Romania EPR

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Comprehensive Guide to EPR for Single-Use Plastics (SUP) in Romania

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a vital environmental policy requiring businesses that place packaged goods and single-use plastics on the market to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products. In Romania, the implementation of the Single-Use Plastics (SUP) Directive shifts the financial and operational burden of waste management from municipalities to producers and importers.

For e-commerce sellers and manufacturers targeting the Romanian market, understanding these EPR guidelines is mandatory for continued market access and avoiding heavy fines.

1. Introduction to EPR in Romania

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an environmental policy framework that makes producers legally and financially responsible for managing their products at the end of their lifecycle. In Romania, this applies strongly to single-use plastics, ensuring that businesses fund collection, recycling, and waste treatment systems. This is similar to EPR obligations already enforced in other EU markets, such as the German single-use plastics scheme and the Austrian single-use plastics regulations.

2. Legal Framework and Regulations in Romania

Romania's EPR framework for single-use plastics is primarily driven by the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (EU) 2019/904, transposed into national law through Ordinance No. 6/2021.

This legislation works alongside:

Law 249/2015: Governing packaging and packaging waste management.
Emergency Ordinance (OUG) 196/2005: Establishing the Environmental Fund Administration (AFM), which enforces eco-contributions and compliance.

Romania enforces bans on certain SUP items (such as plastic cutlery, straws, and plates) and introduces progressive reduction targets, in line with the broader European Commission single-use plastics strategy.

3. Who Must Register for EPR Single-Use Plastics (SUP) in Romania ?

Any entity placing SUP products on the Romanian market for the first time must comply. This includes:

Domestic Producers: Manufacturers producing SUP items within Romania.
Importers: Businesses importing SUP products into Romania.
Intra-Community Acquirers: Companies bringing SUP goods from other EU countries.
Distance Sellers (E-commerce): Online sellers (Amazon, Shopify, etc.) selling directly to Romanian consumers. Amazon sellers should also review our EPR compliance guide for Amazon FBA sellers.

There is no minimum threshold—compliance is required even for small volumes.

4. EPR Categories: Single-Use Plastics (SUP)

Romanian regulations define several SUP categories with specific obligations:

Sanitary Items: Wet wipes, sanitary towels, tampons, and applicators.
Tobacco Products: Cigarette filters containing plastic.
Beverage Containers: Cups, lids, and bottles up to 3 liters.
Food Containers: Ready-to-eat food packaging (excluding banned expanded polystyrene), which also falls under obligations for a food and feed business operator.
Lightweight Bags: Plastic carrier bags subject to eco-taxes.

5. EPR Registration Process in Romania for SUP

To achieve compliance, businesses must follow these steps:

Create an AFM Account: Register your company on the Environmental Fund Administration portal.
Submit Product Data: Provide estimated volumes and material types of SUP products.
Choose a Compliance Scheme: Join an OIREP (Producer Responsibility Organization) or manage obligations individually.
Obtain Registration Number: Receive your official EPR registration number from AFM.

Sellers active across multiple EU jurisdictions may also want to compare requirements with our guides on Dutch single-use plastics compliance and our broader single-use plastics (SUP) overview for Germany.

6. Authorized Representative Requirements

Foreign companies without a legal presence in Romania must appoint an Authorized Representative (AR).

The AR must:

Be legally established in Romania.
Hold a valid Romanian tax number.
Manage reporting and compliance obligations on your behalf.

7. Reporting Obligations and Deadlines

Accurate reporting is strictly enforced:

Monthly Declarations: Due by the 25th of the following month.
OIREP Reporting: Typically monthly based on contractual terms.
Annual Declaration: Due by February 25th for the previous year.

Romania also enforces reduction targets (e.g., 20% reduction by 2026 compared to baseline levels), consistent with the EU's wider Circular Economy Action Plan.

8. EPR Fees and Eco-Contributions

Financial obligations include:

OIREP Fees: Paid per kilogram of SUP placed on the market.
AFM Penalties: Around 2 RON/kg for unmet recycling targets.
Plastic Bag Eco-Tax: Approximately 0.15 RON per bag.

For a broader breakdown of similar cost structures, see our compliance services pricing page.

9. Labeling Requirements and Compliance

SUP products must include harmonized EU labeling to inform consumers:

"Turtle Logo": Mandatory for products like wet wipes, sanitary items, tobacco filters, and beverage cups.
Tethered Caps Requirement: Beverage containers up to 3 liters must have attached caps (effective since 2024).

Labels must be visible, legible, and non-removable. This labeling discipline mirrors requirements under the EU's General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), and sellers should also review our GPSR compliance guide for cross-cutting labeling obligations.

10. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Romanian authorities strictly enforce SUP regulations:

Failure to Report: Fines between 1,000 and 5,000 RON.
Non-Registration or Labeling Violations: Fines between 20,000 and 40,000 RON.
Selling Banned Products: Fines up to 50,000 RON.

Non-compliance can also lead to marketplace bans, product seizures, and reputational damage. For more on how enforcement is tightening across the EU, read our related article on EPR compliance challenges, and see the European Commission's waste and recycling policy page for the wider regulatory context.

Navigating EPR obligations for single-use plastics in Romania can be complex, especially for non-resident businesses. Our team can help you register with AFM, appoint an authorized representative, and stay ahead of reporting deadlines. Contact us today to discuss your compliance needs, or visit our FAQ page and blog for more guidance on EU regulatory compliance.