Retailers in Romania may face tougher sanctions for selling excisable products without an acquired certificate

Starting from November 11, 2023, retailers in Romania who sell excisable products such as alcoholic beverages, processed tobacco, and energy products without a prior certificate from the customs authority will face harsher penalties, according to a new law adopted by the government. The law aims to prevent tax evasion and money laundering and to ensure compliance with excise regulations.

The new sanctions include fines of between 20,000 lei and 100,000 lei, the suspension of the activity of marketing excisable products for 1-3 months, and the confiscation of the products or the amounts resulting from their sale. These sanctions apply to both wholesale and retail sales of excisable products, as well as to both economic operators and individuals.

Retailers who want to sell excisable products must register with the competent customs authority before carrying out such activities and obtain a commercialization certificate that allows them to operate legally. The certificate is issued after fulfilling certain conditions and complying with the legislative requirements in the matter of excise.

Also, retail companies that already have a commercialization certificate must notify the customs authority of any changes they make to the data based on which the registration is carried out within 30 days after the change is made. Failure to do so will also result in the same sanctions as selling without a certificate.

The new law, even though it is formalized at the start of November, will enter into force on January 1, 2024, and retailers must ensure that they comply with the legal provisions regarding the sale of excisable products, or risk facing consequences otherwise.