Business #36 Legislative focus

The Government has extended the implementation period for CAEN Rev. 3 by another six months, following the expiry of the initial 18-month transition period. The decision has been published in the Official Gazette and is now in force.

Companies have an additional six months to complete the transition to CAEN Rev. 3, reducing the immediate administrative burden of updating their registered activities. During this period, businesses can continue using the previous CAEN codes where necessary, while completing the recoding process.

The Labour and Finance Ministers have signed an Order maintaining the maximum nominal value of a meal voucher at RON 45, including for February and March 2027. The Order has been published in the Official Gazette and is already in force.

Employers can continue granting meal vouchers worth up to RON 45 per voucher, without any mandatory increase or reduction in the value currently used. The measure does not require changes to payroll systems or arrangements with voucher issuers.

The Competition Council has approved new rules on economic concentrations, updating the rules for mergers and acquisitions. It simplifies procedures, increases digital communication and integrates foreign investment screening. The new rules are already in force and replace the 2017 regulation.

Companies involved in mergers, acquisitions or joint ventures will benefit from simpler filing and more digital communication with the Competition Council. Businesses will also need to consider foreign investment screening requirements and the potential suspension of transactions that may raise national security concerns.

A new ANAF Order expands the risk analysis applied to VAT refund claims and requires taxpayers identified as high-risk to undergo a tax inspection before the refund is processed. The Order is already in force and applies to VAT returns for August 2026 and Q3 2026, as well as certain claims already being processed.

Companies identified as presenting VAT refund risks may face longer refund procedures and delayed recovery of VAT, potentially affecting cash flow. Businesses claiming VAT refunds will need to ensure their VAT filings and supporting information are accurate and complete, particularly where they fall within the new risk categories.