Yes, Kava is legal in Romania but subject to strict controls under national narcotics legislation. The National Anti-Doping Agency (ANA) and the Ministry of Health classify kava-containing products as controlled substances due to their psychoactive properties, requiring import permits and adherence to EU-aligned safety standards. Recent 2026 amendments to Law 143/2000 further restrict sales to licensed pharmacies, banning online distribution and public marketing.
Key Regulations for Kava in Romania
- Controlled Substance Status: Kava and its derivatives fall under Annex I of Government Emergency Ordinance 102/2005, mandating registration with the National Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (ANMDM) for any kava-based product.
- Licensing Requirements: Only pharmacies with special permits may stock kava, with mandatory labeling of psychoactive content and consumer warnings in Romanian.
- Import Restrictions: Importers must obtain prior authorization from the Ministry of Health’s General Directorate for Control of Narcotic Substances, verifying compliance with EU Novel Food Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 for edible forms.
Non-compliance risks administrative fines up to €50,000 or criminal liability under Article 3 of Law 339/2005 for unauthorized trafficking. The 2026 updates align with Romania’s obligations under the 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances, closing loopholes in unregulated online sales.