Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 1/30/2006

**GAIN Report Number:** RO6001

RO6001

**Romania**

**Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards**

**Country Report**

**2006**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Brian Goggin

U.S. Embassy Romania

**Prepared by:**

Monica Dobrescu

**Report Highlights:**

Romania is adopting the European legislation a very fast pace as the
European integration is approaching. Major part of the newly adopted
legislation has already been implemented. Legislation on food additives,
food flavors, pesticides and residues, food contaminants, organic
products and biotech products was amended during 2005. The report
presents also the major regulations affecting products of animal origin.
Import procedure has been slightly amended especially regarding the
importer's obligations. Unless specified otherwise, the regulations were
enforced at the moment of publication.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Annual Report

Sofia \[BU1\]

\[RO\]

Table of Contents

[**SECTION I. FOOD LAWS 4**](#section-i.-food-laws)

[SECTION II. LABELING REQUIREMENTS
6](#section-ii.-labeling-requirements)

[A. General Requirements 6](#a.-general-requirements)

[B. Biotechnology Labeling 8](#b.-biotechnology-labeling)

[C. Organic Labeling 9](#c.-organic-labeling)

[D. Nutritional Labeling 9](#d.-nutritional-labeling)

[SECTION III. PACKING AND CONTAINER REQUIREMENTS
10](#section-iii.-packing-and-container-requirements)

[SECTION IV. FOOD ADDITIVE REGULATIONS
10](#section-iv.-food-additive-regulations)

[A. Food additives 10](#a.-food-additives)

[B. Flavors 10](#b.-flavors)

[SECTION V. PESTICIDE AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS
10](#section-v.-pesticide-and-other-contaminants)

[A. Pesticides 10](#a.-pesticides)

[B. Pesticides and substances residues
11](#b.-pesticides-and-substances-residues)

[C. Food contaminants 12](#c.-food-contaminants)

[SECTION VI. OTHER REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
15](#section-vi.-other-regulations-and-requirements)

[SECTION VII. OTHER SPECIFIC STANDARDS
17](#section-vii.-other-specific-standards)

[Veterinary regulations 17](#veterinary-regulations)

[Organic Food 21](#organic-food)

[Products derived from Biotechnology
22](#products-derived-from-biotechnology)

[SECTION VIII. COPYRIGHT AND/OR TRADEMARK LAWS
23](#__RefHeading___Toc125514612)

[SECTION IX. IMPORT PROCEDURES 23](#section-ix.-import-procedures)

[APPENDIX. GOVERNMENTAL REGULATORY AGENCY CONTACTS
24](#appendix.-governmental-regulatory-agency-contacts)

**DISCLAIMER:**

This report has been prepared by the Office of Agricultural Affairs of
the USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service in Bucharest, Romania for U.S.
exporters of domestic food and agricultural products. While every
possible care has been taken in the preparation of this report,
information provided may not be completely accurate either because
policies have changed since its preparation, or because clear and
consistent information about these policies were not available. It is
highly recommended that U.S. exporters verify the full set of import
requirements with their foreign customers, who are normally best
equipped to research such matters with local authorities, before any
goods are shipped. FINAL IMPORT APPROVAL OF ANY PRODUCT IS SUBJECT TO
THE IMPORTING COUNTRY'S RULES AND REGULATIONS AS INTERPRETED BY BORDER
OFFICIALS AT THE TIME OF PRODUCT ENTRY.

Please contact this office, if you would like further information about
the material contained in this report. Our telephone, fax, and e-mail
address are provided at the end of this report.

# SECTION I. FOOD LAWS

# 

Several Government agencies and ministries in Romania have
responsibilities related to agri-food safety and quality as well as food
importation. Most of the relevant norms and regulations were harmonized
with the European Union (EU) legislation. Currently, the process of
transposing EU regulations into domestic legislation is being
accelerated, as the authorities are determined to move faster towards
country's European accession, scheduled for 2007. Some of the
regulations will be enforced at the moment of accession, while others
will be enforced prior to this moment.

The most relevant provisions are set out within the following general
framework:

-   Veterinary Order 148/2005 regarding the surveillance, prevention and
    control of animal diseases, the ones transmissible to humans, animal
    protection and environment protection

-   Government Ordinance 42/2004 regarding the organization of
    veterinary activity

-   Government Emergency Ordinance 97/2001 regarding food production,
    distribution and commercialization, with the latest amendment Order
    551/2004 regarding standard methods for analysis of alcoholic drinks

-   Law 214/2002 amending Government (GOR) Ordinance 49/2000 on
    obtaining, testing, utilization, and commercialization of
    genetically modified organisms (GMOs), as well as products derived
    from GMOs.

-   Law 244/2002 on wine and vine-yards with the latest amendment
    through Minister of Agriculture Order 645/2005 on including the
    Romanian vineyard regions in the European Union regions.

-   Government Decision 1020/2005 providing technical norms for natural
    mineral water exploitation and commercialization.

These pieces of legislation are jointly proposed and/or endorsed by the
GOR agencies with competency in protecting consumers and lay down
conditions and requirements regarding food quality all along the
marketing chain.

**The Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Rural Development**

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Rural Development (MAFRD) is
the specialized body of the central public administration being under
governmental jurisdiction. It applies the Government's strategy in the
field of agriculture, food processing, as well as rural development and
forests.

Under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Rural Development the
following agencies participate in the regulation of the agri-food
market:

\-- The Testing and Control Lab for Seeding Material Quality

\-- The State Institute for Plant Varieties Testing and Registration

\-- The National Office for Wines

\-- The National Agency for Livestock Breed Amelioration and
Reproduction (ANARZ)

\-- The Agency Land Reclamation

\-- The National Company for Fishery Fund Administration

\-- National Forestry Authority

Further information on the main activities of the Ministry of
Agriculture, Forests and Rural Development can be viewed at
[www.maap.ro](http://www.maap.ro/)

**The Ministry of Environment and Waters Management (MEWM)**

Ministry of Environment and Waters Management is the main body
conducting environmental risk assessment (including for GMOs) and
monitoring activities that might harm human health and the environment.

More information regarding the activities of Ministry of Environment and
Waters Management can be found at: http://www.mmediu.ro

## 

**The Veterinary and Food Safety National Authority (VFSNA)**

The institution was established in January 2004 and it is the main body
for sanitary-veterinary and food-safety activities. Before that moment,
the Veterinary Agency was subordinated to Ministry of Agriculture.

Currently, the Agency performs activities related to animal health and
foodstuffs of animal origin, as well as food safety. Its activity was
significantly broadened to all aspects generally encompassed by food
safety regulating and monitoring.

VFSNA organizes and coordinates all sanitary-veterinary activities,
elaborates national norms and regulations, including the use of animal
medical drugs. It is responsible for negotiating health certificates
with international veterinary authorities for animals and products of
animal origin for Romanian imports, in order to ensure conformity with
the national veterinary requirements. It issues health certificates for
live animals and livestock products exported from Romania. VFSNA is
responsible for monitoring and controlling the animal health status
nation-wide.

Other ministries and Governmental bodies involved in the regulation of
the agri-food market are:

**The Ministry of Health (MH)**

The Ministry of Health is responsible for overseeing the production and
registration of drugs, food additives, and medical equipments. It is
also responsible for the public health as it relates to food and
contaminants.

Thus, prior to begin operations, food processing Romanian firms and
multinational companies established in Romania must obtain the approval
of the Ministry of Health, which has competency in authorizing and
controlling the activity of the companies involved in food production,
processing and distribution.

The Public Health General Directorate and the State Sanitary Inspection
within the Ministry of Health are responsible for food safety and public
health.

The official website of the Romanian Ministry of Health is: www.ms.ro

**The National Authority for Consumers Protection (NACP)**

The National Authority for Consumers Protection is a Government agency
established with the aim of protecting the consumers' rights and
interests. Its activity is performed within the framework given by the
GOR Decision 755/2003.

NACP is actively involved in proposing, endorsing and promoting
legislation related to consumer protection, including food products.
However, starting with October 2005, this Authority involvement in food
safety has been limited and the institution is no longer responsible for
food products manufacturers and sanitary-veterinary inspections.

More information about the National Authority for Consumer Protection
can be found at the following web site: [www.anpc.ro]{.underline}

# SECTION II. LABELING REQUIREMENTS

The following authorities are responsible for regulating and enforcing
labeling requirements in Romania at various stages of food chain:

-   The Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Rural Development

-   The Ministry of Health

-   The National Authority for Consumer Protection

-   The Veterinary and Food Safety National Authority

## A. General Requirements 

The methodology and requirements for food labeling are set out in the
GOR Decision 106/February 2002 - further detailed in its accompanying
Methodological Norm 7/2002. GOR Decisions 511/2004 and 1719/2004 amended
the decision no. 106 though.

At the border inspection point, products of animal origin, subject to
control should bear labels in Romanian language OR in a widely
circulating language (except the name of the country which should be
specified in Romanian). Every package should bear a label with the
following information:

‑ the country of origin (in Romanian language)

‑ the name of the establishment;

‑ name of the product;

\- date of production and date of expiration;

\- storage temperature;

\- list of ingredients, for processed products only.

The Romanian authorities will not accept any inconsistency between the
establishment number or the shelf life written in the export documents
and the ones written on the labels.

Romanian authorities do not accept labels transfer from one
establishment to another even if such establishments belong to the same
producer and are officially inspected by the FSIS authorities.

The Romanian authorities do not accept the transfer of the labels from
one establishment to another in USA even though they belong to the same
producer and U.S. authorities may have officially approved both
establishments. The Romanian authorities do not accept the transfer of
the labels from one establishment to another in USA even though they
belong to the same producer and U.S. authorities may have officially
approved both establishments.

All the information written on the certificates and the labels must be
comprehensible and clear, with no traces of change. All U.S. exporters
are advised to ask the importer about special requirements regarding
labeling of goods they intend to export.

In the case of prepackaged frozen products, the labels should mention
that "re-freezing after defrosting is prohibited". This statement may be
written directly on the packages or on "stick-on" labels.

Therefore, labels in Romanian language are not an import condition.
However, all food products when reaching the retail chain or food
service, imported or domestically produced, should bear labels
containing the following compulsory specifications in Romanian language:

-   the name of the product;

-   the ingredient\* list (for processed products only). These
    ingredients must correspond to the ones specified in the technical
    description of the product. The ingredients must be presented in
    descending order as a percentage of the total weight of the product.
    The vitamins and minerals must be also mentioned in the list;

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-   the net content (weight/capacity);

-   the expiration date (best before, or expires on \....for perishable
    products);

-   the required storage conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.), when
    applicable;

-   the name and address of the producer/packer/ distributor/ importer;

-   place of origin or provenance if its absence would mislead
    consumers;

-   usage instructions, in case the absence might result in improper
    usage;

-   information meant to help the lot identification, which has to
    correspond with the number written in the export documents;

-   date of manufacturing.

\*Ingredients must be specified if they belong to the following
categories: colorants, preservatives, antioxidants, emulsifiers, gels,
stabilizers, aroma (flavorings), acidity correctors, modified potato
starch, sweeteners antifoam, melting salt.

The Romanian labels costs are usually born by the Romanian
importers/distributors. They can either attach the labels upon goods
importation or have the exporters/packers do this operation before the
goods depart United States.

In case of alcoholic drinks with alcoholic concentration higher than
1.2% vol., the list of ingredients should observe specific legislation,
for instance Law of Wine and Vineyards no. 244/2002 and Minister of
Agriculture regarding 268/2003 regarding definition, description and
presentation of alcoholic drinks.

It is prohibited to use pictures of fruits/vegetables, parts of them or
other ingredients on labels, presentation packaging, catalogues and
advertisements if they are not part of the name under which the products
are sold and are not included in the list of ingredients. The same
recommendation should be observed in the case only fruit flavors are
used.

In case of ready-to-drink products which contain caffeine in a
proportion larger than 150 mg/l, the expression "high content of
caffeine" should be placed on the label, right under the name of the
product. The above specification does not apply to products such as
coffee, tea, coffee extract and tea extract which are sold under the
name "tea" or "coffee".

It is forbidden to use label specifications that refer to potential
effects on human health, such as: energizer, fortifier, tonic or
refresher.

Below there are described supplementary labeling requirements for a
selection of food products:

1.  Dairy products:

    -   labeling must specify the fat content, in percent terms;

    -   for the pasteurized milk the following specification is
        required: "Store at temperatures of 2-4 degree C";

    -   the processing technology (pasteurized/UHT sterilized);

    -   the dry matter content for powdered milk;

    -   nutritional data for dietetic and dairy food products (energetic
        value, proteins, glucose, fats, fatty acids, fiber and sodium)
        as well as the added flavorings.

2.  Margarine

-   margarine type;

-   fat content in percentage, content of added milk, butter, vitamins
    etc.;

-   margarine containing over 0.5% salt should be labeled as "salted".

3.  Meat and products derived from meat**.** The label must specify:

-   the animal specie the meat comes from;

-   the processing technology/treatment used (salted, smoked, boiled,
    refrigerated, frozen, sterilized);

-   for meat products, the type of casing (natural or collagen membrane,
    edible or non-edible).

####### Eggs and egg products 

When shelving the product a label should be attached mentioning:

-   fresh big eggs ( weight \> 50 grams/egg) or

-   fresh small eggs (weight between 40-50 grams/egg).

-   for egg products, the egg content should be expressed in percentage,
    as well as the storage temperature

-   the expiration date should be stamped on each piece of egg.

4.  Vegetables and fruits: the date of freezing, if applicable.

5.  Natural juices: the minimum fruit content (in percent terms); if
    obtained from concentrate, this will be specified on the label, as
    well as whether the juice is with or without fruit pulp.

6.  Fruits, vegetables and mushrooms: if they are not predominant and
    are used in variable proportions, they should be listed on the label
    after the expression "in variable proportions".

7.  Chocolate and chocolate products

-   cocoa content in dry substance "cocoa\...% min."

-   in the case of filled chocolate, the type of filling should be
    specified

-   if chocolate products contain more than 1% coffee or alcoholic
    drinks, their levels should be included in the labels

8.  Beef labeling

Beef and beef products labeling in correlation with cattle
identification and recording is regulated by Order of Ministry of
Agriculture 345/2002, which has been recently amended through Order
115/2005. The provisions referring to labeling will be enforced on
January 1, 2007. According to this regulation, the label must contain
the following information:

\- reference code, which insures the link between meat and the animal
where the meat originates from

\- approval no. of the establishment where the animal was slaughtered;
the label should contain the expression: "slaughtered in .... (name of
the country), ..... approval number"

\- approval no. of the cutting plant; the label should contain the
expression: "cut in...... (name of the country),..... approval number".

## B. Biotechnology Labeling

According to Law 214/2002, the producer is responsible for labeling
biotech products placed

on the market. The label shall clearly state if the genetically modified
organism is present. The label bearing the inscription "This product
contains genetically modified organisms" is compulsory. There is
currently no law or regulation governing the use of labels such as
biotech-free, non-biotech, GMO-free, or non-GMO. Law 214/2002 states
that within a period of 10 years procedures for such labeling will be
established.

The GOR Decision 106/2002 - further detailed in its accompanying
Methodological

Norm 7/2002 - provides more details on the labeling methodology of foods
obtained from

biotechnology or containing genetically modified additives derived from
GMOs. This norm is narrowed to foodstuffs delivered as such to the final
consumer and to processed food entirely or partially obtained from: (i)
genetically modified soybean and/or (ii) genetically modified corn.
"Product derived from GM Soybean" or "product derived from GM corn" must
be clearly written on the label. These additional labeling requirements
can be ignored if the content of biotech soybean or corn is less than 1
percent of total ingredients.

## C. Organic Labeling

Imported products should be labeled as "organic" if they were produced
by organic methods confirmed by the certificate of compliance. According
to GOR Ordinance 34/2000, the product label must contain: the name and
the address of the producer/processor, the name of the product and the
ecological production method, the name and the mark of the inspecting
and certifying institution, the storage conditions, the minimum term of
validity, the interdiction to store the ecological products along with
ordinary products. The labels should also contain a special stamp for
organic products registered at the State Office for Inventions and
Patents (OSIM), which certifies the product complies with organic
production rules.

## D. Nutritional Labeling 

The GOR Decision 106/2002, Annex 2, regulates nutritional foodstuff
labelling. The regulation concerns nutritional labelling for food
products to be delivered to the ultimate consumer. It shall also apply
to foodstuffs intended for supply to restaurants, hospitals, canteens
and other similar public caterers. The provisions of this regulation
shall not apply to:\
a) natural mineral waters or other waters intended for human
consumption,\
b) diet integrators/food supplements.

Nutritional labeling shall be optional. Nutritional labeling shall be
compulsory when a nutrition claim appears on label, in presentation or
in advertising.

The only nutrition claims permitted shall be those relating to energy,
to certain nutrients (proteins, fat lipid, fiber, sodium, vitamins,
minerals etc.) and to substances which belong to or which are components
of a category of those nutrients.

The information provided to consumers, regarding the nutritional
labeling consist of either group 1 or group 2 in the following order:\
Group 1: (a) energy value; (b) the amounts of protein, carbohydrate and
fat.\
Group 2: (a) energy value; (b) the amounts of protein, carbohydrate,
sugars, fat, saturates, fiber and sodium.

Where a nutrition claim is made for sugars, saturates, fiber or sodium,
the information to be given shall consist of group 2.

Nutritional labeling may also include the amounts of one or more of the
following: starch,\
polyols, mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated fatty acids, cholesterol
or any of the minerals or vitamins included in the food products in a
significant amount.

The declaration of substances which belong to or are components of one
of the categories of nutrients referred above shall be compulsory when a
nutritional claim is made.

The energy value and nutrients proportions or their components shall be
numerical. The units of measure to be used are the following:

a)  energy - kJ and kcal;

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a)  protein - grams (g);

b)  carbohydrate - grams (g);

c)  fat lipids - grams (g);

d)  fiber - grams (g);

e)  sodium - grams (g);

f)  cholesterol - milligrams (mg);

g)  vitamins and minerals - the units specified in the table.

Information shall be expressed per 100 g or per 100 ml or per serving or
per portion, provided that the number of portions contained in the
package is specified on the label.\
Information on vitamins and minerals must be expressed also as a
percentage of the recommended daily intake RDI.

All provisions concerning nutritional labeling shall apply to retail and
bulk food offered for sale to final consumers or to caterers, as well as
to foodstuffs packaged at the point of sale or pre-packed for immediate
sale.

The information on labels shall be expressed in such a way to be easily
understood by purchasers. This information shall be printed in Romanian
language, regardless the country of origin, and shall not prevent such
information being indicated in more than one language.

###### 

# SECTION III. PACKING AND CONTAINER REQUIREMENTS

Packing and container requirements in Romania do not differ from general
international standards. However, plants for cultivation and propagating
material of U.S. origin are approved for importation and transport in
Romania assuming they are packed in special packages, sealed and with
the original labels on which the identity, quality, species, variety,
biological category and batch number are specified.

# SECTION IV. FOOD ADDITIVE REGULATIONS 

## A. Food additives 

Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture (Department of Food
Industry, Standards, Marks and Licenses) together with the Veterinary
and Food Safety Authority are the authorities responsible for the
regulating food additives in foodstuffs. Order 438/295/2002 defining and
listing additives permitted for use in foodstuffs was modified through
Order 154/2005, entering into force on June 6, 2006. The main changes
refer to lists of products in which sweeteners can be added, new food
additives and new dose levels for several food products.

## B. Flavors 

Order 565/2005 issued by Min. of Agriculture jointly with Ministry of
Health and the Veterinary and Food Safety Authority concerning
flavorings used or intended for use in or on foods amended Order 83/2002
on the same topic, enforced in January 2006. The main changes refer to
smoke flavorings and the procedure to introduce on the market smoke
flavorings or products on or in which such flavorings have been used.
Some of the provisions of this regulation will be enforced when Romania
will become part of the European Union.

# SECTION V. PESTICIDE AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS 

## A. Pesticides 

Generally, Romania adopts the international standards (Codex
Alimentarius) on tolerance of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides used
against crop diseases and pests. The authority responsible for the
registration of agricultural chemicals is the General Directorate for
Environmental Protection within the Ministry of Environment and Waters
Management, from where the U.S. exporters can obtain a list of approved
pesticides.

## B. Pesticides and substances residues 

Order 147/2004 issued by the Veterinary and Food Safety Authority and
amended later through Order 82/2005 establishes the maximum levels of
pesticide residues accepted in products of animal origin.

The Veterinary Order 54/2005 transposes the EU regulation 2005/34/CE
laying down the harmonized standards for testing on certain residues in
products of animal origin imported from United States, as well as
measures applied to shipments not conform with EU legislation. According
to this regulation, where results of analytical tests are at or above
the minimum required performance limits (MRPLs) set by the Veterinary
Order 51/2005 (transposing Decision 2002/657/EC), the consignment
concerned will be treated as non-compliant with the Romanian
legislation.

Until October 1, 2006, when EC Rule 882/2004 will be enforced, the
Romanian competent authorities will detain the non-conform shipments and
having heard the food business operators, will take the following
measures:

a.  order that such consignments be destroyed or re-dispatched outside
    Romania;

The competent authorities shall allow re-dispatch of consignments only
if:

\- the destination has been agreed with the feed or food business
operator responsible for the consignment; and

\- the food business operator has first informed the competent authority
of the third country of origin or third country of destination (if
different), about the reasons and circumstances preventing the placing
on the Romanian market the consignments concerned; and

\- when the third country of destination is not the third country of
origin, the competent authority of the third country of destination has
notified the competent authority of its preparedness to accept the
consignments.

b\) if the consignments have already been placed on the market, recall
the consignments before taking one of the measures referred to above.

The re-dispatch should take place no more than 60 days after the day on
which the competent authority decided on the destination of the
consignment, unless legal action has been undertaken. If, after the
expiry of the 60-day period, re-dispatch does not take place, the
consignment shall be destroyed, unless the competent authority is
satisfied that a delay is justified.

When the results of analytical tests on products are below the MRPLs set
by the Veterinary Order 51/2005, the products will not be prohibited
from entering the food chain.

The feed or food business operator responsible for the shipment or its
representative is responsible for the costs incurred by competent
authorities when applying this Order.

The maximum levels of pesticide residues in plants and vegetal products
are laid down in Order 505/2005 issued by Ministry of Agriculture. The
regulation includes a list of products of plant origin and the accepted
maximum levels of pesticide residues for each of them. Products detected
with residues above those limits are not accepted in the food chain.

The Veterinary Order 82/2005 establishes the measures for surveillance
and control of certain substances and their residues in live animals and
their products, as well as residues of veterinary medicines in products
of animal origin. This regulation refers to administration of substances
having anabolic effect and unauthorized substances (stilbenes, stilbene
derivatives, and their salt and esters, antithyroid agents, steroids,
resorcylic acid lactones including zeranol, beta-agonists etc.), various
veterinary drugs and contaminants (antimicrobial substances,
antihelmitics, anticoccidials, including nitroimidazoles, carbamates and
pyrethroids, sedatives, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, other
pharmacologically active substances, organochlorine compounds including
PCB, organophosphorus compounds, chemical elements, mycotoxins, dyes,
other substances).

In the case, the control on imported live animals, products of animal
origin and feed leads to the conclusion that unauthorized products and
substances have been administered to animals, the veterinary authority
will take the following measures:

\- inform United States about the nature of the products and the batch
concerned;

\- strengthen the control on all animals or products from the same
source;

\- in the case the consequent controls reveal the presence of the
unauthorized products and substances or of residues of such substances
or products:

> \(i\) the batch or the part of the batch concerned must be returned to
> United States at the expense of the consignor or his representative,
> specifying on the certificate the reasons for rejecting the batch;
>
> \(ii\) depending on the nature of the infringement found and the risk
> associated with such an infringement, it must be left to the consignor
> to decide whether to send back the batch or part of the batch
> concerned, to destroy it or to use it for other purposes authorized by
> legislation, without indemnity or compensation;

## C. Food contaminants 

The main regulation on food contaminants is Order 97/2005 issued by the
Veterinary Authority, transposing the UE legislation on certain
contaminants from food of animal and non-animal origin. The regulation
sets the maximum contaminants levels that could be detected in both
animal and non-animal products.

Maximum contaminants limits are also applied to food for babies and
young children. However, in case of products under drying and dilution
treatment or processing, possible modifications in the contaminants
levels and relative ingredients concentration will be considered when
setting up the upper limits.

Below, the maximum accepted levels of main contaminants for certain food
products are shown.

## 

**Nitrates**

  ---------------------------- ------------------------------------------
  **Product**                  **Maximum level (mg NO~3~ / kg)**

  Food for babies and young    200
  children                     
  ---------------------------- ------------------------------------------

*Note: The maximum level applies to ready-to-eat products or as they are
consumed according to the producers suggestion.*

**Mycotoxins**

> *[Aflatoxins]{.underline}*

  ------------------------------------- --------- ----------------- ----------
  **Product**                           Maximum                     
                                        level (µg                   
                                        / kg)                       

                                        B1        (B1+B2+G1+G2)     M1

  **Ground nuts, nuts and dried fruits,                             
  of which:**                                                       

  \- Ground nuts, nuts and dried fruits 2.0       4.0               \-
  and their processed products,                                     
  intended for human consumption or as                              
  an ingredient in foodstuffs                                       

  Groundnuts subject to sorting or      8.0       15.0              \-
  other physical treatment, before                                  
  human consumption or use as a food                                
  ingredient                                                        

  Nuts and dried fruits subject to      5.0       10.0              \-
  sorting or other physical treatment,                              
  before human consumption or use as a                              
  food ingredient                                                   

  **Cereals**                                                       

  Cereals and their processed products  2.0       4.0               \-
  for direct human consumption or use                               
  as a food ingredient                                              

  Cereals (except corn) subject to      2.0       4.0               
  sorting other physical treatment,                                 
  before human consumption or use as a                              
  food ingredient                                                   

  Corn subject to sorting other         5.0       10.0              
  physical treatment, before human                                  
  consumption or use as a food                                      
  ingredient                                                        

  **Milk**                              **-**     **-**             **0.05**

  Food based on processed cereals for   0.10      \-                \-
  babies and young children                                         

  Infant formulae and follow-on         **-**     **-**             0.025
  formulae including milk for infants                               
  and follow-on                                                     

  Food with special nutritional         0.10      \-                0.025
  destination, especially for infants                               
  ------------------------------------- --------- ----------------- ----------

> *[Ochratoxin A]{.underline}*

  ------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
  **Product**                           **Maximum level (µg / kg or
                                        ppb)**

  Cereals and derivative products       

  \-- Raw cereals                       5.0

  \-- All products derived from cereals 3.0

  Dried grapes (sultana)                10.0

  Wine                                  2.0

  Food based on processed cereals for   0.50
  babies and young children             

  Food with special nutritional         0.50
  destination, especially for infants   
  ------------------------------------- ---------------------------------

> *[Patulin]{.underline}*

  ------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
  **Product**                           **Maximum level (µg / kg or
                                        ppb)**

  Fruit juices and concentrated fruit   50.0
  juices                                

  Distilled spirits, cider and other    50.0
  fermented drinks made from apples or  
  containing apple juice                

  Apple products                        25.0

  Apple juice                           10.0
  ------------------------------------- ---------------------------------

Maximum levels are also set for other mycotoxins, such as DON,
zearalenon, fumonisin, toxins T-2 and HT-2.

**Heavy metals**

> *[Lead (Pb)]{.underline}*

+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| **Product**                        | **Maximum level**               |
|                                    |                                 |
|                                    | **(mg / kg humid mass)**        |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Infant formulae and follow-on      | 0.02                            |
| formulae                           |                                 |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Meat of bovine, sheep, pig and     | 0.1                             |
| poultry                            |                                 |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| \-\-- offals from bovine, sheep,   | 0.5                             |
| pig and poultry                    |                                 |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Muscle fish meat                   | 0.2                             |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Muscle meat of common two-banded   | 0.4                             |
| seabream (Diplodus vulgaris), eel  |                                 |
|                                    |                                 |
| (Anguilla anguilla), grey mullet   |                                 |
| (Mugil                             |                                 |
|                                    |                                 |
| labrosus labrosus), grunt          |                                 |
| (Pomadasys                         |                                 |
|                                    |                                 |
| benneti), mackerel (Trachurus      |                                 |
| species), sardine (Sardina         |                                 |
| pilchardus), sardines (Sardinops   |                                 |
| species), spotted seabass          |                                 |
|                                    |                                 |
| (Dicentrarchus punctatus), or      |                                 |
| wedge sole (Dicologoglossa         |                                 |
| cuneata)                           |                                 |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Crustaceans, excluding brown meat  | 0.5                             |
| of crab                            |                                 |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Bivalve mollusks                   | 1.5                             |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Cephalopods (without viscera)      | 1.0                             |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Cereals, legumes and pulses        | 0.2                             |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Fats and oils, including milk fat  | 0.1                             |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Fruit juices, concentrated fruit   | 0.05                            |
| juices and fruit nectars           |                                 |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Wines                              | 0.2                             |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+

> *[Cadmium (Cd)]{.underline}*

+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| **Product**                        | **Maximum level**               |
|                                    |                                 |
|                                    | **(mg / kg humid mass)**        |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Meat of bovine, sheep, pig and     | 0.05                            |
| poultry                            |                                 |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Liver of cattle, sheep, pig and    | 0.2                             |
| poultry                            |                                 |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Kidney of cattle, sheep, pig and   | 1.0                             |
| poultry                            |                                 |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Muscle fish meat                   | 0.05                            |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Crustaceans, excluding crab brown  | 0.5                             |
| meat                               |                                 |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Bivalve mollusks                   | 1.0                             |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Cephalopods (without viscera)      | 1.0                             |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Cereals                            | 0.1                             |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Soybeans                           | 0.2                             |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+

**3-monochlorpropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD)**

+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| **Product**                        | **Maximum level**               |
|                                    |                                 |
|                                    | **(mg / kg)**                   |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Hydrolysed vegetable proteins      | 0.02                            |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Soy sauce                          | 0.02                            |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+

The regulation sets further maximum levels also for other contaminants
in food such as Dioxine, PCDFs, Staniu and aromatic policiclic
hydrocarburs.

The Veterinary Order 120/2005 (transposing EC 2002/32) lays down the
maximum levels of undesired substances that can be detected in animal
feeding stuff, such as Arsen, lead, mercury, nitrites, cadmiu, aflatoxin
B1 etc.

All regulations on pesticides residues and undesired substances are
equally applied to domestic and imported products.

# SECTION VI. OTHER REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The phytosanitary legal framework has little changed over the last two
years. GOR Ordinance 136/2000 (approved through Law 214/2001) and GOR
Decision 1030/2001 (changed by GOR Decision 1619/2003) are the main
legal provisions in this field. The methodological norms of the latest
provide a full list of organisms considered harmful on the Romanian
territory and which are forbidden for importation. Also, agricultural
products contaminated with the specified organisms are forbidden for
importation.

Every year Ministry of Agriculture updates the Official Catalogue of
registered varieties of plants for cultivation in Romania (Order
727/2005), which includes all varieties tested by the State Institute
for Varieties Testing and Registration. The following set of information
is published for each variety: name, owner, registration year,
re-registration date (year) or de-listing date (year), comments. Crop,
vegetable and ornamental plant varieties are kept in the Official
catalogue for 10 years, and 15 years in case of fruit trees, vineyard
and ornamental shrubs. Two years before this period expires, a request
for re-registration along with the necessary seeds for testing should be
submitted to the appropriate authority.

U.S. suppliers is important to note that only plant varieties for
cultivation (seeds and propagating material) included in the Romanian
Official Register, or in the EU Official Catalogue or in the Official
Catalogue of one of the Member States will be accepted for importation
in Romania. The importer wishing to import one plant variety should
request an Import permit, along with documents proving that the plant
variety has been already registered/introduced in EU official plant
register or one of the Member States.

Order 257/2002 issued by Ministry of Agriculture regulates import of
seeds and propagating material for multiplication and cultivation.
Phyto-sanitary certificate issued by APHIS for certain plant species
listed in Annex 5 of GOR Decision 1030/2001 and the import approval are
the main documents necessary for importation.

The phytosanitary certificate, issued by USDA/APHIS, must accompany the
products imported from the United States, certifying that the product is
free of quarantine organisms.

The import approval is issued by Ministry of Agriculture, based on the
following documents submitted by the importer and it is 6 months valid:

-   Import request (two copies of it submitted at least 10 days the
    actual import)

-   Authorization for production, processing or marketing seeds and
    propagating material

-   Import contract or similar document

-   Other documents.

```{=html}
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```
-   **Medicinal and aromatics plants**

Order 244/2005 issued by the Ministry of Agriculture along with Ministry
of Health provides technical norm related to the production, processing
and marketing of medicinal and aromatics plants, used as they are,
partially processed or processed as pre-dosed food supplements. List of
plants forbidden to be used in any form as food supplements is part of
the Order. It is prohibited to produce, exhibit or market as components
of food supplements mushroom species outside the ones listed in Annex 2
of the Order (which includes edible mushrooms) or any derivatives of
these mushrooms, or mushrooms cut in such a way that their variety
cannot be identified etc.

It is forbidden to manufacture or market products which are not listed
in Annex 2 or 3 (used as they are, partially processed or processed as
food supplements under pre-dosed form), unless the Institute for Food
Bio-resources has been notified. The notifying dossier should include
the following information:

-   the nature of product

-   ingredients list (amount and value)

-   nutritional analysis of the product, active substances, toxicity and
    stability

-   product labeling

-   commitment to make frequent product analysis and submit the results
    to the Institute for Food Bio-resources.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   **Wood Packaging Materials**

Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Rural Development (Phytosanitary
Department) transposed into the national legislation the new
International Standards Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) on wood packaging
materials (WPM), issued by the International Plant Protection Convention
(IPPC), part of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

This standard describes phytosanitary measures to reduce the risk of
introduction and/or spread of quarantine pests associated with wood
packaging material. The new standard, known as ISPM15, intends to reduce
the risk of introduction and/or spread of quarantine pests associated
with wood packaging material.

Romania designed specific requirements and put in place a control system
for implementing the new standards. Specific details have been also
drawn up for the two treatments that can be applied to WPM,
heat-treatment and fumigation with methyl bromide. Starting with January
2005, WPM exports take place according to the new standards. So far,
there are no changes in requirements for WPM imports.

-   **Fruits and vegetables**

Starting with May 2006, fruits and vegetables coming from United States
have to comply with the minimum requirements on food safety, food
hygiene, quality and product identification, packaging, labeling,
stamps, storage and transportation provided by Ministerial Orders no.
770-781/2004, 871-881/2004, 969-979/2004. The following products are
affected:

a)  **canned**: apricots, re-hydrated peas, green peas, green pods,
    plums, pine-apple, raspberry, fruit mix, asparagus, strawberries,
    pears, peaches, sugar corn, mandarins.

b)  **dry**: peaches, mushrooms, sultana, root vegetables, apples,
    onion,

c)  **frozen**: Broccoli, green peas, peaches, raspberry, strawberry,
    carrots, corn, cauliflower, Brussels cabbage, green pods, spinach,
    fried potatoes, cranberries.

d)  **preserved:** mashed apples.

In general, the above products should be processed and packaged in
proper hygiene conditions. The raw materials should be fit for
consumption, ripe and clean, with contaminants and pesticide residues
below the maximum limits. The packages/cans which are in direct contact
with the products should: be new, ensure the nutritional, physical and
chemical features of the products, protect the product against
de-hydration and heat, protect the products from microbiological
contamination or other.

# SECTION VII. OTHER SPECIFIC STANDARDS 

## 

## Veterinary regulations

The Veterinary Order no. 148/2005, in effect since January 2006,
regulates the activities of surveillance, prevention and control of
animal diseases, the ones transmissible to humans, animal protection and
environment protection. This regulation provides for each disease a set
of rules regarding surveillance, sample testing, risk areas, inspection
frequency. Sanitary and veterinary surveillance in farms, food
processing establishments, cold storages, and stores is also provided by
this regulation.

Other regulations refer to poultry meat, live animals protection, animal
by-products not intended for human consumption, biological reproduction
material, fishery products.

-   **Poultry Meat**

The current version of the import certificate for poultry meat allowing
all U.S. federally inspected plants to export to Romania will be valid
until January 1, 2007. Afterwards the EU legislation will be fully
implemented, which would mean no U.S. poultry shipments would be allowed
in.

-   **Live animals protection**

Live animals protection during transportation is regulated by Order
119/2005 issued by the Veterinary Authority and in effect since November
2005. The regulation provides a set of rules regarding the feeding,
comfort and resting for each animal species during transportation. The
regulation applies equally to live bovine, ovine, sheep, hogs, birds,
rabbits etc. imported and domestically produced animals. Import,
transit, export and transport of live animals from United States on the
Romanian territory will be authorized based on the shipper's written
declaration that all provisions of the regulation are observed and a
route chart is available.

-   **Animal by-products not intended for human consumption**

The legislation regarding collection, transportation, storage, handling,
processing and use of animal by-products was fully harmonized with EU
legislation through Order 723/2003 (transposing EC regulation 1774/2002)
and it is in place since 2003. Thus, further processed products of U.S.
origin, such as pet food (canned, dogchews, raw petfood, other type),
game trophies (treated and untreated), hides and skins, have to be
produced according to the above mentioned regulation. Consequently, only
U.S. plants approved for EU exports will be eligible for export to
Romania.

-   **Livestock reproduction material**

Order 342/2005 issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and implemented in
May 2005, approves the technical norms for state inspection regarding
the control on animal improvement and breeding. The State Inspection is
part of the National Agency for animal improvement and breeding (ANARZ),
within the Ministry of Agriculture and is responsible for all activities
in the field of breeding, improvement and conservation of genetic fund
as well as import and export of biologic breeding material and frozen
semen.

The National Agency for Animal Improvement and Breeding (ANARZ)
authorizes import of frozen semen of U.S. origin, under quantitative and
qualitative aspects. Romanian importers have to obtain the above
authorization before signing contracts with suppliers and with their
beneficiaries.

The consignments should be accompanied by certificate of origin and
certificate of productivity which prove the identity and the genetic
value required by ANARZ.

Import requirements for frozen bovine semen imports described below are
worthwhile for U.S. animal genetics exporters.

Veterinary Order 127/2004 establishes the sanitary and quality
requirements for frozen bovine semen to be marketed on the Romanian
market. According to this, the bovine semen, after defrosting, should
comply with the following sanitary and quality requirements:

a\) frozen semen in doses should be free from specific pathogen germs:
Brucella sp., Listeria monocytogenes, Leptospira interrogans,
Actinomyces pyogenes, Campylobacter venerealis, Mycobacterium
tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus (groups Lancefield A
and D), Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus sp.,
Corynebacterium sp., Salmonella sp., Serratia marcescens, Nocardia
asteroides, Chlamydia psittaci, Mycoplasma bovis, Fusobacterium
nucleatum and other anaerobic germs;

b\) the total number of germs should not exceed 5 x 10^3^/ml.

c\) the frozen semen should be free from the viruses IBR-IPV , BVD-MD,
fungi of types Candida sp, Aspergillus sp., Rhizopus sp., Mucor sp.,
Absidia sp. and the Protozoa Tritrichomonas bovis, Toxoplasma gondi,
Neospora sp.

d\) After thawing, the bull semen should present:

\- minimum 30% mobility;

\- a concentration of minimum 7.5 million useful spermatozoa per dose;

\- spermatozoa with a normal morphology: over 70% of total spermatozoa
number.

-   **Fishery Products**

Seafood products to be exported to Romania require a bilingual
(English/Romanian) certificate, issued by the Seafood Inspection Program
of the U.S. Department of Commerce. However, as Romania adopts the EU
legislation, it is very likely that during 2006, the import certificate
would be changed. U.S. exporters are advised to contact the FAS office
for updates or visit the FAS website (Attaché reports).

The Veterinary Order 100/2004 issued by the Veterinary Authority and in
place since 2004 presents the supplementary requirements for control of
fishery products, crustaceans, mollusks, gastropods and batrachians for
final consumers or further processing. The regulation equally impacts
domestic and import products.

The Veterinary inspection focuses on origin, processing conditions,
transport, storage, sale and hygiene for fish and seafood in all stages:
live, chilled, frozen. Chilled fish will be packed with crushed ice of
less than 4 cm in size, in consecutive layers. Frozen fishery products
over 3 kg weight will be individually packed, while for fish under 3 kg
weight proper packaging in briquettes with appropriate labels attached.
The following categories of products are not accepted to direct sale or
further processing:

-   fishery products initially live but which subsequently died in
    water;

-   products stored in dirty or depreciated packaging which might be
    harmful for human health;

-   products where the ice is not clean and non-transparent

-   products which have been thawed and re-frozen

-   products which have unclean surface, modified color and shape;

-   products with mould.

In addition, mechanically recovered fish meat is forbidden for direct
sales to final consumers.

Furthermore, the regulation provides requirements for seafood sale, such
as mollusks, crustaceans, gastropods and batrachians.

Until May 2005, whole fish with parasites forms on the viscera or
muscles would have been prohibited from sale. The Veterinary Order
49/2005 amends this provision though. Thus, whole fish detected with
parasites forms on the viscera and which can be completely removed, will
be directed to processing, under sanitary and veterinary supervision, in
an approved establishment equipped for such operations.

Whole fish, where parasites forms have been detected in muscles or in
both viscera and muscles will be considered unfit for human consumption
and prohibited from sale.

## 

## Organic Food 

The Governmental Decision 34 of April 2000 sets out standards for
production, classification, processing, packaging, importation,
distribution, and organic products certification.

In 2001, the National Authority for Ecological Products (ANPE) was
established within the Ministry of Agriculture. According to the rules
for inspection and certification of organic products approved in 2003,
all companies which produce, process, transport, import or export
organic products have to be registered at ANPE and be subject to
inspection performed by a certified institution for inspection and
certification.

Import and export rules are provided by Order 721/2003 issued by the
Ministry of Agriculture. In order to import U.S. organic products,
Romanian importers must demonstrate ANPE that the products were obtained
according to standards equivalent to the Romanian standards and were
subject to an equivalent control.

The Border inspection office will check the correspondence between the
data included in the certificate of inspection and the data written on
the packages and labels.

Upon receiving the certificates of control issued by the competent
authority in the exporting country, the importer will submit to the
inspection and certifying institution the following information:

\- name and address of the first beneficiary

\- a copy of the certificate of control

\- other relevant information, if requested.

Organic products are accepted for importation if they are properly
packed. The packages or containers should be closed and sealed, with the
exporter's name specified, so that products replacement is avoided.

## Products derived from Biotechnology

The main piece of legislation regulating Biotechnology in Romania, Law
214 of April 19, 2002, effective from May 2002, amending GOR Ordinance
49/2000 on obtaining, testing, utilization, and commercialization of
GMOs, as well as products derived from GMOs is still in place. However
it has been amended through Order 606/2005 of Ministry of Environment
approving the format for presentation of results for releasing GMO
plants for other purposes than commercialization. The second piece of
legislation amending Law 214/2002 is Order 838/2005 of Ministry of
Environment regarding the implementation of the Annex 12.2 "Monitoring
Plan".

Two other pieces of legislation relevant to biotech-related issues, GOR
Decision 106/February 2002 on labeling food derived from GMOs or
containing genetically modified additives or derived from GMOs and Order
462/2003 issued by Minister of Agriculture, Forests and Rural
Development with provisions for tracing biotech products are still
valid.

In addition, Ministry of Environment approved Order 923/2005
(transposing Directive 2001/18/EC) laying down the summary notification
regarding placing on the market the genetically modified organisms as or
in products.

The summary notification should be completed and submitted by the
notifier to the Ministry of Environment, in both hard and electronic
copies, in Romanian and English languages.

First part of the summary notification applies to products consisting of
or containing genetically modified organisms other than "higher plants"
and contains the following sections:

> A. General Information
>
> B. Nature of the GMOs contained in the product
>
> C. Predicted behavior of the product
>
> D. Information related to previous releases
>
> E. Information related to the monitoring plan

The second part applies to products consisting of or containing
genetically modified "higher plants". The term 'higher plants' means
plants which belong to the taxonomic group Gymnospermae and
Angiospermae. It contains the following sections:

> A. General Information
>
> B. Nature of the GMHP contained in the product
>
> C. Information related to previous releases
>
> D. Information related to the monitoring plan

Order 838/2005 issued by the Ministry of Environment describes the
Monitoring Plan, which is part of the notification dossier and includes
three sections:

\- Monitoring strategy

\- Monitoring Methodology

\- Assessment, reporting, reassessment.

The purpose of the monitoring strategy is to detect the potential risks
that may appear as a result of introduction of GMO on the market, the
extent in which they need to be monitored, the appropriate approach and
the period of monitoring activity.

Monitoring Methodology includes the parameters and elements that should
be monitored as well as the monitoring methods, the main areas subject
to monitoring and the frequency.

Assessment, reporting, reassessment section should determine the
frequency of data examination and interpretation. Monitoring reports
should be submitted by the notifier to the central authority for
environment protection as well as other bodies, who will forward them to
the EU Commission and other competent authorities. The notifier is
responsible for ensuring transparency on the monitoring plan results
through workshops, dissemination materials, webpage, scientific and
commercial publications.

# SECTION VIII. COPYRIGHT AND/OR TRADEMARK LAWS 

# 

The law provisions described in GAIN report 4003/2004 are still in
place.

# 

# SECTION IX. IMPORT PROCEDURES 

Romanian regulations require U.S. companies exporting products of animal
origin to Romania to be inspected by the U.S. federal inspection
service. Its Romanian counterpart is the Sanitary-Veterinary and Food
Safety National Authority, which verifies whether import documentation
complies with country's legislation. It also negotiates with the FSIS
the type of certificate required for each product in accordance with the
Romanian legislation.

The following documents are required for products of animal origin to be
imported in Romania:

-   Health Certificate for products intended for import to Romania
    (bilingual)

-   Freezing Certificate issued by the producer, when applicable.

-   Declaration of Conformity and / or Quality Certificate issued by the
    producer.

-   Technical Description (especially for processed products).

-   Certificate of origin (required by the Romanian Customs to calculate
    the applicable duty)

The Health Certificates for animal products, whether fit for human
consumption or not, eligible for the Romanian market are posted on the
FSIS website ([www.fsis.usda.go](http://www.fsis.usda.go/)v) or APHIS
website (www.aphis.usda.gov).

The conditions and the sanitary veterinary procedure for import, export,
and transit of live animals, products and by-products of animal origin,
fodder and products of veterinary use are stated by Order 46/2005 issued
by the Veterinary National Authority, which will be replaced by Order
138/2005 starting with February 1, 2006. Below the import requirements
as provided in the new Order are presented.

In 2005, the import approval, which used to be issued by the Veterinary
County offices at the importer's request, was discontinued. Starting
with 2006, all importers have to register in an electronic database
(TRAFFIC) and receive a general approval from the sanitary-veterinary
county office. The importer has to inform the inspection border about
shipments 24 hours before the estimated date of arrival. In this regard,
the importer has to electronically submit the Common Veterinary Entry
Document (DVCI) containing detailed information about the consignment.

Transit requirements are similar to the ones for import. Transit of
goods will be accepted only if they originate from countries approved by
the Romanian veterinary authority and which are not prohibited. If
transit will imply unloading, stop or temporary storage on the Romanian
territory, these operations can take no longer than 30 days from the
date of entry. In case of products of animal origin, a certificate of
non-manipulation issued by the veterinarian of the warehouse should
accompany the products towards the importing country.

At the border, the goods are subject to documentary, identity and
physical inspection. Furthermore, after arrival to their final
destination (for instance warehouse) the goods are subject to
documentary inspection, identity inspection, physical control or any
other type of control to evaluate the food products safety.

The shipment leaving the border, has to reach its final destination in
at most 72 hours, otherwise the importer's access to the TRAFFIC
application will be denied.

In the case during the products inspection at the final destination,
during transport or transit, the presence of pathogen micro-organisms or
any cause that might be considered a major risk for animal or human
health the veterinarians is detected, the veterinarian must inform the
veterinary county office and the following actions are taken:

\- detain the batch of products until further decision;

\- declare the products unfit for human consumption;

\- reprocess the products under sanitary-veterinary supervision so that
their safety is insured;

\- placing the re-processed products on the market assuming they comply
with the micro-biological requirements;

\- give the importer the possibility to use the products for other
approved purposes, assuming the importer informs the competent authority
in the country of origin;

\- return the shipment to the country of origin, if that is accepted by
the competent authority in that country;

\- re-export to another country, if accepted by the competent authority
in that country;

\- destruction of the consignment, if the importer and the competent
authority of the country of origin.

All costs incured for products detention/stop, reprocess, return or
destruction will be covered by the importer.

# APPENDIX. GOVERNMENTAL REGULATORY AGENCY CONTACTS

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Rural Development

24, Bd. Carol I, sector 3

Bucharest, Romania

Phone: 40 21 3072345

Fax: 40 21 3078635

Web site: http://www.maap.ro

The Ministry of Environment and Waters Management

12 Libertatii Blvd., Sector 5

Bucharest, Romania

Phone: 40 21 4100215

Fax.: 40 214100243

Website: http://www.mmediu.ro

The Ministry of Health

1-3, Cristian Popisteanu Str., sector 1, 010024

Bucharest, Romania

Phone: 40 21 3072500 or 40 21 3072600

Fax: 40 21 3141526

Web site: http://www.ms.ro

The National Sanitary-Veterinary and for Food Safety Authority

1B Negustori Street, sector 2

Bucharest, Romania

Phone: 40 21 3157875

Fax: 40 21 3124967

Website: http://www.ansv.ro

The National Authority for Consumers Protection

5 George Clemenceau St., Bucharest

Phone: 40 21 3121275

Fax: 40 21 3143462

Web site: www.anpc.ro

National Customs Authority

13 Matei Millo Street, Sector 1, Bucharest

Phone: 40 21 3155858; 40 21 3155859; 40 723565101; 40 723 565102; 40 723
565103\
Fax: 40 21 313.82.51

Web site: [www.customs.ro](http://www.customs.ro/)

National Agency for Improvement and Animal Breeding

59-63 Doctor Staicovici Street, Sector 5, Bucharest

Phone/Fax: 40 21 2221569

E-mail: <anarz@pcnet.ro>

Web site: [www.anarz.ro](http://www.anarz.ro/)

For further information on this report, please contact the following
office in Bucharest:

Foreign Agricultural Service Bucharest

American Embassy, Romania

7-9 Tudor Arghezi St.

Phone: 40 21 3160398 40 21 2003374

Fax: 40 21 3165998

E-mail: AgBucharest@usda.gov

Web site: http://www.usembassy.ro

You can also visit the USDA website to read previous GAIN reports
produced by our office.