Romanian wine businesses face closure due to new government regulations

New government regulations threaten hundreds of small businesses in Romania's alcoholic beverage sector. Unrealistic deadlines and new financial requirements could force many to close. The emergency ordinances, passed in late 2025 and early 2026, mandate new authorizations and a substantial financial guarantee for distributors. These changes, coupled with a new fire safety permit requirement, have created an impossible compliance window. The new rules, including a small excise tax on wine, are questioned for their minimal budget benefit versus their significant impact on small and medium-sized enterprises.