Consumer protection inspections of summer outdoor facilities – inspectors found problems at one in five venues

The NATCP’s most important objective is to promote consumer safety. To this end, we not only test the safety of products placed on the market, but also pay particular attention to the inspection of equipment used in leisure activities. One of the key areas in the market surveillance authority’s 2026 inspection and testing programme is the inspection of the operation of entertainment equipment, entertainment venues and sports equipment used for recreational purposes.

In order to protect consumer safety and prevent accidents, it is of the utmost importance that operators run these facilities safely and in accordance with the requirements at water parks, adventure parks, amusement parks, fitness parks and children’s camps. This year, the inspections will also cover the operational conditions of via ferrata routes. The official inspections cover the presence and validity of the required documentation and certificates, the presence of the mandatory markings and information on the equipment, and, in the case of equipment and facilities classified in hazard categories I and II, the presence of trained operating staff.

Under the professional guidance of the NATCP, government offices carried out official inspections at a total of 470 sites in the first half of this year, during which they examined the operating conditions of 2384 pieces of amusement equipment, amusement facilities, sports equipment for recreational use, and paved roads. In the course of this, deficiencies were identified at 94 sites (20 per cent) involving a total of 442 items (19 per cent), and the necessary measures were taken to rectify them.

The inspections will continue right up until the autumn half-term, as the primary aim is to ensure that operators of leisure facilities comply fully with safety regulations, thereby guaranteeing that families and those wishing to take part in sporting activities can enjoy their leisure time safely during the 2026 season as well.

The NATCP aims to ensure that, in addition to identifying shortcomings, these inspections contribute to strengthening prevention, reducing the number of accidents and improving the quality of services nationwide. Strengthening compliance with regulations is in everyone’s interest: a safe environment boosts visitor confidence, supports tourism and helps maintain the good reputation of Hungary’s leisure and sports facilities.