-10 (petrol chainsaws; safety requirements and testing for portable chainsaws for forest service) and PN-EN 62841-4-1:2020-08 (electric chainsaws). It checked the mounting of guards, the throttle trigger lockout, the diameter of fuel and oil filler openings, the strength and accessibility of fuel lines and the longitudinal balance at the front handle, and for electric saws also protection against access to live parts.
- In three electric chainsaws the drop test caused unacceptable damage, and in four petrol models the guards were incorrectly designed — according to UOKiK this means a risk of electric shock and injury. In total 7 of the 10 models were found non-compliant: two had both formal and design irregularities, five only design irregularities.
- Formal irregularities were found in two models (one petrol and one electric chainsaw): both had an incorrect declaration of conformity, and the manual of the petrol saw did not explain the warnings and information marked on the machine. Inspectors also checked the CE marking, the data identifying the machine and the manufacturer or importer, and the instructions.
- In two cases applications to open administrative proceedings have been sent to the President of UOKiK; in the other five they will follow once the Trade Inspection has completed its actions. The dangerous products are to be withdrawn from the market and the Inspection will notify law enforcement authorities with a view to imposing fines; UOKiK reports dangerous products to the EU Safety Gate system.
Source: UOKiK — Masz zgryz z pilarką? – kontrola Inspekcji Handlowej (9.10.2026)