New Romanian food import regulation. 51% will have to be local

This Tuesday, the Romanian Senate adopted a bill that will require food retailers to sell a fixed sh…

This Tuesday, the Romanian Senate adopted a bill that will require food retailers to sell a fixed share of meat, fruit and vegetables produced in Romania.

The motion amending Law 321/2009 on food marketing, initially proposed by the Social Democrat Ovidiu Dontu, was approved with 76 votes in favour and four abstentions. In the explanatory memorandum, Dontu emphasised that his project aims to provide easy access to the market for national producers.

"The legal entities authorised to market food products will be required to purchase at least 51% of their meat, vegetables and fruit from the short food supply chain, as defined by the EU's Common Agricultural Policy. In the winter months (December to February), a maximum share of 70% will be allowed for imported vegetables and fruits, depending on supply for each category. Those failing to adhere to the regulation will be fined between 25,000 and 50,000 RON (5,661.18 - 11,322.37 Euro)," says the report of the Economic Commission.

A short food supply chain, according to the Economic Commission, is "a supply chain involving a limited number of traders engaged in cooperation and local economic development, with close geographical and social relations between producers and consumers."

The measures will take effect six months after publication in the Official Gazette. The normative act will be discussed in the Chamber of Deputies.