Is Making Moonshine at Home Legal in Romania After the 2026 Regulatory Updates?

No, distilling alcohol at home in Romania is illegal without a government license, as the state holds a monopoly on production via the Regia Autonomă “Regia Națională a Tutunului și Alcoolurilor” (R.A.N.A.). Unlicensed distillation violates the Law on Alcoholic Products (Law 158/2010) and risks criminal penalties under the Penal Code (Art. 335). The 2023 amendments to Law 158/2010 tightened enforcement, with customs authorities (Agenția Națională Antidrog) and the Direcția Generală a Finanțelor Publice conducting targeted raids.


Key Regulations for Making Moonshine at Home in Romania

  • State Monopoly: Only R.A.N.A. and licensed entities may produce alcohol commercially; private distillation is prohibited under Government Emergency Ordinance 104/2001.
  • Penalties: Unlicensed production faces fines up to €50,000 or imprisonment (3 months–3 years) under Penal Code Art. 335, with aggravated sentences for large-scale operations.
  • Tax Compliance: Even small-scale home brewing triggers excise duty obligations; failure to declare production constitutes tax evasion (Codul Fiscal, Art. 112).