• The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection tested 10 models of schoolbags.
• Do they include reflecting elements, how functional are their handles, straps and structure, how much do they weigh, can they withstand falls and loads?
• UOKiK advises what to pay attention to in the store to make sure the selected backpack is comfortable. 190 tests, over 1,723 results – visit uokik.gov.pl and download the report (in Polish).

Books, notebooks, pencil cases, sandwiches, water... Where to accommodate all these items? Soon, we will hear the first sound of the school bell and the recurring dilemma of parents and students will return – which schoolbag to choose? Aesthetic qualities are one thing, but do we know which product will be safe and comfortable for our kids?

"A schoolbag is an essential item on every school supply list. When choosing one, it is worth paying attention to its functionality, durability and, above all, ­safety for the child's spine. How to test it in practice? We explain this in #UOKiKtestuje, in which we examined ten models of schoolbags from different brands. Specialists from the laboratory of UOKiK evaluated selected schoolbags in terms of the presence of reflective elements, functionality and durability.­­ They also checked how much each model weights and whether the bottoms of the schoolbags are waterproof," explains President of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection Tomasz Chróstny.­

How did we select the schoolbags?

Our tests involved ten models of schoolbags selected on the basis of a nationwide market survey conducted by the Trade Inspection in May 2021 in online as well as brick-and-mortar shops. The tests were performed by employees of the UOKiK's laboratory in Bydgoszcz, which is accredited in accordance with the PN-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018 standard. All models had a padded bottom and back, adjustable straps and a lifting handle. The test methods were developed using the DIN 58124 standard, which describes the requirements for schoolbags. All models were subjected to test performed in the same manner, under identical conditions. The schoolbags underwent a total of 190 tests, during which we obtained 1,723 partial results.

How did we check the schoolbags and what did we find? Download the report

The schoolbags were awarded a certain number of points in the six categories under study. After adding up the results, it was found that the best product was manufactured by Kayokki. The second and third places went to ST Majewski Bambino and Real Madrid. Details of the evaluation and the methods used can be found in ­"Test information" (in Polish).

Tips for consumers

A schoolbag with a firm structure is healthier for the spine and helps to maintain a proper posture by the child. This type of design also protects the back from items that may pinch it, even if they are not properly stacked inside the schoolbag. The tested models did not have waist straps, but it is worth remembering that their presence allows for better weight distribution and relieves pressure placed on the child's spine. This is particularly important when carrying a heavy schoolbag for long periods of time.

The recommended weight of a filled schoolbag that is considered harmless to a child's spine amounts to 10-15 percent of the student's weight, which indicates that a child weighing 40 kg should carry no more than 4-6 kg. That is why it is necessary to choose the lightest backpack, adjust it to the child's height and the weight of what they will be carrying in it. Check the weight and contents of the schoolbag regularly, especially those belonging to younger students, who often throw in things that are not essential for school but add considerable weight to their backs.

Students' safety on the way to school may be improved by reflective elements. They are necessary if the child is travelling outside of a built-up area. Thanks to these elements, they will be visible to drivers from afar, even on cloudy and grey days. Ideally, a schoolbag or backpack should have reflective elements on the back, side and shoulder straps. They can also be sewn onto clothing or worn on the hand.

You can rely on the Trade Inspection and the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection

Any objections concerning the safety and labelling of products can be reported to the Voivodeship Inspectorates of Trade Inspection.

If a product is defective, file a claim with the seller. You can do it within the period of two years from the date of purchase. You can request a repair or replacement of goods, a reduction of price, and when the defect is significant - a refund. The lack of receipt does not necessarily prevent you from lodging a complaint successfully. Bank or credit card statements, VAT invoices, and orders placed in an online shop, etc., also constitute proof of purchase.

Remember that in the case of online purchases, you can withdraw from the contract within 14 days (the so-called "cooling-off period"), and then 14 days to return the product. In the case of goods purchased at brick-and-mortar shops, it won't always be possible to return the goods. It depends on the retailer, the rules and regulations of the store in question. You can learn more about your rights at prawakonsumenta.uokik.gov.pl.

Download the results of the schoolbags tests from uokik.gov.pl.

Consumer assistance:

Phone: 801 440 220 or 22 290 89 16 – consumer hotline
E-mail: [SCODE]cG9yYWR5QGRsYWtvbnN1bWVudG93LnBs[ECODE]
Consumer Ombudsmen – in your town or county
Trading Standards Inspection – in your province

Additional information for the media:

UOKiK Press Office
Pl. Powstańców Warszawy 1, 00-950 Warszawa, Poland
Phone +48 695 902 088, +48 22 55 60 246
E-mail: [SCODE]Yml1cm9wcmFzb3dlQHVva2lrLmdvdi5wbA==[ECODE]
Twitter: @UOKiKgovPL