Washington, 13 March 2006 - Romania is adopting the European legislation a very fast pace as the European integration is approaching. Major part of the newly adopted legislation has already been implemented.
Legislation on food additives, food flavors, pesticides and residues, food contaminants, organic products and biotech products was amended during 2005. The report presents also the major regulations affecting products of animal origin. Import procedure has been slightly amended especially regarding the importer’s obligations. Unless specified otherwise, the regulations were enforced at the moment of publication.
SECTION I. FOOD LAWS
Several Government agencies and ministries in Romania have responsibilities related to agri-food safety and quality as well as food importation. Most of the relevant norms and regulations were harmonized with the European Union (EU) legislation. Currently, the process of transposing EU regulations into domestic legislation is being accelerated, as the authorities are determined to move faster towards country’s European accession, scheduled for 2007. Some of the regulations will be enforced at the moment of accession, while others will be enforced prior to this moment.
The most relevant provisions are set out within the following general framework:
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Veterinary Order 148/2005 regarding the surveillance, prevention and control of animal diseases, the ones transmissible to humans, animal protection and environment protection
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Government Ordinance 42/2004 regarding the organization of veterinary activity
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Government Emergency Ordinance 97/2001 regarding food production, distribution and commercialization, with the latest amendment Order 551/2004 regarding standard methods for analysis of alcoholic drinks
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Law 214/2002 amending Government (GOR) Ordinance 49/2000 on obtaining, testing, utilization, and commercialization of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), as well as products derived from GMOs.
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Law 244/2002 on wine and vine-yards with the latest amendment through Minister of Agriculture Order 645/2005 on including the Romanian vineyard regions in the European Union regions.
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Government Decision 1020/2005 providing technical norms for natural mineral water exploitation and commercialization.
These pieces of legislation are jointly proposed and/or endorsed by the GOR agencies with competency in protecting consumers and lay down conditions and requirements regarding food quality all along the marketing chain.