Exporting products to Romania can be a great opportunity for businesses looking to expand into the European market. However, one of the most important aspects to consider is ensuring product compliance with Romanian and EU standards. Without proper compliance, companies may face legal issues, delays at customs, and even penalties.
This article will guide you through the essential steps to ensuring product compliance when exporting to Romania, helping your business avoid risks and meet all legal requirements.
Why Is Product Compliance Important?
Before exporting any goods to Romania, companies must ensure that their products meet both national and EU regulations. Product compliance is essential because:
- It guarantees that products are safe for consumers.
- It prevents legal disputes and penalties.
- It allows for smooth customs clearance and avoids shipment delays.
- It builds trust with clients and partners in Romania.
- It ensures that products can be sold across the EU without additional certifications.
Ignoring compliance requirements can result in fines, product recalls, or even bans on selling your goods in the European market.
Key Regulations for Product Compliance in Romania and the EU
When exporting to Romania, businesses must comply with both national Romanian laws and EU-wide regulations. Here are some of the most important legal requirements:
1. CE Marking
The CE marking is a mandatory certification for many products sold in the European Economic Area (EEA), including Romania. It indicates that a product meets EU safety, health, and environmental standards.
To obtain CE marking, businesses must:
- Ensure that the product meets EU directives and regulations.
- Conduct conformity assessments (which may include third-party testing).
- Create and maintain a technical file with all compliance documentation.
- Issue an EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC).
2. Romanian National Standards (SR)
In addition to EU rules, some products may need to comply with Romanian national standards (SR), which are developed by the Romanian Standards Association (ASRO). These apply especially to construction materials, medical devices, and food products.
3. REACH Regulation (Chemical Safety)
If you export products that contain chemicals (such as cosmetics, paints, or electronics), they must comply with REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulations. This ensures that chemicals used in manufacturing are safe for human health and the environment.
4. Food and Beverage Regulations
For food products, companies must follow both EU food safety regulations and Romanian veterinary and sanitary rules, which are enforced by the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA).
5. Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS and WEEE Directives)
Electronic products must comply with:
- RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive, which limits the use of dangerous materials in electronics.
- WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive, which requires proper recycling and disposal of electronic waste.
Steps to Ensuring Product Compliance When Exporting to Romania
To successfully export products to Romania while complying with all regulations, businesses should follow these steps:
Step 1: Identify Applicable Regulations
Determine which EU and Romanian laws apply to your product. This depends on the product category, materials used, and intended use. If unsure, consulting with a legal expert can help.
Step 2: Conduct Product Testing and Certification
For many products, compliance requires laboratory testing and certification. Businesses should work with accredited testing facilities to ensure that their goods meet safety and quality standards.
Step 3: Prepare Documentation
Every product must be accompanied by proper compliance documents, including:
- CE marking certification (if applicable).
- Test reports from accredited laboratories.
- EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC).
- Safety data sheets for chemicals.
- Product labels with mandatory warnings and information.
Step 4: Register with Romanian Authorities (If Necessary)
Certain products, such as pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics, must be registered with Romanian regulatory agencies before they can be sold in the country.
Step 5: Work with a Customs Broker
Romanian customs authorities may request additional documentation when importing products. A customs broker can help you navigate this process and avoid delays.
Step 6: Monitor Ongoing Compliance
Even after a product is successfully imported, companies must stay updated on regulation changes and conduct periodic quality checks to maintain compliance.
Common Challenges in Ensuring Product Compliance
Many businesses encounter difficulties when trying to ensure product compliance in Romania. Some common challenges include:
- Complex legal requirements – Navigating both Romanian and EU laws can be overwhelming.
- Frequent regulation updates – Laws change regularly, requiring businesses to stay informed.
- Costly compliance processes – Testing, certification, and documentation can be expensive.
- Delays at customs – Missing documents or incorrect labeling can slow down shipments.
To overcome these challenges, working with legal experts who specialize in Romanian business law is highly recommended.
How Buju, Stanciu & Asociatii Can Help
Ensuring compliance with Romanian and EU product regulations can be a complex process. Buju, Stanciu & Asociatii provides expert legal assistance to businesses exporting to Romania, helping them navigate legal requirements and avoid costly mistakes.
Our team offers:
- Legal consultation on Romanian and EU product standards.
- Assistance with CE marking and certifications.
- Review of product labels and documentation.
- Customs compliance support.
- Representation in case of disputes with regulatory authorities.
By working with experienced legal advisors, your company can ensure that its products meet all regulatory requirements and reach Romanian customers without unnecessary delays or legal risks.
Final Thoughts
Ensuring product compliance when exporting to Romania is essential for avoiding legal issues, protecting consumers, and maintaining a strong business reputation. By understanding the applicable laws, conducting proper testing, and preparing the right documentation, businesses can successfully enter the Romanian market.
If you need expert guidance on product compliance and legal regulations, Buju, Stanciu & Asociatii is here to help. Contact our team today to ensure a smooth and legally compliant export process.
