Romania

Romania became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on April 27, 2006.

Smoke Free Places

Smoking is prohibited on public transport and in nearly all indoor public places and indoor workplaces. The law provides for only two exceptions to the ban – for detention spaces where detainees are held and designated rooms in the transit areas of international airports.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

The law prohibits most forms of direct advertising, including TV, radio, print media, and outdoor advertising. However, the law allows point of sale advertising in areas dedicated exclusively to the sale of tobacco products within commercial establishments. The law does not address tobacco promotion and, therefore, most forms of tobacco promotion are permitted. Tobacco sponsorship is prohibited for events or activities with cross-border effects, or which involve or take place in at least two member states of the European Union, one of which is Romania; events and activities intended for youth under 18 years of age; and events and activities that take place at medical facilities or at medico-pharmaceutical educational facilities. Tobacco sponsorship of other types of events or activities, including corporate social responsibility programs, is allowed.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

Smoked tobacco products must display one of 14 combined (text and picture) health warnings, occupying 65 percent of the front and back of the package. A general warning must occupy 50 percent of one lateral surface of the package and an information message must occupy 50 percent of the other lateral surface. There are three sets of 14 authorized combined warnings, which are to be rotated annually. There is one required text-only warning for smokeless tobacco products, which must cover at least 30 percent of the two most visible display areas. Misleading packaging and labeling, which could include terms such as “light” and “low tar” and other signs, is prohibited.

Cigarette Contents and Disclosures

The law regulates specified contents of cigarettes, including banning characterizing flavors; and ingredients that facilitate nicotine uptake, create the impression of health benefits, or are associated with energy and vitality; among others. The law requires that manufacturers and importers disclose to government authorities information on the contents and emissions of their products.

Sales Restrictions

The law prohibits the sale of single cigarettes, small packets of cigarettes, tobacco for oral use, tobacco products via vending machines, and in schools and healthcare facilities. The law restricts the sale of tobacco products via the internet. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

E-Cigarettes

The sale of e-cigarettes is allowed. The law prohibits the use of e-cigarettes on public transport and e-cigarette sponsorship and restricts e-cigarette advertising. A text-only health warning is required to cover 30 percent of the product package.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

Law No. 349 of June 6, 2002 is the primary piece of legislation regulating smoking in public places. The law has been amended several times, including by Law No. 201 of 2016, which replaced the packaging and labeling provisions. Law No. 201 of 2016 also regulates additives, disclosures, cross-border distance sales, electronic cigarettes, and herbal products for smoking. Law No. 457 of November 1, 2004 is the primary legislation governing tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. Law No. 504 of July 11, 2002, The Audiovisual Law, regulates audiovisual broadcasts in Romania. Pertinent to tobacco control, it prohibits any form of audiovisual commercial communication for tobacco products.

Review Status

This country’s legal measures were reviewed by our legal staff. No in-country lawyers or tobacco control experts reviewed our analysis.