Yes, selling homemade food in Romania is legal under strict conditions. The activity falls under Regulamentul (UE) nr. 852/2004 and Legea nr. 178/2010, requiring compliance with hygiene standards enforced by the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA). Micro-enterprises may operate under simplified rules, but direct sales to consumers are permitted only if production occurs in registered home kitchens meeting EU hygiene norms.
Key Regulations for Selling Homemade Food in Romania
- Registration Requirement: Producers must register with the local ANSVSA office under Regulamentul (UE) 2017/625, which mandates inspections for home-based operations. Failure to register risks fines up to €5,000 under Legea nr. 178/2010.
- Hygiene Standards: Home kitchens must adhere to Regulamentul (CE) nr. 852/2004, including separation of raw and cooked foods, proper storage, and pest control. Non-compliance may trigger mandatory closure by local authorities.
- Sales Restrictions: Direct-to-consumer sales are permitted only for non-perishable or low-risk foods (e.g., baked goods, jams). Perishable items (e.g., dairy, meat) require commercial premises licensed by ANSVSA.
Note: As of 2026, Romania aligns with EU Omnibus Regulation (UE) 2023/2411, introducing simplified rules for micro-producers selling ≤€50,000 annually. However, local ANSVSA offices retain discretion in enforcement, necessitating pre-approval for all operations.