Environmental compliance is no longer optional for companies operating in Romania. As both national and EU legislation impose increasingly strict obligations, businesses of all sizes must ensure their activities meet environmental protection standards. From industrial permits to waste management and ESG reporting, Romanian businesses need to adopt a proactive and structured compliance framework to avoid penalties, reputational harm, or operational shutdowns.
This article outlines the main environmental laws in Romania, key obligations for businesses, and practical strategies to ensure compliance and long-term sustainability.
Regulatory framework: Romanian and EU environmental law
Environmental regulation in Romania is shaped by both domestic law and European Union directives and regulations. The primary national authority is the National Environmental Protection Agency (ANPM), which oversees environmental permits, inspections, and impact assessments.
Key legislation includes:
Key legislation includes Emergency Government Ordinance No. 195/2005 on Environmental Protection, which serves as the core legal framework for environmental obligations in Romania, and Law No. 211/2011 on waste management, which defines the responsibilities of businesses regarding waste minimisation, segregation, and treatment. In addition, several EU directives, such as the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) and the Waste Framework Directive, either apply directly or are transposed into Romanian law. Further, the EU Taxonomy Regulation and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) impose ESG-related disclosure requirements, particularly for larger or listed companies operating in Romania.
When do Romanian businesses need environmental permits?
Any business conducting activities with potential environmental impact—such as manufacturing, construction, energy production, or waste processing—must obtain appropriate permits before starting operations.
There are several types of environmental permits:
- Environmental Agreement – required before developing new projects or making significant changes to existing ones.
- Environmental Authorisation – necessary for ongoing operations that may impact air, water, soil, or biodiversity.
- Integrated Environmental Authorisation (IEA) – mandatory for businesses falling under the scope of the Industrial Emissions Directive.
Operating without the required permits or failing to renew them can lead to administrative sanctions, fines, and the suspension of business activity.
Waste management obligations in environmental compliance
Waste management is a critical area of compliance. Romanian companies are responsible for ensuring that their waste is handled in accordance with the waste hierarchy: prevention, reuse, recycling, recovery, and disposal.
Businesses must also maintain detailed waste records and submit periodic reports to the relevant authorities. They are required to collaborate exclusively with authorised waste collectors and recyclers to ensure legal compliance. For manufacturers and importers, it is particularly important to comply with packaging waste obligations. Additionally, companies that produce or place packaged goods, electronic equipment, or batteries on the Romanian market must fulfil extended producer responsibility (EPR) requirements, which include taking responsibility for the entire lifecycle of those products.
Environmental reporting and ESG obligations
With the implementation of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the EU Taxonomy, larger companies in Romania (particularly listed or high-turnover businesses) must report on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics. These reporting obligations cover areas such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy usage, pollution control measures, biodiversity and resource use, and climate risk assessments. This transparency is designed to help stakeholders evaluate the environmental impact and long-term sustainability of corporate operations.
Even for smaller companies, aligning with ESG best practices is increasingly important in accessing funding, securing contracts, and maintaining stakeholder trust.
Inspections and enforcement by Romanian authorities regarding environmental compliance
The Romanian Environmental Guard conducts regular inspections to monitor compliance. These inspections may be planned or surprise visits and cover permit validity, waste handling practices, pollution control, and environmental impact.
Penalties for non-compliance may be severe. Companies can face heavy fines, as well as the temporary suspension of their business operations. In cases where environmental damage has occurred, businesses may also be legally required to remediate the harm at their own expense. In the most serious instances—such as those involving significant pollution—criminal liability may be imposed on the company or its responsible representatives.
How Romanian businesses can stay compliant
To manage environmental compliance effectively, businesses should take a preventive approach that integrates legal, operational, and sustainability concerns.
Conduct regular compliance audits – Review permits, reporting processes, and on-site practices to identify gaps.
Update internal policies and employee training – Environmental responsibilities should be clearly assigned and enforced at all levels.
Engage legal and technical experts – Especially when expanding operations, applying for permits, or managing ESG reporting.
Monitor regulatory changes – Environmental law evolves rapidly at both national and EU levels. Staying up to date is essential.
Consider voluntary sustainability initiatives – Joining ESG platforms, obtaining ISO 14001 certification, or implementing circular economy principles can demonstrate environmental leadership and improve risk management.
Turning environmental compliance into competitive advantage
Environmental compliance in Romania is not just a legal obligation—it’s a strategic necessity. As enforcement increases and stakeholders demand transparency, companies that fail to prioritise environmental responsibilities face rising legal and financial risks.
By embedding compliance into core business operations and aligning with ESG expectations, Romanian companies can reduce liability, protect their licence to operate, and gain a competitive edge in the EU market.
If your business is unsure of its environmental compliance obligations or needs legal assistance with permitting, audits, or ESG reporting, our team can provide tailored support.