Romania remains in mid-table in this year’s index despite turning the screw on vapers since the last edition. In 2024, vaping was banned in all places where smoking is banned. This was a major imposition because Romania has one of Europe’s toughest bans on smoking in workplaces. Implemented in 2016, it includes all bars and restaurants, with only airports and prisons exempt. In July 2024, Law 232/2024 gold-plated the EU’s ban on e-cigarette and heated tobacco advertising to public transport tickets and within 200 metres of educational and healthcare establishments.

E-cigarettes are legal to buy, but 2016 saw the introduction of an e-cigarette tax equivalent to €0.10 per ml of fluid which then rose to RON 0.52 per ml (€0.11) and is currently RON 0.81 (€0.16). It is due to increase to RON 1.03 (€0.21) in 2026. When adjusted for affordability, this is one of the highest vape taxes in Europe. Romania also has a very tax rate for heated tobacco considering the low average income of the population.

In August 2022, in a bid to raise revenue, the government announced the first hike in tobacco and alcohol duty since 2015 and increased VAT on soft drinks from 9% to 19%. Romania’s sin taxes are relatively low by the standards of western Europe but are more punitive once the country’s low incomes are taken into account. Tobacco duty is the highest of any country in the index.

Advertising of spirits is banned on television before 10pm and on billboards, but beer and wine can be advertised at any time. There is no national closing time for drinking establishments and no ban on happy hours.

With thanks to IES Europe